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Re: [RC] Trail and saddle question - rdcarrieTry stopping at really tempting spots (good grass) and just relaxing, and see if your horse will eat. If not, try dismounting and standing there...that will often get your horse to eat. Do this periodically during conditioning rides. After your horse starts eating right away after you dismount, try staying mounted and see if she'll eat. I also teach the cue for them to drop their head...I place a hand on their neck and say, "Head down." I do this at water, and you could do this at grass as well. Mine tend to drink pretty well (two very well, one fairly well). But if one is dawdling and gazing around at water, I'll give the "head down" cue.
It can also help to ride with someone else whose horse will eat on trail...horses are great copycats.
Dawn in East Texas -----Original Message----- From: Equus Wolf <equuswolf@xxxxxxxxx> To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wed, 1 Mar 2006 20:43:25 -0800 (PST) Subject: [RC] Trail and saddle question Hi everyone,
I understand the importance of eating/drinking well on the trail. What is the best way to encourage a horse to eat while on the trail? My food monger is all business on the trail and doesn't even seem to think about eating. I think if she realized it was "OK", she would. So what would be the best way to go about this? Also, what about drinking water, rather than splashing in it? Shelby *loves* spraying me with water, which is nice when it will be hot, but I'd rather her drink it AND spraying me!
Another question:
Duett saddles: has anyone used them (specifically the Rondo or Companion trail?) and how do you like them? I'm interested in them as a whole for quality, but I'd also like some opinions/ideas on how they fit for wider horses (my APHA mare is borderline between an Extra Wide and XX Wide gullet size for Wintec.) She has a broad spine and almost no withers, but she does have a well set shoulder. I have never had a problem with the saddle moving front or back.
Thanks ahead of time for your time!
Jennifer
(and Shelby - what's all this fuss about saddles.. can't we just GO!)
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