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RE: [RC] Riding - Smith, DaveMike: We've had a fairly dry, but cool late Fall here in the Auburn, CA so have been able to get out on the trails. I'm learning that you don't have to be in a round pen to get some good training in. Hermano the Mustang and I have been working on two issues -- first, I'm trying to get him to get more separation from the horse ahead on narrow trails. I want at least one and a half horse lengths separation so that if the riders ahead have to stop suddenly, we don't pile into the back of the leading horse. We ride with a bosal -- no bridle and bit so as he gets too close, I give him slight tugs on the reins to slow him down. As soon as he does, I give release and loose reins. I also enlisted help from my riding partner so that if Hermano gets his head alongside Kiss's butt, Mark puts is hand out to give extra emphasis on my attempts to slow Hermano. If this is not enough, I plan on asking Mark to use a white handkerchief and wave that with his hand in Hermano's face. So far, the handkerchief has not been needed. The other issue is to prevent Hermano from trotting off without my input as soon as the horses ahead begin to trot. At first, I tugged him back as soon as I saw the other horses begin their trot. Then I would give him a clear signal to trot ahead (Hermano is so light I don't use my feet but simply lean forward and pick up the reins.) Now, I am insisting he wait until he is clearly walking before I signal him to speed up. First it was one walking step, then two, three and now four paces. I am amazed at how quickly he's picking this up. So, now our three and four hour rides have also become training sessions. Once he has these two lessons down, we will work on other things. BTW, I recently bought Ed Connell's "Hackamore Reinsman" in order to further Hermano's training in the old California Vaquero way. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in developing an incredibly light horse. -- Dave -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Michael Maul Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 9:42 PM To: ridecamp Subject: [RC] Riding In response to Angie "Anybody out here train endurance horses...on trails? I had a *wonderful* ride today...62 degrees, 7 now knows how to leave the backyard willingly alone and go for a little ride" It's been on the low 80's here near Galveston, TX and I've been riding the beach with my guys. Resistance conditioning in the sand and in the water. A cold front is coming in and it should be in the upper 50's Thursday... But don't ask about the summers... Mike =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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