RE: [RC] Horse training question... - Ranelle Rubin
Title: Horse training question...
Elly,
I had the same issue with Bogus Thunder, and now with my newest Doc son, Ranger. They were both started by western pleasure type trainers with relatively strong bits. IMO, and I do not pretend to be a trainer, is that the horse is afraid to contact the bit because it has a memory of it hurting so they learned to avoid it by dropping their head. We all know the western pleasure way is fine until you get to the start of a ride. Then all the pretty, nice, seat controlled training is left in the dust with the rest of the herd! I, for one need a horse who can easily be controlled with a hack, a bit, or something that is comfortable the rest of the time, but gets you through the start and any other "herd instinct" issue.
Here is what has worked for me. I put a nice Myler Level One bit on both of these horses with side reins (the ones with rubber donuts) and lunged them with the reins loose at first. I did this every day, and each day I would tighten the rein one hole. All the while I am lunging, I am asking them to move into the bit and collect. The first couple days, they were pretty "loose", then as the days went on, and the rein just a bit tighter, they figured out how to balance their bodies and move off their rear. Only then, did I get back on and ask them to collect and be "on the bit"..it worked great.
Best to you,
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. ~ John Wayne
530-885-3510 home office
916-718-2427 cellular
916-848-3662 fax
Subject: [RC] Horse training question... Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:14:01 -0700 From: egburnett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
This is really only marginally relevant, as in it's regarding my coming 5-year-old that I hope to use for distance riding in the future. Anyone with any youngster experience out there?
Here's what's going on. He's been back from the trainer's since early February, and we've been working in the arena since then. Things have been going really well, except he wants to get really heavy on the forehand as soon as I pick up any contact on the bit. He's not terribly rude about it, although he's getting a bit ruder as time progresses. I know the trainer worked him primarily in a bosal-type bridle, but I know she did do some with a snaffle (which is what we're using now). I tried riding him in just his halter, which helped a little, but he still wanted to carry his head too low for my comfort. When I give up all contact on the bit, he would be happy near "peanut rolling" with his nose. As he's young and has a tendency to spook, I like to be ready to one-rein stop him, and this just isn't working. Anyways, a friend suggested I "pop" him with a rein as soon as he gets heavy, but I'm spending way too much time jerking on the reins, and the whole ordeal makes me uncomfortable.
