Indeed - and agreed - in a perfect wold If anyone out there has a fail safe way to teach every horse never EVER to kick I Want to buy that plan. While most horses can be trained to choose another behavior when inclined to kick - most of the time - I have never me a horse who I could assume was fully "trained" not to kick. It is instinctive unfortunately, and from the back of a horse, that kick reflex is a toughie. That is why the prudent rider does what they CAN control - stay off the behinds of other horses. Better to teach one's horse brakes so one does not use someone else's HORSE for brakes. Our horses are " not kickers". That said, I cannot guarantee they will never kick - especially when provoked by some knucklehead who just will NOT stay off our tail.
On Apr 8, 2009, at 4:41 PM, Marirose Six wrote:
Actually, Carrie, there are quite a few people who will put a red ribbon in the tail even when their horse does not have a kicking problem. Personally, I believe that all horses can & should be taught not to kick. I also believe that all riders should learn to control their horses when behind others so as to not tailgate. Unfortunately, there is no Santa Claus and no perfect world. I have had hind shoes stepped on by horses behind me, I've been kicked by a horse that was passing me while I was trying to yield trail nicely. My mules & horses & any that I train for others won't likely kick even when having their butts rammed into, they've been taught that pasture behavior is not allowed when under saddle. Imagine a polo pony kicking during a match? The refs would ban it from play even if it did have a nice ribbon in it's tail. It's just not acceptable. It is an avoidable danger.
So, there ya have it, I'll get off my soapbox now.
