Re: bit evasive pulling

[Chris Paus <paus@micoks.net>]

Hackamores can be wonderful tools, but remember, that the training has to
go deeper than the tools. A smart horse will be fixed by a new gadget for
awhile, but eventually he will find a way aorund the new thing, even a
hackamore.

My Morgan is 18 and has been ridden all his life with a hackamore. He's
never had a bit in his mouth and he's easy to ride. I put kids on him. But
I had an out of control Appy gelding who reared adn bucked. He broke tie
downs, headstalls, and other equipment. I tried a hackamore on him and that
shut him down from bucking for about 3 days. Then he just sucked it in,
reared up to full height and fell over on top of me. I am very lucky to be
alive, he was a very big horse.

He went to the rodeo and I bought STar.

chris

At 09:46 PM 1/7/98 -0500, Chelle Sherman wrote:
>Hi Ray - this has probably already been suggested, but how about
experimenting with a mechanical hackamore? A horse that goes behind the
vertical can evade a bit, but the hackamore pinches off his rocket fuel
(otherwise known as air). Perhaps that will get his attention. I agree with
you that this is probably an isolated habit, not a symptom of you being
lower on the food chain. He tried it, it worked, and he's smart enough to
remember. I also agree that the circling technique may have potential.
Another avenue worth exploring may be his balance. A lugging horse is on
the forehand, even when he tucks his head. If you can get him to round his
back and sit down on his haunches, he won't be able to avoid you. He can't
round his back and flex his hip without telescoping his neck - all those
muscles are connected. So, I guess what I'm saying is, short term, try a
hackamore. Long term, teach him to come on the bit properly and you'll be
able to stop him whenever and wherever you need to. Hope this helps.
>Chelle in slushy Vermont
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