Re: RC: Training and standing to be mounted

[Linda Cowles <lindac@gilroy.com>]

Deanna German wrote:
> 
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <SANDYSROB@aol.com>
> >
> > > This might seem like a stupid question to some of you but have any of you
> > had
> > > a horse that acted up while you were trying to mount and if so what did
> > you
> > > do to put a stop to it?
> I agree with the above. If nothing is causing the horse pain, make sure your horse understands what the
> word STAND means. It means "put all 4 feet on the ground and keep 'em there." No compromises.
> 
> I ride lots of different horses (I have generous friends) as I wait for my filly to mature. I have found
> that if you don't insist that the horse STAND when you mount, the horse gets the leadership edge in your
> little "herd" of two. Remember, if you don't take charge, the horse will. 

I consider that last sentence to be the essence of training! We make
these contracts with our animals... and they put in a lot of fine print
when you let them!

If I have a horse that won't stand, I teach them to stand on a totally
loose line while I walk around them... very hard to describe but the
technique I use is to basically shake the rope hard when they as much as
offer to move a foot. If I'm consistent it works. If I "forget" and let
them misbehave, it stops working.

For mounting, if I'm having a problem, I decide to train on mounting on
every training ride for as long as it takes to get it right until it's
done to my satisfaction consistently. I raise myself up in the stirrup
slowly and don't throw my leg over, then lower myself slowing and do it
again and again until the horse is so bored they stand. Then I go
through it throwing my foot over! When they stand quietly for a
repetition or two, I ride off. That is the reward. 

I keep a feel on the inside rein, with the horses nose bent very
slightly towards me, and look between their ears, not over the saddle,
as I mount.

I ***hate*** mounting from the ground even though I'm strong, so will
try it from a truck bumper!!! the word is spelled L-A-Z-Y!!!

> BTW, I train with treats and praise. My horse and the horses I ride are voice trained. Is that "natural"?
> Whatever. It works.

It's natural for me! 

 -- Linda


-- 

  Linda Cowles                
  Lion Oaks Ranch                
  Gilroy CA



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