RE: CONTROL AND COURTESY

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

John:

More control in competition comes from more basic training NOT A MORE SEVERE
BIT OR ANY OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICE!!!

This weekend I rode in competition in just a rope halter. This horse a month
ago had the same problem as you mention. I have spent many days devoted to
having this horse respond to a light control with just the halter while
working in my round pen. Very light directional control, very light in
lateral movements and a very light control to a stop with a backup.

Yes ,it takes time but to have a well controlled horse you have to take the
time it takes. NO MECHANICAL DEVICE REPLACES TRAINING!!!  The most severe
bit, in most peoples opinion, is the spade bit. But as used by the true
Californio it is just a signaling device and no pressure is ever used. The
softest bit, in most peoples opinion, is the snaffle bit. But used by a
heavy handed rider can be extremely severe.

John, in fairness to your horse, consider the necessary training rather than
the mechanical option.


Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

-----Original Message-----
From:	John B.Ayers [mailto:ayers@plainfield.bypass.com]
Sent:	Monday, May 31, 1999 3:15 PM
To:	Bob & Amber Roberts
Cc:	RIDECAMP
Subject:	RC:  CONTROL AND COURTESY

Amber

That has been my approach until now. This weekend several experienced
Endurance riders independently suggested I need more control in competition.


If someone knows how to *TRAIN* a horse not to get excited in competition,
other than participating in many rides and getting him settled into it, I
and
scores of other riders would dearly love to know how!

In the interim, I think it is common courtesy to other riders to have
control
of your horse.  In fact, that is probably what some really meant when they
suggested "I need more control in competition". Others have emailed me
privately, suggesting that my approach is sound.

I'd like to hear from others that have used an English Hackamore or similar
arrangement. None of my riding instructors have had experience with CTR
or Endurance or know much about bits.

My reply to Bob Morris follows:

---------------------------------------------------
Hi Bob

Thanks for responding. The snaffle has worked great
in all situations EXCEPT CTR! He gets very competitive
and wants to race. It is impossible to duplicate in training
since he's normally very laid back.

Several people who saw him, independently suggested
more control.  I have no way to duplicate the "adrenalin
rush" in competition!

It is my "rookie opinion" is that we need this in competition.
The ride would be easier on BOTH of us.

John
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


-----Original Message-----
From: Bob & Amber Roberts <mlaboure@flash.net>
To: Bob Morris <bobmorris@rmci.net>
Cc: John B.Ayers <ayers@plainfield.bypass.com>; RIDECAMP
<ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Monday, May 31, 1999 8:00 AM
Subject: RC: RE: ENGLISH HACKAMORE


>Bob Morris wrote:
>
>> John:
>>
>> Please consider the fact that it is not the bit or bridle that
>>stops/slows the horse but the training.
>
>EXCELLENT!!   Thank you so much for saying this.
>
>Amber





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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=