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Mary, if you have been doing Parelli and your horse knows and responds to to one rein stops, then you need to start using that skill.

First, the firmer and more insistant YOU (the leader of the herd) are, the calmer the mare will be. That is FIRM, not cruel.

My suggestion is to switch to a plain full cheek snaffle; you have a bit more control. You know this horse well enough by now to know her "barge points." So BEFORE she starts to get "bargie", stop her using your lateral flexion. Disengage her hindquarters, have her "come through" and then proceed. At the least little sign of barginess, do it again.  You may have to do it every 10 ft. at first, but she will get it. When she starts barging ahead, she will be stopped and have to work hard. And, until she IS solid, you will just have to travel on terrain that is safe for one-rein stops and such. The water/mud/banks will all be there next year and the year after that.

Running up another horse's butt is not only rude but VERY dangerous for all concerned. Sounds like you are dealing with lots of issues, but I admire you for sticking to it. It will take time, but you just have to stick to your guns. If it means doing less trail riding this year, well...there  IS always next year. "Remedial" training takes a while.

But never, EVER forget that YOU are in charge. A dominant type mare will take about three seconds to figure out she can take charge, then it's all over but the crying.

Good luck.

Katrina


On May 3, 2005, at 7:04 PM, MJWEST02@xxxxxxx wrote:

> In a message dated 5/3/2005 6:33:25 PM Central Standard Time, jonnij@xxxxxxxx writes:
> > The horse sounds like it has been allowed to be in
> > charge. It wants to be "in the lead", and has been allowed to do so.? When
> > she stops at mud or water, she has not been made to go first, but to
> > "follow" at her speed through it.? The horse has some basic training issues,
> > that I am thinking will just get worst if not worked on soon.<x-tad-bigger>You are right and I am guilty - but?we are working on?LOTS of issues here.??? Her?past is sketchy, but what I know of it the man rode her with a HIGH port bit and used spurs on her.?? They also would lead her with a stud chain over her nose!? When I first met her, I fell in?love with her ground manners - she does not kick, bite or buck (amazingly!) And I started her and have worked with her PNH.? I am extremely patient with her - never agressive? - but firm (and I could probably be firmer)???People confuse her for agressive when it is FEAR and most likely a hard hand in her past.? The owners bred her to be a?show horse (Morgan) but I think they "overbroke" her.?? I have a sweet dispositioned horse under all this, but with a lot of learning for both of us.? And TRUST is number one.? I like to trail ride because it helps blow the cobwebs out.? I am way FAR away from anything competitive - so ya'll don't?have to worry about me?sneaking up?your hineys on the trail! ?</x-tad-bigger>
> >
> ?
> <x-tad-bigger>I have been trying a kimberwick (and just had dental work done yesterday - removed the points and working on getting the waves down)?-I AM LEARNING AS I GO - and tonight I rode with a loose rein, neck reined and was happy with her response - (in an arena)?I think she tries to OVER FLEX because of her past training, I just want her head down and for her to be relaxed.? I did get a better response with WHOA just by lifting and releasing... much better than in the French Snaffle.</x-tad-bigger>
> ?
> <x-tad-bigger>Thanks for ALL? your opinions and experiences...and I will be sure and forewarn you before we hit a ride!!</x-tad-bigger>
> ?
> <x-tad-bigger>Mary
> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-smaller>Katrina O'Neal
Reckless Heart Ranch
822 Estates Loop
Priest River, ID 83856
(208)265-4837</x-tad-smaller>