Training Question

[cursivenight]

I wanted to know if anyone had any excerisizes for bending, getting your horse on the bit, and getting them listening to your leg. I've been wanting to have a schedule for my horse because we both seem to be getting a little bored (my trainers been away since practically February). Or just anything fun to do with your horse, I'd appriciate it. Thank you. =)

[lakota4u]

go to floridabarrelhorse.com click on (ASK TINA) to the left of the page...she is very informative and helps alot...also I have a charmayne James book that gives very good schedules and conditioning programs.


Thanks

tina

[silverleprichuan]

Circles, serpentines, changing direction, counter canter, leg yielding, one rein stops, spiraling in and out of a circle, halting, backing up... all require your horse to be supple and responsive.

[HorseDayz11]

Try flexing your horse's neck. On ground, take the lead to the withers, don't let the horse move. If he does, keep it there until he stops, when the pressure relaxes, release the lead quickly. On saddle, do the same thing to your waist. Do this every day about 20 times, he'll begin to limber and his muscles relaxed, making longer strides and easier turns.

Try yeilding hind quarters and yeilding front quarters. On ground, take your lead to the horse's withers yet again. Push your crop, carrot stick, etc. at the horse's hip. As he turns, watch his hind legs. [you equals inside]. Make sure the inside leg is crossing over the outside leg as he turns. [the inside leg crosses to the inside] The outside leg should be going in a circle. IT IS OKAY IF IT MOVES, but only after he yeilds. Do the same for the front quarters, except the inside leg crosses to the outside. Don't understand? Message me. :)

[cursivenight]

Thank-you guys! :D

[HorseDayz11]

No problem, make sure to keep me posted. :]

[Haley]

Mix it up a little bit by setting up cones or standards to go around - make an obstacle course! Try it at the walk, trot, and then canter. Also, of course, do tons of circles.

[TBredHJ]

Frequent changes in directions, circles and serpentines will make your horse more relaxed and soft and listening to you. I have found that figuere 8's are good too. I have done f-8's around jump standards or just make a tract and follow it. Concerntric (changing the size of your circle) circles are good for both you and the horse, teaches you both how to bend and flex. This is what I use for a horse that is usually locked on one side as mine is.