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Post by fleabitten on Dec 13, 2008 20:58:15 GMT
When im in my lesson, and the horse is leaning on my hands I would try and collect him together by inside leg (bit of a kick if needs be), bit of outside, lifting hands and doing little squeezes and pulls on reins to lift head - like one rein at a time, which works and then shortening reins as head comes up. I also try and make him ride where i want instead of following which makes him listen a bit more and he wakes up a bit. Is this wrong?  Was wondering because ive heard of people sawing on horses mouths and worried i might be doing this.  btw, im not trying to get him on the bit, just to lift his head waken up a bit. |
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Post by brigadier on Dec 13, 2008 21:23:09 GMT
Arrgh- just typed out a reply then my laptop shut down with an update before I posted it  Hi Flea- its depends on a number of things but if you feel it works in what you are trying to achieve and doesnt cause the horses paces to be affected and it isnt wobbling its head (kind of nodding to the side to side pressure) then its ok. The reason I say it depends on a number of things is because if you were on a tight circle then a positive half halt with the outside rein only would suffice provided you keep your legs on. I know the BHS harp on about inside leg to outside hand but also dont forget you still need a strong outsdie leg to support and hold whatever movement you are doing. If you are on the longside then what you do would help but I would prefer consistent pressure on both sides of the mouth, with a strong leg then the instant the horse gives offer the lightest softest rein and a lovely soft seat. This way the horse understands its not good to lean. Half halts are invaluable here so dont forget to use lots. Can you do shoulder in ok. The horse leans because it is dropping onto its forehand and a couple or three strides of shoulder in will assist to re-engage the horse and lighten the head and soften the shoulder. If you are not sure I will post again. PS nearly forgot- I will put this in horsey facts  |
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Post by fleabitten on Dec 13, 2008 21:39:14 GMT
I wouldnt do this on a circle because he seems to go better on a circle - i would just do it in a straight line. Using both reins does work too sometimes - i sort of experiment a bit to see what works and what makes him concentrate. He has an awful habit of getting unbalanced and falling in as well. Trot is not too bad because its slower and theres time but canter isnt too good.
As for the shoulder in, he wouldnt be able to do it! and neither would I but I will get there someday!
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Post by brigadier on Dec 14, 2008 14:50:02 GMT
Hey Flea- dont worry about he shoulder in then- from youre reply its obvious you are using your head to try and see what works and realising where it is helpful and not so helpful.
One of the benefits in riding school horses is that you can experiment to some degree and gain a bit of a battery of solutions (its harder on your own horse as they tend to be less forgiving). But one of the downsides of riding school horses is that you know that a quick transition down and then back up would prevent the horse leaning on your hands but the instructor has told you to canter a full circuit and you dare not do any different!
The good thing I see with you is that you think your way through it and are not afraid to ask- youll be doing those shoulder- ins beautifully in no time!
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Post by fleabitten on Dec 14, 2008 20:25:30 GMT
The good thing I see with you is that you think your way through it and are not afraid to ask- youll be doing those shoulder- ins beautifully in no time! woohoo! ;D Thanks for your advice brig  |
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Post by brigadier on Dec 15, 2008 20:31:05 GMT
you are welcome!
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Was wondering because ive heard of people sawing on horses mouths and worried i might be doing this. 
for so much hard work we thank ye!!