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Even our best horses can get frisky not exercising their brains and bodies
Spring break, definition: A lapse in horseback riding whereby a frisky horse springs into the air unexpectedly, and the rider acquires a fracture! No matter what time of year you ride out, prevent getting surprised by coming off your horse!
Now there's a Yin to this yang. If your horse tries to stop, look at you or turns in to you, get away from him. Turn your energy off, and walk away. You can then stop and smile at him with a “Good boy” Truly this will blow his mind as he ponders that whatever he does, leaves or comes, is his choice with consistent consequences!
The goal with this exercise is to get your horse calm, connected and seeing you as the best place in his world to be. He will test you, undoubtedly, and your answer will remain the same. Run equals discomfort, connect equals comfort.
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Photo credit: Tia Paquette
Saddle prep
40-60' roundpen checklist:
Does your horse stand still for mounting? You can help him move his feet if he wants to prance around. Have no anger, just help him. If he tries to stand still, he gets you to love on him as a thank you.
Can you bend your horse's head around to pet him between the eyes? If not, if it feels like he swallowed a broomstick, get off and practice on the ground first.
Do you know how, and are you able to do an emergency dismount? I like to get off quickly and fix my horse's behavior on the ground, then get back up on him. On the ground we can be more clear, effective and safe.
Do you know the one rein stop? Pulling back with 2 reins on your horse can create a tightness, panic and a more powerful run! If you can stop the left side, the right will stop too.
Can you move his back legs sideways, all the way around in a circle, the front legs standing, not walking forward? No? Get off, and using your training stick, position it in place of your foot would be on the ribcage. Press, asking just the back feet to step to the side. Rub him and say thank you.
Photo credit:Virginia Barber