This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 7/28/2004 8:25:13 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I find your post very interesting. I thought my Heidi was the only one with what I call dead sides. Next time riding, I will try something different.
Hi Carol- I'm sure it varies with the individual, but I do find that Fjords are less sensitive to physical pressure than thinner-skinned breeds like Thoroughbreds. I read an article by a reining trainer (can't find it, darn it) who proscribed against the use of spurs/leg pressure for forward motion. He compared a bump of the spur to someone poking you in the ribs; your reaction would be to double over, not stretch out, which is what we want the horse to do to move forward. For lateral movement, I learned a lot from carriage driving. In Norway, they don't use the whip to steer, it's just rein cues. I was amazed at how they could get the horses to pivot around that way. Once I figured it out, I found it very effective on the Fjords! The overall key, I think, is lightness. Increase pressure on a Fjord, and they'll push back or shut down. Ask lightly, and you shall receive ;-) / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.Brigid.Clickryder.com
