This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 7/8/98 3:02:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time, owner-fjordhorse- [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Re "pony discrimination." I notice my dressage instructor assuming Gunthar will be stubborn and unresponsive. My problems with him run more to "too forward" and "too responsive." Perhaps this is just my chicken-hearted perception - but I do not believe he is a slow poke at all, although I am afraid I could turn him into one if I let my clumsy down transitions get to him (my bedtime reading is Centered Riding and The Classical SEat in an effort to save Gunthar from his novice rider). So if a KK bit is supposed to make down transitions easier on Fjords - maybe Gunthar would love it. Please talk more about bits! >> Greetings! I haven't posted yet here, but I've been lurking for quite some time. I have a 4 y.o. Gelding and we're working on dressage basics in a KK bit. The KK works very well with him because of his low pallett (sp?) and thick tongue! I tried a basic single jointed snaffle and he didn't accept it as well as the KK. The trick is finding one big enough for them!!! I ended up ordering a 5 1/2". I do want to respond to your note about the instructor who thought your Fjord was stubborn. I had an instructor who had the same breed bias. As a result, she got on and pushed him very hard. She also had me pushing him hard in the belief that he was just stubborn. Well, he became flighty, spooky and bolted frequently. I put him into training with a different trainer who perceived him as sensitive, willing and very smart. As a result of that thinking, she rode him quietly and paid attention to what he was saying to her. This has worked out beautifully! He is now, again, the sweet, forward and willing partner I had before the "just make the stubborn Fjord do it" instructor. Pay attention to your own perceptions of your horse...you're probably right on! If other Fjords are like mine, they're very sensitive and extremely willing when you treat them with fairness. Karen
