--- Lorraine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I have never had a horse that had barn sour issues like this. I have owned afew. And still need to learn alot.<<
I have a lot to learn, too. That is why I'm getting the more experienced trainer to get the bulk of her issues dealt with first. We were out on the trail the other day, and Whisper got beligerant, and instead of becoming intimidated by her, I got mad. Now, I didn't hurt her or anything, mind you, but my anger spurred me on to accomplish my task in a forceful manner instead of my usual half hearted manner. But I am at this point with her, happy to be angry instead of scared. Anger (to me) is more easily controlled than fear. Small steps in the right direction. Oh, and she learned to disengage her hindquarters quickly instead of in her own sweet time. However, it didn't do my TMJ problems any good! Another thing I found useful this past summer: I would work her pretty hard in my yard (5 minutes of trotting), then walk away and leave the driveway and stop and rest. Then come back and as soon as I hit the driveway, resume trotting for another 5 minutes, then leave and stop and rest. If she balked or went backwards, we didn't rest, we went right back to the house and resumed trotting, then tried leaving again. Each time, we walked further and further away before our rest. I also rested 5 minutes (look at your watch!). Then I started riding with friends again, and now we have to start all over! Big thing is don't give up, and if he intimidates you with his antics leaving, come back and work him into a sweat at the house, then leave and rest before he wants to stop. Bad behavior gets work - HARD WORK! He will catch on that it is easier to do what you want than work hard. Is it punishment? Well, of course! He is misbehaving and deserves punishment (but you know what kind of punishment I am talking about - work). We know he is fine because there are no problems when going out with a buddy. But as far as I know, sweat has never caused a horse to die! I'm not talking about beating the horse or anything like that. Just good, hard, work. In the end, it will also allow your horse to be lighter in his aids, because if you are like me, you do not "work" on the trail. Susan in NV Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
