This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In a message dated 3/28/2007 6:14:57 AM Mountain Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> We are starting my youngster at the moment. Hes a very good natured chap
> and loves to do things. We are long reining him regularly, but he is very
> very strong. He will happily power walk along on both reins now , but when
> asked for a halt will often try to turn on to you. If he doesnt turn he
> will often rear up and box.
>
> Any ideas to get him out of this
Hi Liz !
Hmmm, sounds like with this guy, you need to go back a few steps. The
terms " very strong " and " power walk " tell me that he missed some
information needed for cooperative ground driving. My advice would be to take
him back
to round pen work. Ask him for forward motion then work on the WHOA request.
Than a STAND.....all off-line till he gets both of those down near 100 % of the
time. Reward alot if he trys it at all to start. How old is he ? Gelded ? If
he is young, it might be that he is not emotionally mature enough to handle
much stopping and waiting. Try for short periods of time at a stop and
stand.....gradually building up to longer periods. The " rearing up and boxing
" is
troubling. He feels too much pressure for some reason and its not safe to allow
him to strike out at you.
Once you have good verbal requests down in an inclosed area, try to long
line him there, asking for the same things. Praise and reward him for accepting
the lines and correct any issues of listening you by going back for a few more
refresher's in those basic commands of whoa and stand.
Once he has longlining down using the stop and go forward requests, I would
ask him to ground drive....again in an enclosed area with a helper walking at
his head for xtra support. If the helper has to hold onto his head or restrain
in any way, go back a few more steps. Once he is confident in his training in
an enclosed area with a helper walking along side, ask them to drop back with
lots of verbal support and praise for listening to you. Soon, you should be
able to enforce this outside of the enclosed area, first with the helper, than
with just the handler.
Good-Luck ! Small, tiny steps with these youngsters is best.....lots
of praise and reward for getting it right. Dont rush him and always stay safe.
Lisa Pedersen / Pedersens Fjords, Cedar City, UTAH * where we woke up to
about 3' of cold white stuff !!!
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