This message is from: "Michele Bigelow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi Karen- I was taught to teach my horses to square up using a "showmanship method" - which means you can not touch the horse at all. I put the lead shank under the chin and fasten the chain on the metal loop closest to the ear (not sure if there is a technical term for this) - this ensures more contact or pressure - and a less confusing message to the horse. Then I set the back feet, followed by the front, using the lead shank. I also add the voice command "stand". I practice this all the time without really doing it leading, cross tying, saddling), so I get them to the point where I say "stand", and they square up with out any further direction from me. I suppose in the beginning, I would place a foot just to make sure they understood what I wanted. Good luck, and your mileage may vary...... :^) > Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 12:02:48 -0700 > From: "Dudley and Karen Haines" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > This message is from: "Dudley and Karen Haines" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Hello listers, > > I have a question - what is the best way to teach a horse to square up? > > This weekend I went to a local horse show and most people were walking > around their horses, picking up and placing feet. Is this the best way to > start training? > > I've also tried backwards pressure on the halter to move a foot back, but > often this ends up in the horse-on-a-beachball look. > > At the Libby evaluation, Gayle Ware, I notice you tapped the ground w/your > toe a couple inches in front of the hoof you wanted moved forward. How do > you begin to train this? Do you use a dressage whip to tap the back of the > hoof simultaniously to start out? This method looks really professional. > > I would like to be able to eventually square up my horse by staying near the > head and directing feet. I would be interested in any comments on this. > > Thanks! > Karen Haines
