RE: [IceHorses] Re: What bit

2008-02-12 Thread Karen Thomas
>>> Thank you.  I'll try to think of other ways to go.  This spot is
esentially in the middle of all the trails I know out there. Maybe it is
time I learn a new trail or a back way.


Because of the way that our trails are laid out in loops, we mix up our
routes, sometimes leaving along one loop, and other times returning that
way.  I think it helps to mix it up a little - heck, even I notice things on
the trails when traveling one direction that I miss when traveling another.


But, as others have said, stay safe.  I think it's John Lyons who always
says, "Ride where you can, not where you can't."


>>> I will try the treat every time he goes by it and does what he is
supposed to.  He does try to see what he can get away with.  He is a naughty
little boy and seems to enjoy trying to outsmart me.  He was bucking every
time I asked for a canter.  Finally, after trying it twice in the arena last
night, he stopped.  Guess he realized it is futile.


That's always the $64,000 question to me...is the horse just "trying me" a
little, or is he really trying to tell me something...like he's worried,
confused, in pain, scared, whatever.   I DO think they will try us sometimes
just to see what they can get away with, but overall, I think that reasoning
is way over-played.  Obviously we can't see your horse, but always AT LEAST
keep it in the back of your mind that MAYBE he's really trying to tell you
something, at least part of the time.  The last thing I want my horses to do
is shutdown and get to the point they just "shut up and put up."  It's a
real puzzle sometimes, but the more time you spend with your horse and the
more comfortable you both become, the more you'll KNOW the difference.


Karen Thomas, NC



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Re: [IceHorses] Re: What bit

2008-02-12 Thread Janice McDonald
i honestly think bucking when transitioning to canter is either saddle
pain or a very lazy horse who resents baing asked to move.  How long
have you had him?  My Tivar acted real pi$$y for a while when I first
got him, would put ears back and act grumpy and walk backward tail
swishing when at the mounting block if his girth wasnt just right etc
:)  It took him a while to realize I was gonna be someone to treat him
fair, as Lucy said once, a horse wants to know you will be FAIR above
all.  I liked that and find it to be true!!  Now he takes care of me
:)  I think when a horse is kinda new they think "I am gonna let her
know right NOW at the very get go that she aint gonna treat me bad!"
then after a while they settle in and none of that behavior comes out
again.  Unless you let someone else ride them :)
Janice--
courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne