zann
Elementary Poster
Posts: 88
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Post by zann on Dec 29, 2015 14:06:21 GMT 1
I plan taking my little cob to a few confidence boosting in-hand classes but have a leading problem She stops when I stop, reverses when I ask and turns with a point of the finger BUT forward is just a slow trail behind me. How can I teach her to walk by my shoulder - I'm certainly not having anyone chivvy her from behind or using a stick to "sharpen her up".
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Caroline
Grand Prix Poster
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 2,277
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Post by Caroline on Dec 31, 2015 0:56:10 GMT 1
I would look at this from another perspective. Your horse stops when you stops, reverses when asked and turns with a point of the finger. She doesn't pull ahead of you, she doesn't run over you, she presumably doesn't pull away or bolt off. That sounds like a horse with a lovely nature and very helpful training. I don't think it is fair to ask more of her than that. She is giving you such respect and obedience. The only thing she is not doing is walking in a position relative to you that would be considered fashionable in a show ring. That just doesn't sound important to me!
Why not explore other things to do with her? Find out what she enjoys, build both your confidences by doing things that work for you both. You could do things like take her for walks out in hand, both alone and with other horses. Or there's agility and liberty work, which are great for developing closer physical harmony and fun for all involved (if done nicely and without sticks). You may even find she comes to adopt a more fashionable leading position along the way!
Probably long reining would be the best thing to do if you really want to get her walking on ahead and ultimately beside you when led. Long reining builds confidence and gives the horse a perspective of going out in front rather than staying in a place of safety behind you.
All these things work out in time, with a bit of patience and often whilst persuing other things. Wishing you both lovely times together xxx
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Post by alonerawnut on Dec 31, 2015 14:37:43 GMT 1
I agree with what Caroline says, but I also know from experience that if your horse is behind you and spooks, they can crash into you - much safer if you can get them to lead beside you.
You can make it just a little bit uncomfortable to be walking behind you and very comfy with lots of praise & strokes beside you. You can use little 'bumps' on the line when she's behind you - just a little annoying pressure that goes away when she's where you want her - then give her loads of strokes!
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Post by jen526 on Dec 31, 2015 20:58:51 GMT 1
Its very common for babies not to grasp the concept of leading fowards with you. You wish to go to pony parties (shows), which is fantastic. The dragging behind with leading is nothing abnormal, you can encourage him to be level with you using gentle pressure and release, though remember for your equine the dragging behind is just a lack of understanding of what you are asking, nothing more. So you need to help him understand what it is you are requesting.
Is there a part of your existing routine you could utilize? ie walking from field to stable where he will naturally through repition be more likely to go with head by you? I understand you dont want interference from behind, but to be honest someone behind in communication with you, who understands about pressure and release - simply by patting their coat to encourage foward motion may help explain things to your youngster quickly, thus saving further confusion and frustration for you both. This may or may not be suitable for your situation, only you can decide.
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Post by clipclop on Jan 1, 2016 15:00:28 GMT 1
Ditto above - leading by the shoulder is more for safety than anything.
She needs to understand how to move forward into pressure. If she's only been taught that pressure on the halter means stop or reverse, she may well get confused if pressure is applied when she lags behind.
Either having someone encourage her forward (this does not mean someone chasing or whipping her, simply making the explanation of what you are asking clearer) or doing some work where you stand in front of her, apply pressure asking her to move forward and release as soon as she does so. Then repetition until she understands.
IMO, moving forwards on request is vital. It is the foundation to loading, long lining/lungeing and eventually backing.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using proboards
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zann
Elementary Poster
Posts: 88
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Post by zann on Jan 2, 2016 7:20:45 GMT 1
Thanks everyone. Caroline, I am really pleased that she is so sweet and respectful, but at the same time agree with the safety angle put by others. When I lead her in with our old mare, they both walk beautifully by my shoulder - not competing with each other. Could the old girl be giving her that bit of confidence perhaps? Thoughts anyone? Hacking she will walk out in front quite happily.
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