Pictures of Our Filly's First and Second Trail Ride

[SlitherinSisters]

I have worked with this problem a few times....I tend to "bother" them with something. I think the easiest way for you to do this is to get a pair of the nub spurs (like English riders use) that are just like a blunt stub and and lightly kick her with them, and I mean very light lightly - so she's annoyed, until she moves. You could use your crop for this and just continuously tap her with it but if you use spurs you can keep your hands ready for when she starts to pop up a bit, which it sounds like she may. If she starts popping up like she's going to throw a buck I would make sure to keep her head up and continue kicking. I went through this with my barrel mare when I first got her and it took me over an hour of sitting motionless in pouring rain but she never had that problem again. Also, as soon as she takes a few steps (maybe 3?) I would immediately have her stop and get off, giver her a break, a treat..something, or if it's feasible, just let her be done for the day. Good luck!

I have a pair of western spurs but I only wear them when I barrel race because my mare gets really worked up. I don't kick her but she can feel them brush against her and they are the kind that make a lot of noise. The first time I wore them on her during a competition was the first time I took her through the pattern in 4 years and before that it was just for fun on the farm! She ended up only 3 seconds behind the fastest horse and that horse does it professionally! It was awesome Especially the fact that my mare was 14 years older than the horse that won! That was my first time in a competition as well! Anyway back to the filly! I'll have to get some English spurs, I was wondering if I should. I didn't think about not having two hands to control her if I use the crop

I'll be sure to get off her if she takes a few steps! I didn't even think about that! I'm glad you mentioned that!

Thanks for all your advise it's great! I would call the trainer but he is really short on the phone and I just assume not bothering with it.

[sho220]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/enzoleya/Horses/055.jpg[/IMG]

Funny what Iowan's call a highway...Did the horses have any trouble with all that traffic?

Great looking horses!

[SlitherinSisters]

Funny what Iowan's call a highway...Did the horses have any trouble with all that traffic?

Great looking horses!

Oh my gosh! I just checked this in class and I almost died laughing! I knew someone would eventually call me out on that! Yes that's a highway to us! It's even in better condition than most And no problems with traffic, we hardly ever run into cars on that road, the occasional tractor sure

[koloo921]

When she does not want to move try making her give to the bit one rain at a time. As soon as she gives make sure you give her a quick release count to three and then make her give again. Keep on repeating until her nose is almost at your knee then hold it there. Work both sides. Eventually her neck muscles will start to tire and she will move. Whenever she moves forward release right away. As soon as she stops repeat. It may take her 20 min. to make that 1st forward step, but this technique really does work. She will soon realize that it is a lot more work involved standing still than moving.

Good luck with her!! She looks like she is doing great! I have two 2 yr olds to break out this year. LOL they are a lot of fun! I used to run barrels, show english, western, jumping, ect... Now I just break and train.