Re: Start of a ride

["BE" <betndez@budget.net>]

Colleen--

 

If the former owner allowed this behavior then it might be very hard to change at this stage.  But, try this:  Keep yourself VERY calm, quiet, and breathing deeply as you tack up.  Sing to him, whisper to him, anything to keep both of you calm.  Then lead him to a quiet place in camp and lunge him; not just a wild running around in a circle, but having him attentive to you and your requests.  Ask for gait transitions, ask for other ground work such as turns on the forehand and on the haunches.  KEEP HIS ATTENTION ON YOU and WHAT YOU ARE ASKING.  When he is obedient and relaxed mount and leave.  If he feels tense again immediately dismount and begin the same procedure.  Don't wait until he blows.  This may take some time so don't plan on leaving with the pack.  Take whatever time it takes to develop his attention and attitude.

 

This method has worked for me in the past and just recently with another "new" horse.  Finally at Klickitat Trek (his 11th 50 over 3 years time) we were able to go to the start line with the pack and leave camp with the pack, relaxed and happy and under complete control.  In fact he was grazing at the start line and I had to wake him up when the race was called.   Finally. . . I thought we'd never make it :-o   

 

So, it took a long time with this particular horse and I was the one who started him and he was never allowed to be stupid at a ride.  I used this particular method from the very first time I took him to a ride.  So, it may take you some time but it's well worth it if you want to have a pleasant safe start.  When I first started riding endurance about 1980 I just "rode it out" when the horse bucked or reared or spun or whatever.  I'm no longer willing to put up with that, and other competitors don't much appreciate that kind of action either!

 

Good luck,

Betty Edgar

-----Original Message-----
From: Colleen Kirkpatrick <polairs210@hotmail.com>

Is my horse the only one who acts like a complete idoit at the start of a
ride?
I mean my horse can get really out of control and he is a really controlable
horse any other times.The last ride I did he jumped up and
bucked about threw me off!!! I use to train horses and deal with out of
control horses all the time but when I go to a ride and get on to start
I get really scared that I am going to get hurt. My horse is 14 and a