Re: Training a uncoordinated 6year old on downhills

["John Hafkemeyer" <hafke7@netins.net>]

Hi Vicky,
I won't try to give you training points (don't feel qualified), but I would
like to clarify, and make a suggestion.  

<He is to the point he is getting the loose squirts as we approach the
downhill point. >

Are you saying that your gelding is so nervous when approaching downhills
that he has
diarrhea?  If so, I would suggest you get a good vet and/or chiro
evaluation done.  A
physical problem may be creating a behavioral one.

I can relate to your feelings of insecurity on him at these times.....My
current gelding, 8yrs, very responsive as well, came to me with limited
hill experience. I never thought about it.  
Bought him from an area where hills are few and far between, and
brought him home to our river valleys.  I would hold my breath watching him
negotiate the 
route to the barn every day(down hill, cross creek and up again).  Feet
everywhere, especially when muddy/slick.  Seemed to take him a few months
to get used to it.  I also had to work with him on downhills under saddle. 
He felt so klutzy.  Started at walk, worked our way to jog down, then trot.

He's much improved, so take heart!

Good luck, and post any findings/results.
Sally Hafkemeyer
AERC # 536
Midwest Region
----------
> From: guest@endurance.net
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: RC:  Training a uncoordinated 6year old on downhills
> Date: October 23, 2000 12:57 PM
> 
> Vicky Rhein partlypainted1@aol.com
> Hello,
> I am just an avid trail rider with the hopes of CTR, until then, I have a
6 year old gelding, that was mostly a ring horse, very good yields,
leg,hand,etc., however going down hills at a walk are near to impossible
for him.  I am in his mouth, to slow him down, I have tried one rein, one
leg,(his) I sit back, I have used leg, to try to collect, I have taken off
leg, and sit back.  Unfortunately, the trails that I have are very hilly,
and usually muddy he acts as though he doesnt know where each leg is.  I
feel very unsecure, and rather dangerous as he shows no promise in getting
us down safely.  He is to the point he is getting the loose squirts as we
approach the downhill point.  It takes only 2 or 3 hills to get him going. 
Does anyone out there have any ideas how to train him to relax and
pussyfoot down??  Or at least where his legs are?  
> 
> Vicky
> 
> 
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
> Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
> Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=