RE: Training a uncoordinated 6year old on downhills

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Vicky:

First, it is natural for the horse to trot down hill. Second, if you are
going to ride the slightest bit in competition, it is necessary for your
horse to be able to handle trotting down hill.

I would suggest that going back to some basics in the arena/round pen. Get
those lateral movements down solid, have a free backing horse and one that
is in complete control. Then add to that backing up hill. Just a slight
grade to start and then increase it a bit after several weeks. Then stopping
part way down hill and then backing up a few steps. This all, on lead line
and then under saddle. These exercises will make the horse a bit more aware
of what you want, when you want it.

Now, realize that he needs a very free head going down hill. He needs his
head for balance and control. If you have a hold of his head, being in his
mouth he will not be capable of using his back to the extent necessary.

Then there is the factor of YOU. If you are not assured, the horse will not
be assured!. Have confidence in your horse, he does not want to fall any
more than you do. Perhaps even less. But then, again realize, if he is a bit
unsteady and does not have his hind legs under him he will want too speed up
to maintain balance. That is the purpose of getting those lateral moves down
pat and stopping and backing up hill. Keeps the hind legs where they are
needed.

No horse will pussy foot down a hill! they will walk on the traverse from
side to side, the will almost side pass down reasonably slow or they will
trot/canter straight down. You have the choice. But of all things go back to
the basics for your own safety.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
(where all we have are hills)

-----Original Message-----
From: guest@endurance.net [mailto:guest@endurance.net]
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 11:57 AM
To: ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: RC: Training a uncoordinated 6year old on downhills


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


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