The old zig-zag problem

["KIMBERLY PRICE" <kmprice51@hotmail.com>]

I've read good advice on this far and would like to just add to it:

In addition you need to be 'proactive' at anticipating when the horse is 
going to spook and do something; a little pressure on one bit, ask for a 
little collection with your leg...take the mind off the 'uh oh here comes a 
rock I'm gonna jump cause I'm excited' thread going on the in here and 
nowness of that equine brain....

I agree, look at where you are going, straight ahead, use your peripheral 
vision to rate the horse (ears will definately tell you), don't go with 
tight (uptight) reins.....if they spook then stop, turn and walk them pass 
the object going the other direction, then trot, then turn and insist on a 
trot by with no spooks, however long it takes.  This really works if you are 
heading home cause it pisses them off they have to go back the other 
direction.  They learn real fast a stupid spook means going back out until 
passing nice.  Of course, you probably want to do this on your own with no 
other riders, plenty of time, and calmness in yourself...keep breathing! <g>

Lastly, don't get the energy level up so high you lose the horse's mind.  
Work up to trotting with no spooks a certain distance then stop, calm it 
down, don't insist on miles and miles of high energy.  It will come.  
Recognize when the spook is adrenaline or boredom & do your preventive steps 
to keep it from happening for the given situation.  Of course a real fright 
means facing the object until calm and the horse recognizes it isn't 
alive...it really is just a log...you should not be rushing pass this kind 
of spook to begin with.

I hope this makes sense...I'm no expert but my horse will be 
trotting/cantering fast and jump to the side 10 feet off trail if I'm not 
'riding' him, but just going for a ride.  These are the things that have 
worked for me but I also recognize he will _never_ be a non-spooker. <g>

Kimberly (&Mystery the Morab..."but I'm getting better and hav'in fun!")
Greenbrae, CA

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp