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Amanda, You really offered some GOOD ADVICE!!! I
hope some of our fellow ridecampers take it; it sure will make for more
fun and safe riding. I am sitting at the computer instead of on my horse
right now because I really don't want to go ride with a friend whose endurance
horse (over 1000 miles of 50's)spooks almost constantly on his own
home ranch!! as well as on new trails! I am riding a
green horse that I do not want to get into this
habit. I was taking a lesson from a terrific trainer last week, in the
same arena we are always working in, and the colt started getting cranky at
being worked and started to look for things to spook at---flies, dirt clods,
grass, well, you get the idea. My trainer said that is ENOUGH!! Over
and under him a few times, trot some small circles, offer him a chance to go
straight on a LOOSE rein and see if he gets the idea; pay attention to the
boss mare, who is on his back. Another spook, same thing. When he
would finally move out quietly, he got praised and petted and allowed
to just stand and relax. Now before I get burnt to a
crisp, I would never tell someone to do this if the horse was
really afraid; it is VERY important to respect their
fears of the unknown, and patience and
kindness are the key here; It's
just those supposedly trained, experienced horses
acting that way that gets me upset. So, I will find a riding
partner with a sane, quiet horse and let my youngster learn that the trail is a
fun place to be, no need to waste energy spooking at every rock or branch or
stump that's out there. Good times in the saddle
to you. Renie
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