Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [RC] head flipping

Hi Folks: I have used a cropper and a breast collar to secure the saddle in relatively the same position. There has not been any discussion on what the rider is doing on the downhill's or the uphill sections of trail. I try to put my weight on the back end going downhill and towards the head on the uphill sections and try to go with the horse et al. I try not to be just a passenger.

Just my humble thoughts on the matter, along with lots of uphill and downhill training, which does not have to be long or steep in the beginning. After the initial training I found that it was possible to do much of the uphill& downhill sections at a very brisk pace if trail conditions allowed.

 

HTH

Steven

----- Original Message -----

From: Mike & Kathy Kelly

To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 9:19 AM

Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] head flipping

I agree that if the horse just does it in certain situations (ie going downhill, etc) to look for a source of discomfort.

 

My arab Gabriel has always head-flipped.  I've had him for 3 yrs and am still trying to figure out why he does it.  He can be out in the pasture and I see him do it.  Some rides he does, some rides he doesn't (often he doesn't when he's really relaxed or when he's really focused like at an endurance ride).  He seems to do it the most when I'm leading him off the property to go for a ride (leaving his buddies) or as I lead him in when we're done (I'm not going fast enough).  It seems to be an attitude thing alot of the time, when he's letting me know he isn't completely happy with something.

 

He is a really good about trying to communicate with me, so I try to always figure out what he's trying to say.  But the head-flipping is the hardest for me since it happens so frequently and in many situations.

 

Kathy & Gabriel