Campground? So you are taking this horse camping? How
many days in a row are you trail riding him? I've raised and trained
several horses from weanlings. During their 3rd year I do 15-20 minutes of
ring work 2-3 times a week. Youngsters have a pretty short attention
span. We mostly work on turning, stopping, backing, learning leg aids --
no trotting -- no cantering until they've mastered everything at a walk.
Once or twice a month I'll trailer out with a friend who has an older trail
horse and we do an easy ride for 1-2 hours (mostly walk, some trot, occasional
short canter -- usually up a hill where he can't buck too easily). We pick
easy trails -- no rocks, no steep hills, no multi-day riding. This is just
to experience being trailered and new sights. I want him to enjoy the
experience! (Coming home with a sore back and puffy legs doesn't sound
like much fun.) I also always use a western saddle, which
distributes the weight much better over the horse's back.
I
think you need to step back and give this guy a chance to mature a
bit.
Karen
Karen Williams Spotsylvania,
VA www.mattariver.com
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Buffy Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 12:55 PM To:
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] trail riding
help
Doesn't seem like we go out on the trails for very
long. Considering most of the trails are really short ones around the
camping area. Next time I will time them thou. I'm wondering too
if it could have more to do with the terrian. He doesn't have any
problems with our long walks down to the dam and back about a mile or so from
the house. We normally ride the roadside, so it's fairly level. No
ups or downs like on some of the trails. I have no problem "laying" him
off to grow some more. He will be getting a rest anyways with winter
coming on. As much as I love to ride in winter, my body doesn't any more
lol.
Buffy Spellcaster Miniature
Horses Beware... They'll cast a spell on your heart! www.geocities.com/spellcasterminis/ Yahoo
Messenger ID: Spellcasterminis
--- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by
AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.520
/ Virus Database: 318 - Release Date:
9/18/03
