Re: [RC] How to train a horse to tail up a hill - Don HustonHello Angie,First you need to desensitize the horse to having his tail messed with. I do that with all my horses in their pens until I can grab the tail at anytime and ask them to move forward and pull me around the pen and I lean back hard. After I'm confident that they will not kick I start tailing on trails but I always start with a tired horse and with somebody walking ahead of me on a narrow trail and not necessarily up a hill. The idea is to get the horse used to dragging me along behind on a trail or wherever while pulling on their tail. Another good place to practice is walking into a vet check. Once the horse seems confident and will walk in the lead or alone with me dragging along on his tail I will start on hills. The problem with hills is if the horse has not been previously schooled he will just keep turning sideways on the hill and drive you nuts. The other thing is to pick the right hill and trail combo at first. Not too steep a hill and a narrow brush or bush lined trail where the horse cannot turn easily helps. I use a 10ft long single reign with scissor snaps and I remove it from the bit and connect one snap to the halter and the other of course goes with me back to the tail. If you stay connected to the bit (or whatever you normally use to ride) then every little tug will make the horse want to turn or stop and now this will drive both of you nuts. I have found that a familiar place is also a good place to practice. I have a 150yard distance from the wash rack to the tree where I tie my horses for trimming, saddling and treats. There is the usual scarry trailer, flagpole, neighbor's truck, etc. along the way but the horses know there are goodies at the tree and will try real hard to get there while I drag along behind on their tails. Good luck, Don Huston At 06:55 AM 7/3/2007 Tuesday, you wrote: Hi - can anyone give me pointers on how to train a horse to tail? I can be reached privately at tracetribute at yahoo dot com. SanDiego, Calif
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