[RC] Training to cross suspension bridge "Swinging Bridge" - Dawn Simas
Most all cross fine. Do not walk
directly in front of your horse when leading, because it doesn't start to move
until you are halfway across and *if* they are inclined, may want to run you
over to get off it.
RE: Training, I don't know how you
could if you aren't local. But, training a horse to trust you as a leader
and follow you across unfamiliar things they want to refuse would be how I would
go about it. Go near a road flare, or cows, or whatever the horse is leary
about and teach them that if they move past it and trust you, you will not let
them get hurt.
When I was riding drag (sweep on Tevis) a
few years ago, there was a poor gal that couldn't get her horse to cross
it. She probably spent an hour or two and I had to finally lead him across
the river (NOT a good crossing there) as there was no other way. She was
overtime by then and was out, because of the bridge. So, it is worth
preparing for.
One tip also, what boggled the horse
above's mind, it says one horse at a time I think. If you start across
before the horse in front is off it, it will be moving still. The minute
he put his front feet on it, he spun around and came off and then just didn't
trust it. If you wait, it is still when until you are committed, then they
just scoot across if they start to doubt it.
