Jigging? Common problem amoung horses that want to GO NOW.
Time and insisting he not do it is the only solution.
> If I push him into a trot or gallop he's difficult to control as he leans on the
> bit to try to break away.
>
A horse cannot lean on the bit unless there is something to lean on.
A horse cannot pull unless there is something to pull against.
Why should he work at holding himself up if you are willing to do it
for him?
Try with a human partner.
One person is the horse. One person is the rider. Have a
piece of rope or leather act as the reins. Hold in hand not
in mouth :-)
Have the "horse" pull on the rein. Have the rider not give an inch.
"Listen" to the result.
Have the horse pull. Have the rider 1)gently jiggle the rein, then
2) jerk the rein, then 3) really jerk hard. Then release all pressure.
"Listen" to the result.
Have the horse pull. Have the rider completely let go. Then when
the pulling stops, pick up the rein again.
Play both parts. Take about what you feel like doing.
When working with the horse remember that the horse can feel the
slightest movement of the reins and is very sensitive, but may be
good at ignoring you.
Now, have the rider ask the horse to give to the bit. Work a little
to see what works with the horse/person. Now try with the horse.
These exercises will help you feel what you should be doing. If
your horse is a confirmed puller, you'll need twice as much time to
correct the problem as it took him to learn it. And you'll have
to be consistent every single minute every single time you ride.
Half-halt, half-halt, half-halt till you can stay off the reins.
I'd suggest you take a couple of dressage lessons. Really helps
to understand horse and rider communication.
-- Wendy\|/ /\ -O- /**\ /|\ /****\ /\ / \ /**\ Here there be dragons / /\ / \ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\/\/\ /\ / / \ / \ / \/\/ \/ \ /\/ \/\ /\ /\/ / / \/ \ / / \/ /\ \ / \ \ / \/ / / \/ \/ \ / \ \ / / \/ \/\ \ / \ / / \ __/__/_______/___/__\___\__________________________________________________
Wendy Milner HPDesk: wendy_milner@hp4000 Training Development Engineer HP-UX: wendy@fc.hp.com Mail Stop 46 Telnet: 229-2182 3404 E. Harmony Rd. AT&T: (970) 229-2182 Fort Collins, CO, 80525 FAX: (970) 229-4292