I went up to Livermore to see my other two "adopted / inherited"
boys on Sunday. Sonny is a standardbred who is ridden western. I've
grown much more accustom to english but until I get him closer to me
for some possible retraining, I'm using my western endurance saddle on
him. He uses a copper roller thom thumb bit as well. He is extremely
sensitive to pressure on his sides.
I tried extremely hard keeping my weight balanced and my legs steady
and even on his side. My reins were loose but not dropped so he had no
pressure on the bit..he holds it nicely in his mouth. We headed for
the park at a nice trot.
Sonny constantly swings his head from side to side. I can't tell if
he is just spooky and looking for danger (he's been at pasture on 100
acres for 2 months now) or if I am doing something wrong to make him
swing back and forth like this. He is not paying attention and so
weaves side to side. I tried reinforcing the "straight track" evenly
with my legs and pushing with my butt but it wasn't successful. What
is it I could be doing wrong to make him swing his head like this?
Maybe the bridle is not adjusted right? Maybe he is just spooky?
Do any of you experienced western style riders have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Kimberly (& Mystery the Morab)
Sonny, "Sunshine of my Live"
Gamble, "the old man, Goobs for short"