Today was another non-riding day. I saddled up and worked him in his training halter and long line, asking for a consistent whoa at all 3 gaits.He did fairly well sometimes, not so good other times. One thing I noticed he is doing is tipping his head to the outside of the pen when he stops, before he turns to look at me. Not quite sure how to fix that, I may have to make his work a little more intense- which I am reluctant to do at this point because I have to get the panels modified, I want the top of the posts trimmed so they are level, that way a rein or halter can't get caught up. That won't happen for a few days, as Ted is headed to Edmonton for a few days starting tomorrow. So until then I will have to just work carefully.
I find that I really don't like using the driving lines on Kai; at least, not with the bridle. He carries his head really low when I am using them and he's clearly bothered by them. I don't get that feeling when I'm on his back and reining him around, he seems fairly light to the rein. So I may switch out to putting the driving lines on a halter instead; a side pull would be better but I don't have one.
By the end of today's session, Kai had improved, but it will take a few more until I am sure he is solid on his whoa. Also worked on turns with ground driving, I find that he will flex his neck but not turn his body- which he didn't do when I was on his back. I'll see how the next session goes before I decide whether or not to scrap the driving lines and just get on and ride.
6 comments:
I learned that when you have them stop, you pull the rope toward you a little then, you bend down a little and then take the string at the end of the rope and swing it towards his hindquarters and when he stops and faces you, you stand up straight.
I had started that way, Lisa, but he's at the point where I want him to stop square, and stand there and wait for my next instructions, not turn and face me. I like when he looks at me with both eyes, but I don't like when he stops and puts his head over the fence- it's an evasion.
He wants to be done..he wants to go out the gate! He did pretty good, you just have to build from there...good job...what fun for you! :) I think he may anticipate your whoa...change it up a bit:)
Cannot see the video from here but sounds like with some modifications you have in mind his training is coming along very nicely
I'd get after him and make him listen - you've got the basics, now time to raise the expectations. Smaller circle with lots of bumping his nose if he even thinks about looking to the outside (Think about Jim Anderson and Rio). Once you ask him to whoa bump his nose in and mean it.
I'd probably drive the hip away and let him looking at you be the easy thing to do (two eyes are better than two heels) unless you're trying to get him to stop straight, then just bump his nose very firm.
Perhaps more round penning to get him latched on more? Send him to work when his mind wanders from you....
Just some ideas!!! Looking forward to hearing about the progress!
Round penned yesterday with a little more success. I think I may need to go to the bosal, that light halter isn't enough.
Post a Comment