A schooling question

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HaffiesRock

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Before I start, I am a happy hacker and dont enjoy lessons at all :p If I cant fix this myself then I will consider them, but thought id ask here first.

My pony is a 10 year old Haflinger. He is a fab hack but I have never schooled him due to lack of facilities. I've moved yards and schooled him for the first time yesterday. He seems to think that any kind of leg aid means go faster. He goes well from voice commands so while out hacking I tend to use my voice. I did notice he thinks a leg aid means trot on but its never been a problem out hacking.

Any tips on teaching him leg aids mean more than just go forward?

Thanks x
 
Half halts. Do lots of walk/trot transitions and keep the leg on through the downward trans., not letting him speed up. Also do lots of circles so you can let him understand one leg at a time (the inside one, to keep him out on the circle and bend). Just don't let him speed up, really :-)
 
In hand work.
Start with "move over" in the stable accompanied by a nudge behind the girth with your hand, then take it outside to the school doing the same thing, and then walk backwards, ask for move over, and eventually replace the push with your hand to a tap with a whip.
Starting in the stable should inhibit his urge to go forward.
If he doesn't understand the jump from inhand to ridden aids get a friend to lead him backwards while you use a leg aid the first few times.
 
digger66 said:
In hand work.
Start with "move over" in the stable accompanied by a nudge behind the girth with your hand, then take it outside to the school doing the same thing, and then walk backwards, ask for move over, and eventually replace the push with your hand to a tap with a whip.
Starting in the stable should inhibit his urge to go forward.
If he doesn't understand the jump from inhand to ridden aids get a friend to lead him backwards while you use a leg aid the first few times.
Click to expand...

Definitely this. I would do lots of walk, halt transitions and lots of lateral work to teach that legs mean direction also.
 
Thanks everyone.

He's great in hand and will move away from my touch behind the girth no problem. But when its legs its completely different. Ill have a go at your tips and keep you posted.

Thanks everyone xx
 
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