Anyone used Kelly Marks bombproof training on their youngster?

[Passtheshampoo]

I have a lovely 3 1/2 year old RID filly which I am about to start ground work with over the next month or so. This filly is homebred, has a super temperament and is very level headed for a big girl. Although I am an experienced rider I had a spinal fusion op last year and obviously need this filly to be as bombproof to ride as poss (if I decide to keep her). I am very interested to hear if anyone has used Kelly's method with the dummy falling off the horse and the horse stopping in response. My OH is not so keen on me riding my youngster as he thinks my 10yr old ISH mare would be safer but as we all know some youngsters can be very quiet and sensible.

I'm hoping to do all the groundwork with my girl so that she'll stand still next to the mounting block and hopefully be as bombproof as poss, then I'll get a professional to back her. I have backed quite a few youngsters of my own over the years but feel that bit of my horses education is a little too risky.

So to sum up has anyone on the forum used Kelly's method with the dummy? Was it successful and how easily did your youngster take to it?

 

[Archie07]

I haven't used the dummy training yet as my gelding is only 2 however I have worked through all Kelly's groundwork training methods and exercises and I can say for me and my gelding they really have worked, and make so much more sense than some of the traditional methods, plus he has responded to them all brilliantly. He's now a lovely mannered two year old and I'll definitely be keeping the dummy exercise in mind when backing him. I don't see why you couldn't try it

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Hi. As far as I know, Kelly Marks, Monty Roberts and associates only ever use the dummy rider if they have a horse that is unwilling to accept a rider for some reason...it's usually through past 'remembered' pain or being badly backed. It's a last resort. To be honest your mare sounds so nice it's not worth risking putting her through something that might potentially traumatise her, i.e. causing the dummy to fall off next to her, and undo all your good work with her.

When she's been backed you could think about introducing a positive reward for standing still after you've dismounted, click and treat perhaps? Good luck with her, she sounds lovely!