char.lotte
Member
I have been exercising a small gypsy cob that is a dream on the ground - when he isn't desperately snatching at any form of food!
He has been in inconsistent work throughout his life after being broken by a novicey man to do light hacking and enjoy, he has always been
slow off the leg and mellow.
I have started slowly building up our hacking and getting him balanced at a canter and trot, more importantly listening to aids and working with his suppleness and flexibility whilst out and about doing what he is most comfortable/used to before applying it to light schooling, (some low level showing has been spoken about but I do not believe he would enjoy it). The eventual aim is to get him going nicely off the leg and transition to canter without arguing with me.
I personally find he is not an enjoyable ride because of his lack of enthusiasm for everything, disregard of aids and focus on food. Saying this, I really do love him and he has such a huge personality.
I have done some research into liberty training and I think it could massively benefit him in regards to attitude, confidence, respect and focus. It would also be a nice way to introduce him to the school more that just some walk, trot, halt, figures and poles which I think causes his attention to stray.
I have read a bit and understand the process to some extent but how do I do even begin; yes I know consistency is key but how do I begin? All his life he is used to walking behind a person... when you walk shoulder to shoulder he slows to a halt despite vocal encouragement.
Could anyone offer some insight into how to begin basic liberty?
How do I encourage activity in upward transitions?
How best to kindly teach him shoulder to shoulder walk?
Thank you all!
He has been in inconsistent work throughout his life after being broken by a novicey man to do light hacking and enjoy, he has always been
slow off the leg and mellow.
I have started slowly building up our hacking and getting him balanced at a canter and trot, more importantly listening to aids and working with his suppleness and flexibility whilst out and about doing what he is most comfortable/used to before applying it to light schooling, (some low level showing has been spoken about but I do not believe he would enjoy it). The eventual aim is to get him going nicely off the leg and transition to canter without arguing with me.
I personally find he is not an enjoyable ride because of his lack of enthusiasm for everything, disregard of aids and focus on food. Saying this, I really do love him and he has such a huge personality.
I have done some research into liberty training and I think it could massively benefit him in regards to attitude, confidence, respect and focus. It would also be a nice way to introduce him to the school more that just some walk, trot, halt, figures and poles which I think causes his attention to stray.
I have read a bit and understand the process to some extent but how do I do even begin; yes I know consistency is key but how do I begin? All his life he is used to walking behind a person... when you walk shoulder to shoulder he slows to a halt despite vocal encouragement.
Could anyone offer some insight into how to begin basic liberty?
How do I encourage activity in upward transitions?
How best to kindly teach him shoulder to shoulder walk?
Thank you all!
