Denbob
Well-Known Member
In contrast to the other thread, what are some exercises you find really useful for motivating a horse who can be difficult to get thinking forward!
Totally agree with this, also clear aids, leg off, leg on if you don't get a reaction, make it sharper but don't nag and back up with a sharp tap if you still don't get the reaction you want but make sure you "give with your hands" as soon as you get a forward reaction. I'm rubbish at this but I know it works!Millie arrived in June and she was stuffy, lazy and unmotivated. I remember sitting on her in the school in the first week, sweating like a pig (me, not her) and realising I had a big job on my hands. If anything now, she is generally on the hot side because I have got her fit and supple (and straight!) and suddenly she finds everything so much easier to do. Plus, the day she realised that I wasn’t going to clamp my legs around her sides every stride, she started to really open up.
I hacked Rose today with a friend who's horse was a bit naughty. Good test for Rose though as she coped well, didn't get too wound up despite the other horse crashing into her, was prepared to go in front past the scary pony in a spotted rug running up and down the fence line and also dealt well with some really big farm machinery. I'm taking her to do a couple of UA tests tomorrow, trying a novice as we have to do that level for Quest, just to see how we go. Her canter is improving but she still needs a lot of leg and seat to keep it contained otherwise it's all a bit free! Saturday she's having off as she's had a very busy week then on Sunday I am doing a test riding clinic at Novice.
Good luck to everyone competing and have fun whatever you are doing. I might take my camera (if I can remember) to the clinic but otherwise no pics as Billy no mates has to go on her own!
Going hunting seems to work....
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.