Bananaman
Well-Known Member
Although I've broken many, many horses over the years, both for employers and as a self employed trainer, now that Spider's time is coming I have no help here and had decided to send him to my trainer to be backed.
He is only 2yrs old but at 16.1 and a warmblood colt, it is often considered the norm with them to back at 2, then turn them away for the winter and redo in their 3rd year.
So, Spider went to 'boarding school' yesterday.
My trainer no longer does the backing himself but has a Brazilian chap that is apparantly quite unorthodox but quite brilliant in his approach. Very quiet, confident and just rides forwards. I was warned that there is no 'on the bit' or pretty position etc but at 2, all I really expect is that Spider learns to accept the saddle, rider's weight and learn how to go forwards, stop and turn, with confidence.
I had been told that Gino would possibly get on the first day,
, but took it with a pinch of salt. As I live about 90 miles away, I did ask though if I could see him work him on the day we arrived as I'd not be able to get back until I pick him up 2 weeks later.
No problem, I was told.
What I tell you next is no word of a lie nor an exaggeration.
Spider has been VERY lightly lunged with bridle, roller and side reins but that's it.
Gino tacked him up inc. saddle in the stable. No reaction.
Lunged him for 10-15 mins with saddle on and stirrups down. No reaction.
Trainer asks Gino if he wants to get on. Yes, he says and hardly before I can pick up my camera, is on. No lying over, no keeping body down, just straight on and up. No reaction.
Trainer leads Gino round in a couple of circles whilst Gino pats Spider all over inc behind the saddle......TINY lift of his bum so Gino pats him behind the saddle again.....no reaction!
Trainer then lunges Spider with Gino on for about 2-3 mins then lets him loose and Gino proceeds to ride around the school in trot AND canter for another 10 mins.
No reaction!
Granted, steering was almost nil but it was just forward, forward, forward. Gino's position is far from orthodox......long, flapping reins, long stirrups, body all over the place but SO relaxed, quiet and calm that he exudes confidence which is obviously passed onto the horse.
In the next fortnight, the plan is for a bit more work in the small school by himself then into the bigger school working with the other horses and small 'hacks' round the farm to see the sights.
If I'd not seen it with my own eyes I'd have not believed it.
For those of you that don't believe it either, or are interested, pics and a short vid are in the PG.
He is only 2yrs old but at 16.1 and a warmblood colt, it is often considered the norm with them to back at 2, then turn them away for the winter and redo in their 3rd year.
So, Spider went to 'boarding school' yesterday.
My trainer no longer does the backing himself but has a Brazilian chap that is apparantly quite unorthodox but quite brilliant in his approach. Very quiet, confident and just rides forwards. I was warned that there is no 'on the bit' or pretty position etc but at 2, all I really expect is that Spider learns to accept the saddle, rider's weight and learn how to go forwards, stop and turn, with confidence.
I had been told that Gino would possibly get on the first day,
No problem, I was told.
What I tell you next is no word of a lie nor an exaggeration.
Spider has been VERY lightly lunged with bridle, roller and side reins but that's it.
Gino tacked him up inc. saddle in the stable. No reaction.
Lunged him for 10-15 mins with saddle on and stirrups down. No reaction.
Trainer asks Gino if he wants to get on. Yes, he says and hardly before I can pick up my camera, is on. No lying over, no keeping body down, just straight on and up. No reaction.
Trainer leads Gino round in a couple of circles whilst Gino pats Spider all over inc behind the saddle......TINY lift of his bum so Gino pats him behind the saddle again.....no reaction!
Trainer then lunges Spider with Gino on for about 2-3 mins then lets him loose and Gino proceeds to ride around the school in trot AND canter for another 10 mins.
Granted, steering was almost nil but it was just forward, forward, forward. Gino's position is far from orthodox......long, flapping reins, long stirrups, body all over the place but SO relaxed, quiet and calm that he exudes confidence which is obviously passed onto the horse.
In the next fortnight, the plan is for a bit more work in the small school by himself then into the bigger school working with the other horses and small 'hacks' round the farm to see the sights.
If I'd not seen it with my own eyes I'd have not believed it.
For those of you that don't believe it either, or are interested, pics and a short vid are in the PG.
