Horse won't halt square and still, suggestions please!

T

Tharg

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Littley Bee-atch keeps walking the halt with her mouth open. If I get her to halt she will decide to move forward as soon as my hands are relaxed.

Today was not a good session, may have been the combination of the weather, chestnut mare and moody owner!

She is in a snaffle with cherry rollers. I may put a flash on her to see it it helps.

Any excerises or ideas much appreciated.

Any ideas of what I can do with her inhand?

Until I get the halt and straightness sorted I don't the merit in trying to do anything else.
 
Ground work, practice everytime you lead, always push back, ( never forwards) until she stands square, then praise, I have always done this with my youngsters then they always automaticly stand square when halted.
 
There is a back man coming out to the yard soon but I would prefer an equine physio.

She did give me a good halt in the session this evening.
 
If she's opening her mouth, then you are maybe using too much hand into the halt, and not enough legs/seat. I've found it is easy to get into a tug-of-war with their gobs if you're not careful
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If she's trailing say, the left hind leg, then try to use more left leg to encourage her to step under.
If she hollows through her back, and raises her head, then you are maybe too forceful with the seat aid, so try lightening into the halt.
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I sounds random but practise by walking her into a wall/fence/other big object and don't give her the aid until the very last minute- it will sharpen her up so she realises you want the reaction NOW not when she fancies it in a few moments time
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hmmm... obviously my polo ponies go around with no contact, but i have recently been seriously schooling my mare because she would move off when i released the reins and bounce all over the place when i ask her to stop. the trick is timing - the minute you feel her stop (even if you know she is going to move off again!) release the reins. you have to be really quick with your hands. i started off doing this in walk, again and again, until she stops when i lift the rein! also, i always back up before i move off, so she knows that the next move is not forward. when back up, the second she takes a step, release
 
Check that you are sitting centrally. If your weight is more too one side or the other this will unbalance the horse enough so they can't halt squarley.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I sounds random but practise by walking her into a wall/fence/other big object and don't give her the aid until the very last minute- it will sharpen her up so she realises you want the reaction NOW not when she fancies it in a few moments time
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[/ QUOTE ]

PLEAE DON'T do this - have seen a horse rear & fall over in exactly the same scenario. Also gives potential for you to be slammed against the wall.
 
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