How do I make my horse work in an outline?!?!?

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Keeva

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I bought a new horse a couple of months back, she really would be a smart horse if I could just get her to work in an outline, at the moment she really does look like a giraffe! when i bought her the previous owner managed to get her working nicely, I have tried so many different techniques but she won't she won't stay like it. Does anyone know any ways?

:o
 
It's generally something you have to build up gradually! Even just a couple of strides of working well should be rewarded. If she often goes like a giraffe, it might be because she hasn't got much topline, so finds working over her back hard. You can build this up with hill work, lunging and pole work.

Also, remember that the headset is just a small part of the overall picture, and she won't come into a proper outline unless she is working well off the leg. Once she is forward, supple, straight, and relaxed through her back, the outline should come naturally! The answer to this question usually seems to be more leg :) Hold the reins so that you have a gentle, even feel on her mouth, keep your hands still but elastic, and ride her forwards into it.
 
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Are you asking consistently one way or getting impatient if you don't get the response you want? Me and my horse are very much a work in progress and his preferred way of going is like a giraffe, but if I ask consistently the same way from getting on it can sometimes take 15-20 mins before he starts to soften, I just have to be really patient, once he's got the idea sometimes he'll stay in an outline and work nicely, other times he's in and out of an outline for that particular session. If I change my way of asking at any point it's like starting from the beginning again. We are getting slowly better but it's something that is worth taking your time over.
So frustrating when other people get in their horses and as soon as they pick up their reins the horse is in an outline though!!!!
You'll get there if you persevere (we both will!) x
 
Are you warming up properly ? I was always taught ten minutes in walk, ten in trot before you started asking for more....
 
You can't MAKE her, if you do it will be false outline and just block her forward movement. It is a huge subject and if you are asking that question suggests that you are inexperienced in terms of the horse's balance etc. Get a good instructor - it isn't something that can be explained in a brief thread on line.
 
JillA said:
You can't MAKE her, if you do it will be false outline and just block her forward movement. It is a huge subject and if you are asking that question suggests that you are inexperienced in terms of the horse's balance etc. Get a good instructor - it isn't something that can be explained in a brief thread on line.
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As above find a good instructor and allow yourself plenty of time. If the horse went well for the previous owner, it is your position that you need to concentrate on, not the horse's.
 
Have a look at the pyramid of training as a guide. I refur to it quite often as I find its a good way of making sure I don't run before I can walk. If all these foundations have been put in place it will make your job easier. These things take time, don't expect an overnight miracle :)
 
Every horse works in an outline, just maybe not the outline you want ;) If you want your horse to work correctly, as others have said, get a good classical instructor, preferably one that also knows centered riding.
 
JillA said:
You can't MAKE her, if you do it will be false outline and just block her forward movement. It is a huge subject and if you are asking that question suggests that you are inexperienced in terms of the horse's balance etc. Get a good instructor - it isn't something that can be explained in a brief thread on line.
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Yes I know I can't make her do it over night, this is why I asked the question! Yes, obviouly I am inexperienced, otherwise I wouldn't have asked! Also I do have a good instructor.
 
I second what others have already said re time, training, balance etc but it could also be that she is not physically able to work in the outline you want at the moment. Incorrect foot balance have a huge effect on the horses overall way of going and I have seen many that were struggling to maintain a classical frame suddenly start to find it all so much easier when this issue is correctly addressed.

Start by tying your horse up in the yard, let it relax and place it's legs where it wants to (ie don't try and get it stand square yourself). Then look at it directly side on. Are the legs "like a table" or is it standing "like a goat on a rock" with both sets of feet under the body? If it is the latter then there is very possibly additional strain being added through the quarters and into the back leaving the horse with little option but to carry it's self in a giraffe like frame. You need to have a good chat with your hoofcare professional about rebalancing the feet as this could be a major contributing factor.
 
Without ending in a big arguement.

1: Pulling/sawing/different bits will only P* your horse off or put it into a false outline
2: Before working to an outline, try understanding the basics - follow the pyramid of training.
3: Make sure your horse is comfortable in what you're asking, does it have conformational issues that stop it going in a true outline? Does all it's tack fit correctly?
4: As previously stated, a good instructor would be able to help you from the word go, if yours has not taught you the basics of an outline and how to achieve such, I would say they are not good.
5: Finally, an outline comes from the hocks up. The horse has to be engaged and working round over it's back, which will then flow into a rounded outline and acceptance of the bit and bridle. A hollow horse, dragging itself with it's front legs, but has a beautifully rounded neck is not in an outline.

ho.jpg
 
JennyConnor said:
Without ending in a big arguement.

1: Pulling/sawing/different bits will only P* your horse off or put it into a false outline
2: Before working to an outline, try understanding the basics - follow the pyramid of training.
3: Make sure your horse is comfortable in what you're asking, does it have conformational issues that stop it going in a true outline? Does all it's tack fit correctly
4: As previously stated, a good instructor would be able to help you from the word go, if yours has not taught you the basics of an outline and how to achieve such, I would say they are not good.
5: Finally, an outline comes from the hocks up. The horse has to be engaged and working round over it's back, which will then flow into a rounded outline and acceptance of the bit and bridle. A hollow horse, dragging itself with it's front legs, but has a beautifully rounded neck is not in an outline.

ho.jpg
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thank you, this has been really helpful!
 
I would defo speak with your instructor as it's difficult to advise without seeing you riding your horse. But don't be tempted to pull the head, this only creates an unbalanced horse in a false outline, risking muscle strain. It all has to come from behind with the horse moving forward freely bringing the hocks underneath the body. Don't lose heart as it does take time. But really ask your instructor as he/she is in the best position to help you.
 
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