How won't seek contact.

[GreenEyedMonster]

My new, very very green mare is 11 and thus far only knows how to stop, go, turn and jump!

I've literally only had her for a couple of weeks and I'm trying my utmost to teach her to accept my leg and hand.
Whilst she is picking my leg aids well (I have done some groundwork using a schooling whip and incorporating turn on the forehands/pressure and release, and also under saddle) she is still clueless about taking the contact.

What SIMPLE and CLEAR exercises or advice do you have that I might be able to try and make Inge more straightforward for her?

So far she will accept the bit and contact itself but does not take my hands forward, she holds her head and neck in a false frame and when I did ask her to stretch for the contact she had no idea, she just lengthened her neck, poked her nose and when I sponged the reins (gently) she giraffed!



She accepts the contact in the sense that she doesn't resist, save for when I sponge the reins as she stretches, but that of course is useless if she isn't going to take it forwards.
I'm trying my utmost to be patient but I'm used to a schoolmaster so what can you all suggest?

I am very strongly against gadgets, especially side reins, as she was put in these before I had her hence the false frame.
I should add that she is otherwise a pleasure, when she canters it's the most fantastic uphill, powerful but rythmical canter and she is lovely and responsive.

Would transitions help for her to take contact or just help engagement?
I'm reluctant to do any spiralling as she is not the most balanced (this is greatly improved in just a dew days though)!

thanks!

 

[paddi22]

there was a good video recently on horsehero about a horse avoiding contact... http://horsehero.com/v-119755/Wayne...to-carry-himself-with-help-from-Roger-Gregory

Obvious questions but, have her teeth been checked by a decent dentist and have you tried different bits?

 

[DirectorFury]

Lessons would be best as you really need someone on the ground to tell you when and what to do. Try and find an instructor that doesn't advocate 'sponging' the reins.

I suspect that the methods used by Phillipe Karl and the school of Legerete (can't do French accents on this keyboard) may help with teaching your mare to seek the contact . Perhaps post on the PK Facebook group with your location and someone may be able to help you find a good local instructor.