no brakes!!....

[jack9]

rode this morning - *in the rain*.... my 4 year old mare, has a new saddle which i just put on and just got on with it (shes a star takes everything in her stride)!.... since arrival a few weeks ago shes getting more forward when ridden (shes only on chaff)... but nothing stupid or daft behaviour..... just no brakes!!

shes fine from trot back down to walk..... but walk to halt consists of giraffe look and not stopping for several strides....

I sit back and use my voice and seat (i use the word stand). Shes in a full cheek snaffle - i do not want to put anything harsher in her mouth as when out on the field - shes actually ok - she has brakes - its just in the school she just does her giraffe impression...

any help reinforcing the stand/stop?? I assume its somthing im doing wrong as shes only a baby so its me

thanks

 

[Dizzydancer]

Not sure and im sure someone will correct me, probably best to do some ground work with her...lunging/long reining even leading her in the school and asking her to stand so she associates the word/tone of voice. Maybe when riding try have somebody there who can hold her also so whn you want her to stand they can help reinforce her by pputting minimal pressure on her shoulders. TBH it is probably just her being young and in experienced so take your time dont rush anything but definately dont strengthen her bit for not standing and at a young age.

My Arab x TB his stand was improed by taking a nice deep breath in to sit extra tall and then releasing it slowly "into saddle" took me a while to master but he now stops when i do this with a little squeeze of rains. Good luck

 

[jack9]

thanks yep she definately doesnt need a strong bit! shes fab on grass (which is weird)! however we have only walked/trotted on grass and in the schoo, (we have yet to introduce canter as i dont think the school surface is great atm because of the rain)!...

but i have no doubt she will slow from canter to trot when we do - the girl just does not like to stand still

we have lunged and she has been long reined in her old home - she will stand in hand... just in the school :/ - but like i said its not stupid or dangerous behaviour just babyish

 

[Dizzydancer]

Well aslong as its not dangerous carry on your routine and then hopefully as she gets a bit older and wiser and starts to realise you want to stop then you should have that as it doesnt sound too much like a control issue. My Arabx will now stand for about 1minute before dancing around his front end which is slightly awkward on lanes when cars coming past!!