sprite1978
Well-Known Member
Horse reacts to pressure, QED - Dont apply pressure... Go back to the beginning, different surfaces, going "thru" wings, get people to hold things above your head as you go under. Be creative. Ask for the energy from behind, not from the front....
If Chico has gotten as bad as you are saying then no "gadgets" are going to help you, its like trying to put a sticking plaster over a gaping wound, It'll only get worse and reinforce his behaviour.
I have a suggestion. PM me if you are interested.
I completely agree with this. If you drag, he will pull away and rear. Create the energy from behind. It worked for me. This is what i did.
1. Put the bit and bridle on, with a lunge line. As if you were lunging.
2. Have a lunge whip in you spare hand, and lead the horse forward. Preferably start the walk out of sight of the box. Try not to be any further forward than the shoulder. Walk with purpose to the van, give a couple of flicks with the lunge whip behind him so he knows its there, and get him active.
3. When you get to the van...Dont pause in anticipation. Try to walk straight in
4. If he trys to back off, flick the lunge whip.
5. If he really tries to duck out, quickly let the lunge line slip through your hand and turn it into a lunging session. Driving him from behind with the whip. Do this for a couple of circles. Then as he is still active, shorten the line and march toward the van again. Repeat until he realises that the van is the place where he doesnt have to work.
It works. He is only rearing to pull away from the dragging pressure....So drive drive drive!
good luck