Thanks 'be positive'! Schooling tips for Llamas

Bernster

Bernster

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I can't find the thread now as it seems to have disappeared into the HHO ether but I think it was be positive who posted some great schooling tips on the 'riding a Llama' thread. Particularly the rein back to trot, and walk to canter, to help get the rear engine engaged, and leg yield followed by an upward transition (that might have been from someone else).

I have regular lessons and we've been working on various things but it was great to try something a little different/challenging. I really noticed it in the quality of the canter and in F starting to round and use himself better as a result.

The rein back tends to be a bit wobbly as he step out to the left. Any tips for correcting that other than to keep hold with the left leg? After we did the walk to canter work, he actually did rein back, couple of walk steps and then into canter. Not quite what I asked for but I am trying to encourage him to go forwards with more energy, so I worked on that a little bit too.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to those who post these great tips and share their experiences; it's much appreciated :)
 
I am glad the exercises helped, leg yield into a transition is so useful if you get the timing right they lift up and learn to move so much better through transitions.

Most will wobble a bit in rein back and step out one way until they really get it, it is far more difficult to do correctly under saddle than in hand so I would work on it in hand until he really steps back evenly and not put too much pressure on him ridden, I think he is big and young, otherwise it can become rather stilted or rushed and they end up taking uneven steps or they start to think backwards rather than forwards, ask for and accept a single good step then move forwards rather than asking for several and them getting worse, it doesn't take long to improve from one good step but can take a while to correct if they learn to take several poor ones.
 
Ooh did you start the thread Bernster? Shall have to do some stalking , it sounds a really fascinating and helpful thread.

I think of BP as being one of the most sensible and intelligent people on this forum, her advice is always excellent.
 
be positive said:
I am glad the exercises helped, leg yield into a transition is so useful if you get the timing right they lift up and learn to move so much better through transitions.

Most will wobble a bit in rein back and step out one way until they really get it, it is far more difficult to do correctly under saddle than in hand so I would work on it in hand until he really steps back evenly and not put too much pressure on him ridden, I think he is big and young, otherwise it can become rather stilted or rushed and they end up taking uneven steps or they start to think backwards rather than forwards, ask for and accept a single good step then move forwards rather than asking for several and them getting worse, it doesn't take long to improve from one good step but can take a while to correct if they learn to take several poor ones.
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Ah thx for the tips on rein back. I haven't done much in hand other than to work on manners etc so not flatwork focused,but have decided it would really benefit us both if I add an in hand session once a week. I also need to be careful with getting the balance right as he is so willing and is such a trier, I don't want to put him off by asking too much or too often with new things.

JennBags said:
Ooh did you start the thread Bernster? Shall have to do some stalking , it sounds a really fascinating and helpful thread.

I think of BP as being one of the most sensible and intelligent people on this forum, her advice is always excellent.
Click to expand...

Haha no I didn't start it but I have nabbed tips off it. That thread must be in the dusty archive by now this forum is so active. I commented on it but can't remember who started the thread.
 
Ah but never under estimate my ability to get things a££e about face! It could well have been another thread (maybe casey76 who posted about the same time about why is it...). At least I do seem to have it right that bp gave the tips!
 
The thread does seem to have disappeared. I was playing on some of the exercises myself last night. Apparently halt to trot and back to halt is very exciting and warrants squealing.
 
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