Mounting Problem

[painpeach]

I just began leasing an 11 yr old Tennesse Walker. He has had some training, but he also seems to have a few vices that I would like to work on with him. The first is that he walks off when I mount. Any suggestions on how to work with him so that he stays put until I ask him to go forward?

Also he often times will not stop right away when I ask. I have been trying to back him up whenever he finally does stop, but I would like to know if there is anything else that I can do.

Thanks for your advice!

Heidi

[luv horses]

Hi painpeach

I don't know if this will help you at all but here goes

I was watching an aussie program about this the other day. The instructor (who's into natural horsemanship) started to half mount this ladies horse (who obviously did this quite abit) but didn't hop on. When the horse moved off he stepped back down and prodded him firmly (just so it was uncomfortable) with his thumb behind the girth area. The horse kept going around in circles but when the horse stopped he stopped and I think praised or patted him. He repeated this a few times and before long the horse didn't move off when he was mounted! It was amazing!

I have recently been riding a friend's horse who doesn't like to stand still and have been trying this with him. When he moves off without me telling him to I gently bring his nose towards my feet and as soon as he stops turning in this circle I release the rein and praise him. I have been practising this with both reins and found so far it seems to be helping. This is also to help him to be more flexible and hopefully help me in a crisis situation! I've also been trying to sit down more in the saddle close my legs around him and stop my hands moving as he was taking a bit to stop at times.

Sorry this is so long hope some it helps!

[Shady_Indigo]

ahh i think i have seen the show you were talking about... it was heaps interesting.

[virtuallyhorses]

Try some 'chill out ' training I had the same problems with my guy - no stop button, someone getting on meant 'GO!'.

But do also check that there isn't a gear problem - soreness from saddles can also make a horse want to 'run away' from the problem, so do check that out first - even little pinches over the withers will make your horse not want to stand still.

Anyway - for the mounting problem - find an area where you can mount and if necessary deal with a little 'fight' - ie hard stony ground isn't your best place.

Mount up and then insist that he stay still afterwards (and not just for 10 seconds! really still so that he understands what you want) - when he does immediately release all rein pressure and praise, praise praise! give him a scratch on the neck. Then ask him to move off.

I trained for a 'chill out' in the arena first, I found it easier. In that case go into the arena\paddock, where-ever you train and then ask him to halt (don't worry if he takes his time at the moment). When he's halted, give the reins. If he steps - ask for a halt again. Continue until he 'gets it' - just sit there and chill out for a while - You'll often get a big 'sigh' and feel him relax - then you'll know he understands that its ok to stand still .

When you want him to move on, do it really relaxed, long rein, don't ask for anything other than whatever he's prepared to give. Let his head drag on the ground...

If you can train this every time you enter the arena for a week or so, then ask for the same at the mounting block. He'll get it. :) Mine now watches me board and waits with his head turned on a completely loose rein for a 'walk-on' - which for a horse that couldn't bear to stand for a second is pretty good! :)

Don't back him up after a halt - it's like 2 submissions instead of 1 submit (the halt) and then a reward (walk forward) - too hard for him. Anyway work on the 'chill' first and you may be pleasantly surprised that the halt improves anyway.

[unicorndanca]

Originally posted by luv horses


I was watching an aussie program about this the other day


I also watched this program and tried these things and my horse who when I was just in the saddle use to walk off now stands still until I'm ready.

[FreedomStar]

make sure there is nothing wrong with the horses back. sometimes, too much mounting from the ground is not good for a horses back. My riding school has several mounting blocks for us to use, even if we are riding one of the ponies.