An abundance of enthusiasm!

[smartie]

Having purchased in Feb 00 a 4 1/4 yr old Dales x ID gelding I have come across some problems which I am trying still to "iron out". He was only recently broken in Feb when I got him and came ridden ina Vulcanite Pelham. This caused me no end of problems with rearing, bucking, shying, napping and rushing. I then went to an eggbut snaffle and finally a French Loose ring and have totally eradicated the bucking and rearing and to an extent the rushing. He is a very strong chap and he can in Walk only move in a nice outline, accepting the bit on both reins. However, my problems start when we change to trot. I get two to three paces of trot in an outline then up comes his head, I can see right down his nose, his back hollows and we have a fight on our hands trying to slow him with half halts, turns and small circles. His teeth are OK, he has been checked by the vet no problems, his tack is OK. I have an abundance of enthusiasm and keeness to get it right as quickly as possible from him and I think he is petrified of getting it wrong. I wonderd if his previous owner really did chastise him and he thinks he will get that from me. I brng him back to halt, release the reins as a thank you, bring him back on the bit, ask for walk, again bring him (if not alread) back on the bit until I am satisfied we are calm and then ask for trot again. He has a very extravagant high action (bred for driving) and I am starting to get frustrated. Any advice?

[Heather]

Such a pity that the previous idiot owners had ridden him in a Pelham, without having any clue as to it's proper use. They have probably damaged the curb groove which contains a reflex point, and which normally produces instant lowering of the head when the curb action of the bit is correctly applied, that is totally without force, merely to activate the reflex point, so that the lower jaw relaxes, as does the poll, then the head lowers of it's own accord.

Unfortunately, they have made life more difficult for you, because if he already resents the one bit that could achieve what you are seeking in a very short time. Without seeing him, it is very difficult for me to make other suggestions. I do when time permits, do video assessments. Email me privately if you would like one.

have you had a look at my website, or have my book, perhaps. You will see there photos of what can be achieved in the Pelham, when it is used in it's prper context, without force!


Heather http://www.piaffe.org/heather_moffett