Passing: Question For Heather

[Maci]

I'm going to order your book today, so it'll be on it's way tonight! But in the meantime, please help!

My ex-trail horse LOVES to follow butts! But whenever I try to get him to pass, he won't leave his friends! I shift weight, turn with the inside rein a few seconds before we approach the on coming horse (so he'll have time to react), block with me outside rein and give lots of outside leg. I'm light-handed on the reins. Sometimes I use my crop, but he is SO stubborn, and demands to stay in line!

This is a problem because when my trainer asks me just to canter by myself in a class, he won't pass, just resist! So eventually everyone goes to the middle so I can canter myself, with no obsticles.

Any Help?
Thanks,
Maci :)

[Heather]

HI Maci,

IT sounds to me as if he is just a bit too cute and knows he can get away with it! It is a difficult one to deal with, without seeing him do it. Does he do it with a more experienced rider on board?


Heather

[Maci]

As my instructor said that, only a few people have 'mastered' him into getting him to listen and do everything when they tell him. He is VERY stubborn, and determined to stay witht the rest of the group! Yesterday was the toughtest I've ever been on him, and he started to learn to listen to me. He passed, we trotted a few times around the arena, and he tried to go back to his friends, but I made him pass and go on. When he does pass, or get by himself, I can tell he gets very insecure and dependant, just by the way he walks and act, so I try to make more confident by urging him on with legs, seat, and voice.

I guess it's all a question with how disiplining I am on him. When I do learn to get a bit more aggresive, the truth with probably come!

Maci :)

[Heather]

HI Maci,

Don't think the word is 'aggressive', 'assertive' is a better one. Once he realises that you are not a soft touch and want cooperation, he wil start to respect you. Keep us posted-


HEather