domane
28th Jan 2006, 09:26 PM
OK, self-confessed "happy hacker" here - no delusions of being a particularly good rider, but I can stay on!! Would love to be able to afford some lessons but can't at the mo....
Have books, like to read up.... One of my books suggests that when you are schooling you should only hold only one rein so as to have to use your legs and weight more to keep your horse on track... it was bloomin' freezing this morning when I stupidly ventured into the outdoor school and we were the only pair in there so I thought "What the heck, no distractions, let's give it a go".... and do you know? She only flippin well responded to me!!! I let go of my outside rein and just used my legs to keep her "pushed" out onto the track and then I just used the slightest movement of my fingers on the rein to turn her in circles and she did everything I asked. I was flabbergasted!!! Having recently down-graded her from the dutch gag she came with to an eggbutt snaffle, I am delighted that she is responding to such gentle aids. Now I am not claiming any credit for her - reckon she must have had some good schooling sometime in the past although I know for a fact she has been a happy-hacker cob herself for the past 8 years. But I am so proud that the pair of us managed that. Confession.... it only lasted about 10 mins as it was so cold I gave up and headed her back to her cozy stable but she is SUCH a clever gal still.... :D
Next time I think I will try again just using her outside rein.... circles should be fun!!!!
Have books, like to read up.... One of my books suggests that when you are schooling you should only hold only one rein so as to have to use your legs and weight more to keep your horse on track... it was bloomin' freezing this morning when I stupidly ventured into the outdoor school and we were the only pair in there so I thought "What the heck, no distractions, let's give it a go".... and do you know? She only flippin well responded to me!!! I let go of my outside rein and just used my legs to keep her "pushed" out onto the track and then I just used the slightest movement of my fingers on the rein to turn her in circles and she did everything I asked. I was flabbergasted!!! Having recently down-graded her from the dutch gag she came with to an eggbutt snaffle, I am delighted that she is responding to such gentle aids. Now I am not claiming any credit for her - reckon she must have had some good schooling sometime in the past although I know for a fact she has been a happy-hacker cob herself for the past 8 years. But I am so proud that the pair of us managed that. Confession.... it only lasted about 10 mins as it was so cold I gave up and headed her back to her cozy stable but she is SUCH a clever gal still.... :D
Next time I think I will try again just using her outside rein.... circles should be fun!!!!