2point on a 1/4 horse-we look odd

[Karin]

I took Claudia's suggestion of trotting around the ring a couple of times in a solid two-point before attempting the small jump or trotting poles to get a rhythm and tempo. I think that was great advice. This exercise made me realize my problem very quickly and why the jumps were a little discombobulated.

The Appaloosa/Qtr horse cross I ride naturally carries her head very low, particularly when we pick up a nice even trot. As soon as I rise a bit out of the saddle and rest my hands ever so slightly on her withers, she drops her head even lower and slows down. No matter how hard I squeeze we ultimately come to a grinding halt - and I do find myself leaning forward. (She bends down and I follow!) No wonder the jumps are messy!

Now what? I've ridden a few other horses (Arab, TB and Saddlebred) whose head carriage is very different - and I've been able to sail around in the two point no prob' in the ring, hacking no prob'.

What's the qtr. horse trick????

Thanks

[Sarah]

hello!

Hmm, it sounds to me like the horse is pulling you forward off balance which is then putting more weight on his forehand which then pulls you forward and gets you ahead of hte horse so he become unbalanced and stops.

Can you try riding in the 2 point position with your hands not resting (even lightly) on the withers? Having your hands there will encourage you to lean too far forward. Try to concentrate on putting your weight down into your feet, particularly your heels.

As the other horse have a differnt head carriage, it probably encourages you to sit further back so that you don't end up unbalancing yourself and the horse.

If the horse is trustworthy and your teacher agrees, you could try knotting the reins so that they don't trip up the horse, letting them go and putting your arms out to the side to help you find your balance point.

bye!

[CLAUDIA]

I'm happy to hear you've figured out what's going on, and I'm glad to have helped. :)

I'll have to thank my instructor too; she's helped me with many of the same problems you've had; that's where almost all of my advice on this message board comes from. :)

I don't know much about head carriage and why horse's do certain things like that, but Sarah's advice sounds very good (as usual :)).

GOOD LUCK!! :)