Proper Cropping

[Stephelia]

In a previous thread, I complained about my horse who is being stubborn, and it was suggested that I use a crop to motivate him.

Could I please get some advice on the proper use of a crop? I want to motivate the horse with mimimal negative reinforcement.

Thanks!
Steph

[larri]

give a firm, clear leg aid if the horse doesn't respond back it up with a tap with the crop - preferably a schooling whip and do it just behind your leg. Don't keep banging away at your horses sides with your leg.
Most importantly make sure you aren't blocking the horses forward movement with your body or hands as this will totally confuse him. Be prepared for him to jump forwards the first time - this is actually a good response and you should then gradually be able to lessen the number of times you have to use the crop or increased leg pressure to get a nice forward responsive horse!

[Meeko]

I had to use a crop on my old barn's hyper , most forward going pony. Let me tell you , I wasn't expecting him to be JUMPING the trotting poles , or even CANTERING them. They had everyone using crops , and I didn't need one. Its nice to know how to use one , but they just handed it to you and figured you would figure it out. Yeah Right :rolleyes:

[snuggly_elf]

It all depends on the situation as to how to use a crop. I used to ride a lovely norweigen fjord pony who was great fun to ride, very forward going but every so often she would decided to take the p*** and spook at every day objects that she would usually walk past with out batting an eye lid. So in this situation, when no amount of leg would persuade her to walk past a loose sheep I used a crop on her shoulder and told her in no unsertain terms that she had better walk on or they'red be real trouble. (my crop was a branch from a handy bush!) She would eventually walk past it when she realised that you knew she was putting it on. (she did make for a great pony to canter on as she'd shie at every stone and puddle on the path and if you've ever riden in the highlands you'll know that most of the paths there are stoney!)
Snugs:D