Sorry, me again-just one more question?

[Spotty_Pony]

Well, my pony is slowly getting there! We're still practicing neck reining, and he's very responsive with the gaits. But he can't turn very well- western or english- he doesn't have much balance, how can I improve this? Also, how do I teach him to "swivle" around on the forehand? The only way he can turn is if he does a circle, which isn't exactly appropriate in western. Will this come with practise? Or do I need to master the basics first such as neck reining?

I'ld really appreciate it if somebody could give me some advice!

Thank you

SP

Ps. Don't worry! I'm getting lessons soon- I just wish I had a western pony to practice on in the meantime! :P

[SugarKane]

Well to teach him all the things he is going to need, you should ask a trainer!
How oldis your horse? you rode himenglish before am I right? So what level ?
I don't know If ya call it in your country like in Germany. the Levels are here E,A,L,M,S

[Spotty_Pony]

Sorry, I don't know what level. In my country we have certificates, we have not sat any but he's probably a C or D certificate. We are desperately seeking a trainer but my pony doesn't load so we can't get him anywhere, but I've asked a man down the road who I've seen do western in his paddock, he still needs to return my call though. So in the meantime I'm reading books and watching all the western riders lol! I don't want to show- I just want to have a bit of fun with it! Lol. My pony is 13yo.

[cvb]

spotty pony (from a fellow appy owner ;) )

with a lot of the lateral work, including turn on forehand, it is useful to work on it from the ground first. It helps you control and guide the movement and teaches the horse to step away from pressure. You get to practice the right balance of stopping the head, shoulders, forelegs, and moving the hind end.

You'd start with just asking for one step over, and build up.

If you have tried this ridden and got a circle, it is probably because thats what you are (inadvertantly) asking for ;) Check your aids and make sure you ARE asking the shoulder to stay put, while asking the hind quarters to move around.

If the horse has not done this before, they often initially interpret the leg aid as "Forward" rather than "across and over". So you have to be very clear in what you ask for i.e. "not forward, but away from my leg" and reward the try. i.e. don't expect anything more than a step or two to start !

[Spotty_Pony]

Thank you! I'll begin my practises soon! ;) Thank you!!!