Pay attention

[sapphi&Poppy]

I need my horse to pay attention, what are some ways to let her know while riding to tell her that it's riding time and not her time.;) like when I tell her to slow down at the walk she dosn't listen. We know to stop trough:p

[jUmPingIsLifE]

voice voice voice! half halts to. if you think she is trucking around and she is out of it asleep try aplying slight heel or doing a small see-saw with the reins so just to say hey i am up here and we are riding not sleeping. something like that
~NikkI~

[emby]

i say be tough with your horse it always works.
If he/she does something you don't like punish her.
She will soon do what you say!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EMMA:p

[lamprellsarah]

punishments for slowing down are not always good ideas, horse naturally move away from pain or discomfort and askng to slow down at the same time is contadicating and you may make the situation worse.
half halts are fantastic and just playing with the reins slightly always works for chancer!! when i want chancer to come back to earth a smack only makes her fling her head up and set her jaw againest you, instead give her a nudge or squeeze with your legs and squeeze and release your hands until you feel her bringing her head in a bit and focusing!!
but she is also very voice obediant so maybe getting back on the ground and working from there may be a good option!

i only ever smack her with the whip, or tell her off if she is dragging along, and not listening to my forward aids ( doesn't apply when spooking, when spooking i talk softly and gently ask her to walk forward)

remeber reward your horse, when she does the right thing, this doesn't mean smoothering them or feeding titbits it can mean just a pat and kind word and letting her stretch (give the reins) and relax!!

does this help :) ???

[Dizzy]

I agree with Saz, punishing is not the answer, if you smack them you send them away from the blow - defeating the object and totally confusing for the horse, if you give a hefty or consistant pull in the mouth they'll learn to evade or lean.

The best aids we have is our voice, seat and legs. When you want to slow down or stop, sit up tall, advance your hips forward (this will tighten your bum muscles, blocking forward motion from behind) use your voice and squeeze/release the riens. Don't pull back and try to restrain the horse, they'll only lean on your hands, your reins should just suggest you want to slow or change direction.

Have you read 'A Kinder Way to Ride' on this web site, I'm sure you'll find some answers on there.

Lesley