training my arabian mare Shy-Ann in trail class

[shyarabian2002]

I need some info on showing my arabian Shy-Ann in trail class. Shy-Ann is my best friend, I LOVE her so MUCH. Shy-Ann has 165 days of professional training under saddle. I ride Shy western. Shy-Ann is red chestnut, 3 white pasterns, white blaze, strawberry blonde mane and tail, 14.2 hh and she will be 4 yrs old this year. Any info u can provide is VERY helpful and deeply appreciated by Shy-Ann and I. PLEASE help me out. ALSO SHY IS VERY SMART and a quick learner. Shy and I have a WONDERFUL bond, we trust each other WHOLEHEARTDLY, like i said any info u can provide is very helpful, THANK YOU !!


Lis & ~ ~ Shy-Ann ~ ~

[myEllie]

Some of the basic obstacles in trail class are walking over a bridge, opening and closing a gate, side passing along a rail, opening a mail box, putting on a long jacket or cape, walking through a water puddle, backing through an L or series of cones weaving in and out of cones (at a lope), and walking under a hanging sheet or the like. Some of the things like the jacket, the mail box, bridge, gate, sheet and puddle, you can start with her in hand. Leading her through the obstacles will make her more confindent when you ride her. You may also have to do walk overs which consist of a series of raised poles set at different heights and distances. Make sure you don't jump them. Trust me, I've done it before. :D If you need to know anything else, just ask. I love trail class although my horse really doesn't. :(

[RoxR]

I'm hoping to be able to do trail with my youngster as it reminds me of a 'grown up handy pony' which I used to love doing! However I think Roxy might have other ideas - I took her to western clinic last Sunday and spent almost an hour and a half trying to convince her that the ducks in the next paddock were not planning some evil plot to eat her for lunch!!!

Oh well, a bit of work needed there then!!!
LOL!
:D