Question: I have two problems! I am just beginning to long line our 2 yr. old, 16 hand, ASB gelding. As a weanling he was shown in one futurity and then let down to mature. We could see that due to his rapid growth he was going to be awkward as well as
clumsy. When he is just out in the pasture he will mostly run.
In the round pen he will strike a trot, sometimes it is breath
taking to watch but, most of the time it is pacey (both feet on the
same side move at the same time.) His awkwardness mainly appears
when he is coming to a stop, he will roll over on his toes in the
rear, like a stumble. His feet are trimmed every 6 weeks.
Is this considered "Naturally Gaited, Broken in the middle, ambling or
pacing?" He carries his head bent at the poll and his neck
well up. He has fantastic shoulders and a nice dip at the withers.
His dam has one of those big upright floating almost stationary trots.
He appears loose and awkward. "How do get and maintain the correct
animated trot?"
The other problem is bridling. Even as a weanling it took
a rocket scientist to get a halter on him. You had to move slowly
and nothing could giggle. He would throw his head up and even rear.
I have thought him to drop his head to my feet and stay their but, the
minute I start to apply any head gear up he goes. I have to use a
quick change head stall and apply the bit after, I have the head stall
on. I can clipper his bridle path, face and
whiskers so long as I stay away from his ears and forehead. This
is very frustrating and time consuming but, I refuse to loose my temper
or interest. Any suggestions?
From Panelist Nancy
If he were mine, I would start him in the round pen with him bitted
up (with a relaxed rein). Even though he is in a round pen, in order
to control and direct him better I would use a longe line.
First, tell him to "walk". When he understands that well (and you
praise him each time he walks when you tell him to), then ask him
to "trot". Whenever he comes up with something other than a trot,
stop him in a gentle manner and ask again. When he does trot,
immediately let him stop and praise him. When he is quite consistent
at taking up the trot when asked, then lengthen the time that he
trots. Always praise him, but stop him and start over if he does
anything else. Later, when he is quite consistent at trotting when
asked, if he paces or "whatever" instead of trotting, you can be
a little more corrective when you stop him and then ask for the trot
again. Repeat until you get the trot. Then praise!
Sounds like your horse is definitely gaited. Later, when he
is very consistent at trotting, you can start him on his rack
for the 5 gaited class.
About the bridling problem. This can usually be corrected very
easily with SUGAR! Some people might not approve of this method
- but what's the difference between that and any other praise.
Use what works. And at my age the easiest is the best!
First, teach him to eat sugar lumps. He will love them once
he tries them. Then when you are putting the bridle on, as you
slip the bit into his mouth let the lump of sugar go in with it.
A
couple times like that and he will put the bridle on himself!
Nancy Cade
