Horses

» Zenhorseman - tips on breaking a horse

In response to tips on breaking a horse posted by bravofarms:

I really need more information for this one..
Can you saddle him with him standing quietly and not tied?
What does he do if you saddle him and turn him loose in a round pen?
Can he carry the saddle at a walk, trot, and canter, with smooth transitions with no rider?
How good is his groundwork? Can you bend him softly with a light touch on the lead rope? Can you disengage his hindquarters? Can you move his frontquarters?
If he can do all these things in a relaxd and calm manner then he will move forward carrying a rider without bolting or bucking.
The reason that he bolts and bucks is because he is frightened and worried, troubled with what is happening. You are missing a lot of foundation work and thus not giving the horse a safe place to be.
Give me more information and I'll give you more explicit details.

-- posted by Zenhorseman

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» centaura57 - Another "breaking" question

First, I am really enjoying this site and all the information!!! Great job!

Now the question. I just backed my Arabian filly for the first time. If it makes a difference we are going bitless, treeless and barefoot. Once I was on her, she took about 3 steps on her own. Then we just stood there - 10 minutes of standing! lol I asked for a walk with my calves and voice (same voice as I ask for it on the ground) and got nothing but a look towards me - she seemed not to understand at all. I did this with a little more intensity up to 4 times, same lack of response. What method of getting her to go forward should I use? Should I use my original commands and a crop tap on her butt (have used buggy whip taps on the butt with ground work sometimes to get her going forward), or should I get someone to attach a lead to her and have us all start walking once I give the cues? I don't want her to experience any fright at this early stage. Appreciate the advice in advance!

-- posted by centaura57

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» Zenhorseman - Another "breaking" question

In response to Another "breaking" question posted by centaura57:

I appreciate the fact that you do not want to frighten your horse. Always keep that foremost in your mind. Meanwhile, try this:
1. Ride in a small area like a round pen or small corral. Loop the reins over the horn and do not touch them for the whole exercise. It does not matter where the horse goes. Any attempt to direct her at this point would simply discourage her forward movement.
2. Ask the horse to take a step by gently swinging your legs on and off the horse. No kicking! No squeezing.
3. When that doesn't work - spank your own thighs while continuing to swing your legs.
4. When that doesn't work - continue swinging your legs and spanking your thighs and start making kissing noises.
5. When that doesn't work - continue swinging your legs, spanking your thighs, making kissing noises, and add rhythmic taps (lightly! - with a crop or rope or whatever) on her hindquarters.
6. Keep doing number five until she tries to move a foot - even if it takes an hour or more!
7. The instant she tries to move a foot stop everything. Reward her for trying - even if it was only one step. And then start over.
8. No matter where you are in the sequence, stop immediately if she moves a foot.
KEEP THIS IN MIND: YOU ARE NOT TRYING TO MAKE HER MOVE! YOU ARE ONLY MAKING IT UNCOMFORTABLE FOR HER TO STAY WHERE SHE IS.
KEEP THIS IN MIND: SHE DOES NOT HAVE TO KEEP GOING! EVERY TIME SHE TRIES TO GO FORWARD REWARD HER. LET HER STOP IF SHE WISHES AND THEN YOU CAN ASK HER AGAIN.
Finally, when she starts walking all over the corral every which way - just go with her and don't ask for anything else yet. Ride with her and rob on her - let her know you appreciate the ride. As soon as she gets a few good strides - get off. Let her know she's a winner!
Good Luck,
Duane

-- posted by Zenhorseman

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