Horses

» Zenhorseman - Another "breaking" question

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