No Brakes...now what?! (Long, sorry need help!)

merleliz · 08-07-2008, 12:22 AM

Well, we have discovered a real problem with my new horse Ty. The brakes just don't work. You put on the brakes and the pedal just goes straight to the floor and you have to wait for him to run out of gas.

Our first trail ride was no problem. He walked along behind Bita all the way out, and led back to the trailer on the way home, good as gold, but we never went much beyond a walk, just trotted a few times and Bita's trot is this slow, delicate little trot that isn't much faster than his walk. Second trail ride, again, no problems, Chris and Paul went off and left me on the trail, they were thinking they were going to meet up with me again a little ways down the trail...wrong, the trail they were on didn't run back into the trail I was on and I was lost! I asked Ty to take me back to the trailer, and he did, no problems.

Then came trail ride #3, and that's where we found out I have a serious problem. Chris was riding her mare, Cali, and they kept taking off at a trot/canter...and Ty just would not slow down, let alone stop! Now, I can ride his slow trot with no problems, but he kept trotting faster and faster, breaking into a canter, ignoring me totally, fighting to be in the lead, and at one point he just took off with me, trying to catch up with Bita, I was (according to Chris, who was behind me) doing everything right, sitting deep back in the saddle, heels down, and had the reins as tight as I could get them, he just tucked his head into his chest and took off at a gallop after Bita, and would not stop or even slow down until he caught up with her.

In the round pen, he has a great whoa. On the trail, no whoa at all. Towards the end of the ride, I couldn't get him to stop even at a walk.

So, now what? How do I fix this? I'm riding him in a snaffle bit, he was being ridden in a curb bit by his previous owner, one of those $5 bits that come with the bridle. Should I change his bit? Working with him in the round pen is futile, he stops great in the round pen! I can handle a trot or even a canter if I feel I can stop him, it's the out of control part I can't deal with. I need help, what do I do!

Druydess · 08-07-2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merleliz

Well, we have discovered a real problem with my new horse Ty. The brakes just don't work. You put on the brakes and the pedal just goes straight to the floor and you have to wait for him to run out of gas.

Our first trail ride was no problem. He walked along behind Bita all the way out, and led back to the trailer on the way home, good as gold, but we never went much beyond a walk, just trotted a few times and Bita's trot is this slow, delicate little trot that isn't much faster than his walk. Second trail ride, again, no problems, Chris and Paul went off and left me on the trail, they were thinking they were going to meet up with me again a little ways down the trail...wrong, the trail they were on didn't run back into the trail I was on and I was lost! I asked Ty to take me back to the trailer, and he did, no problems.

Then came trail ride #3, and that's where we found out I have a serious problem. Chris was riding her mare, Cali, and they kept taking off at a trot/canter...and Ty just would not slow down, let alone stop! Now, I can ride his slow trot with no problems, but he kept trotting faster and faster, breaking into a canter, ignoring me totally, fighting to be in the lead, and at one point he just took off with me, trying to catch up with Bita, I was (according to Chris, who was behind me) doing everything right, sitting deep back in the saddle, heels down, and had the reins as tight as I could get them, he just tucked his head into his chest and took off at a gallop after Bita, and would not stop or even slow down until he caught up with her.

In the round pen, he has a great whoa. On the trail, no whoa at all. Towards the end of the ride, I couldn't get him to stop even at a walk.

So, now what? How do I fix this? I'm riding him in a snaffle bit, he was being ridden in a curb bit by his previous owner, one of those $5 bits that come with the bridle. Should I change his bit? Working with him in the round pen is futile, he stops great in the round pen! I can handle a trot or even a canter if I feel I can stop him, it's the out of control part I can't deal with. I need help, what do I do!

Hey Merleliz,

First,,,thanks for getting my humor in a previous post..
now to the issue at hand..
Snaffle bit is perfect... good choice.
Seems he needs lots of stopping practice. Keep him going, first at a walk and then use a one-rein stop every 5-10 feet...then progress to 20-30....
When this is perfect, proceed to trot, and then to canter. Make him do one rein stops...ad nauseum. When he he realizes he's going nowhere anyway, he'll have no reason to run off...
Stopping is the exercise...make him go, and then stop him.. He'll soon realize YOU decide...nit him...

BabyMay · 08-07-2008, 05:57 AM

Try the curb and see if it works. Can't hurt. Since that is what he is used to being rode in. But make sure there is no danger of you getting hurt if he runs out of brake fluid again.

ahlihaff · 08-07-2008, 06:10 AM

He needs to listen to you. I would not change bits. He should be able to be ridden in a halter and lead rope. The problem is he is not focusing on you. Do you know how to do a one rein stop? Check out Clinton Anderson's DVD Gaining Respect On The Ground.

I would go back to ground exercises in a round pen. Teach him to bend and give at the poll on both sides from the ground until he does it lightly. This will transfer to the saddle when you are riding (lift, slide, bend to your hip). Eventually, he will learn that when you lift that is the signal that you are going to ask for a bend. Practice this constantly from the saddle when you are riding once you've got it good on the ground. Then do many transitions w/t/c/stop, and add a one rein stop if he does not stop immediately when you ask him to.

Hope this helps.

DARLA5711 · 08-07-2008, 06:38 AM

i would go right back to the basics with him starting from the ground to saddle. work him on the ground first have him walk with ya tell him to stop then back him up continue to do this everytime you lead the horse around. then also do the same in the saddle work at a walk then up to a trot and then canter schooling him. say ho and stop him and make him back up a few steps. continue to do this for a week or so and you will see a big diffrence in the respect you get. this has always worked great with any of the horses we have brought in with problems. they all need to know that you are the boss. and once you gain the respect of them everything else is easy. ground work and slow work in the saddle teaching them is the best tool. and the more you work at it the better it always gets. you can also practice one rein stops they are always a good thing for you and the horse to learn if every you need it. just take your time and be safe. no one likes to be on a run away ride. been there done it not to fun.

**gbarmranch** · 08-07-2008, 07:58 AM

Have you done any ground driving with him... you can do that outside of the arena after he understands what you expect from him.. which might help.. as well as doing a lot of transitions and one rein stops...

Pole work is another way to help him focus on what your are asking and pay attention to you..

Since he does work well in the arena with the bit you are using, I am inclined to think it is not the bit.. perhaps he gets nervous or excited outside in the open..

Work him close by the arena at first if you can.. lots of stops, backs, turns, serpentines.. until it becomes second nature.. make sure you are sitting deep in your saddle when you ask for that stop.. and use the "whoa" voice command as well...

Frustrating isn't it... but it sounds like you can and will work through this..

David · 08-07-2008, 07:59 AM

Ok, first of all let me say that I agree with Druy and Ahli the bit is not the problem. If you can't stop the horse but you can turn him then turn him left and right and back as much as you can. Go around trees or anything that you can make into an obstacle. Do this about 5 seconds then ask to stop again, repeat until he stops then let him have a rest. The idea is if you don't want to do what I ask, you're going to have to work harder until you do and you're not going to do what you want. See the running off in a straight line is not so hard but trotting in a figure 8 is fairly tough and the tighter the turns the harder the work. Also, when you are turning him don't let him slow down until you ask him too. It's kinds like that reverse psychology stuff you hear about for kids all the time. You want to work then let's work hard enough that you'll want to stop. So instead of asking to stop and he won't stop then asking again until it turns into naggging, ask to stop, if he doesn't stop then ask to work harder, then ask to stop. Eventually he'll think if he doesn't stop when you ask, then you're gonna work him to death and he will begin to stop at the slightest request.

I know that was kinda rambling but I hope you get the idea. This thread is another good example of why I believe that trails are the best place to train a horse, you will never be able to simulate, in an arena, all the things you'll encounter on a trail.

ETA: maybe you should get with Huckabuck and I and we could go for a ride some time. I just realised you only live about 20 miles from us. If I can I'm going to try to ride this weekend, maybe Kennesaw Mtn, Fort Mtn, Pinhoti Trail, or in the backyard who knows.

Mav2007 · 08-07-2008, 08:11 AM

I agree, it's not the bit. If he won't stop, he won't stop. The reverse psychology analogy is good. If you cue him to stop, and he doesn't stop in about 2 or 3 seconds, then bend his head around and pull him in a circle, until his feet stop and he gives to the bit. You can work on this in a round pen or arena. You just cue him to stop, give him 3 seconds, when he doesn't, you turn him into the fence, bend him around in a few circles, then go off the other direction. Cue him to stop (using your seat) if he doesn't, pick up on the reins, bend him around into the fence and go the other direction again. Do this over and over and eventually he'll get the message.

readytogo · 08-07-2008, 08:14 AM

ONe rein stop - works every time, but you need to train him for it and do it over and over, and over!

chukker4 · 08-07-2008, 08:32 AM

You could try ground driving him.

Slim Pikkens · 08-07-2008, 08:41 AM

I like to play their game but change the rules. If he wants to move, make him move. By doing this you've taken the decision from him. Let him pass everyone and keep him going and going and going. And when he begins to tire, push him on until he's really puffing. Then relax in the saddle, pick up one rein and verbally ask him to whoa. He'll be more than happy to whoa. You will probably have to repeat this exercise, maybe three times for him to completely grasp what's happening-he can either move at your pace and whoa or work hard. If you offer grain when you return from your ride, this can inspire a horse to hurry thro the ride to get his grain, so I'd withhold it for several hours.

sli92 · 08-07-2008, 08:52 AM

I didnt read the other posts yet, but here is something I would try. Use lots of progression. If the horse is ok in the round pen(do everything... w/t/c both directions, lots of transitions between the gaits), then move to a bigger pen, then a bigger one, then maybe one of your pastures. it may be shock of being in a big place where you can take off and get away with it...

redboy · 08-07-2008, 09:20 AM

I totally agree with the One Rein Stop idea, and staying in a snaffle bit. A snaffle bit doesn't have near the pressure that a curb bit would have and he is probably just kind of running thru it, b/c it's so little pressure to him.
Put a curb strap on your snaffle bit though.
ALSO, you have to remember that NO horse wants to feel left behind by the herd/ group that you are riding with.
SO, initially, I would practice, practice, PRACTICE, one rein stops under saddle, and a VERBAL WHOA at the same time. I would do it in the round pen/ring, and on the ground leading him, putting him out, putting him up in the stall, everywhere, and, as well, in the saddle. I would do it UNTIL you think WHOA and the horse also thinks the exact same thought at the exact same time

.
There is NEVER NOT an opportunity to practice the WHOA with your horse.
HE MUST HAVE BRAKES.
Then, when I was riding in a group, I would practice it at the walk, and put my horse in different spots within the group...., AND I would ask my friends to stop their horses as well to reinforce the concept, and not make your horse feel like he's the only one in the group having to stop.
Your riding buddies should understand and help out, that way everyone is looking out for one another. Then, as your horse gets the idea that it's ok, and he's ok, and probably after mant trail rides, you can separate off from the group and practice whoas, transitions in different gaits, flexing..., have a training program in mind every time you go out.
Eventually he will be less insecure and panicy, and will know that the others aren't leaving him behind all alone.
Remember safety to him is with the herd, alone, he worries that he'll become dinner to something

. Good Luck, Redboy

Carri · 08-07-2008, 01:46 PM

You have gotten a lot of really good suggestions!
Miley has no brakes, AND no power steering, so it can get a bit hairy at times. She knows how to do a one rein stop, and Gracie is getting pretty good at it. Unfortunately, the only thing that normally stops Miley is being near Cricket...

merleliz · 08-07-2008, 10:42 PM

Thanks for all the help and encouragement, I didn't even think of the one rein stop last weekend, (DUH) not sure if it will work on him when he's in one of his moods, but it's sure worth a try!

When I bought him I was told that he was very slow and easy, kids had ridden him at bible camp, he was easy to stop, just hard to get started! My riding instructor said he was "dead sided", he doesn't respond well to leg pressure, she said he had a hard mouth and was unresponsive probably because he had been used as a kid's trail horse, she said beginner kids can give so many conflicting signals that the horse just learns to ignore them.

We know he has a "buddy sour" problem, he's okay as long as he's with the other horses, but if they try to leave him, or I try to make him leave them, that's when the problems start. I don't have enough confidence to push him under saddle, but the ground work I can definitely do. And Alihaff, you are absolutely right, he has no respect for me. I think he can sense that it scares me when he takes off with me, so he knows he can get away with it...and he pays absolutely no attention to me or what I'm trying to get him to do, all his attention is focused on Bita Star and Cali and what they are doing.

I'm going to see Clinton Anderson in Conyers in two weeks, I have some of his DVD's, hopefully I will pick up some strategies and figure out how to make them work! I need an injection of confidence!

Rusty's Girl · 08-08-2008, 12:23 AM

When he refuses to halt, do the one rein stop, then walk a few feet and do it again. I would do about 20 one rein stops at the beginning of each ride to get him focused and halting properly. Once he is stopping calmly doing the one rein stop, ask for a couple of normal stops, and then start your ride. If he refuses to stop at any point in the ride, make him do a few more one rein stops until he listens again. I recently had the same issue with Rusty, and this is what worked for us.

myfirsthorse · 08-08-2008, 08:45 AM

I agree with the one reign stop..But There is more to ownership than just riding..you have to work on the ground FIRST..NEVER get into the saddle unless your horse is listening to you on the ground. Doing just a one reign stop is great but do it gradually..Don'y do this 50 times on him and then get in the saddle..Try it slowly..do alot of groung work.Clinton Anderson is great..follow what he does if that will help you or get a certified Natural Horsemanship trainer to help you... Don't run your horse and exhaust him on the trail,that is pointless..So everytime you get on the trail he will EXPECT that is the behavior you are looking for and possibly you may get hurt..He will also not like the trail if you do such a thing. The point is to keep you and him safe. So you start with good groundwork...then move to a walk and trot in hand,not alot either, a few times around..thats it..reward him by stopping and a few rubs ,good boy is great for walking and trotting,listening to you..go easy and don't trot him in circles for a long time maybe 4-5 times each way. Then stop on a good note..he will appreciate that much more than running him in a circle.You will see a big difference. It takes alot of time and patience..but well worth it. Mine WAS the same,he was ridden before very hard,no brakes. Now after great instruction and alot of correct ground work training,we ride in a halter......

rodeo-crazy · 11-11-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myfirsthorse

I agree with the one reign stop..But There is more to ownership than just riding..you have to work on the ground FIRST..NEVER get into the saddle unless your horse is listening to you on the ground. Doing just a one reign stop is great but do it gradually..Don'y do this 50 times on him and then get in the saddle..Try it slowly..do alot of groung work.Clinton Anderson is great..follow what he does if that will help you or get a certified Natural Horsemanship trainer to help you... Don't run your horse and exhaust him on the trail,that is pointless..So everytime you get on the trail he will EXPECT that is the behavior you are looking for and possibly you may get hurt..He will also not like the trail if you do such a thing. The point is to keep you and him safe. So you start with good groundwork...then move to a walk and trot in hand,not alot either, a few times around..thats it..reward him by stopping and a few rubs ,good boy is great for walking and trotting,listening to you..go easy and don't trot him in circles for a long time maybe 4-5 times each way. Then stop on a good note..he will appreciate that much more than running him in a circle.You will see a big difference. It takes alot of time and patience..but well worth it. Mine WAS the same,he was ridden before very hard,no brakes. Now after great instruction and alot of correct ground work training,we ride in a halter......

I AGREE!

cindyf · 11-11-2008, 03:18 PM

This is an old post! Any updates though?

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08-07-2008, 12:22 AM
merleliz Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 1,183	No Brakes...now what?! (Long, sorry need help!) Well, we have discovered a real problem with my new horse Ty. The brakes just don't work. You put on the brakes and the pedal just goes straight to the floor and you have to wait for him to run out of gas. Our first trail ride was no problem. He walked along behind Bita all the way out, and led back to the trailer on the way home, good as gold, but we never went much beyond a walk, just trotted a few times and Bita's trot is this slow, delicate little trot that isn't much faster than his walk. Second trail ride, again, no problems, Chris and Paul went off and left me on the trail, they were thinking they were going to meet up with me again a little ways down the trail...wrong, the trail they were on didn't run back into the trail I was on and I was lost! I asked Ty to take me back to the trailer, and he did, no problems. Then came trail ride #3, and that's where we found out I have a serious problem. Chris was riding her mare, Cali, and they kept taking off at a trot/canter...and Ty just would not slow down, let alone stop! Now, I can ride his slow trot with no problems, but he kept trotting faster and faster, breaking into a canter, ignoring me totally, fighting to be in the lead, and at one point he just took off with me, trying to catch up with Bita, I was (according to Chris, who was behind me) doing everything right, sitting deep back in the saddle, heels down, and had the reins as tight as I could get them, he just tucked his head into his chest and took off at a gallop after Bita, and would not stop or even slow down until he caught up with her. In the round pen, he has a great whoa. On the trail, no whoa at all. Towards the end of the ride, I couldn't get him to stop even at a walk. So, now what? How do I fix this? I'm riding him in a snaffle bit, he was being ridden in a curb bit by his previous owner, one of those $5 bits that come with the bridle. Should I change his bit? Working with him in the round pen is futile, he stops great in the round pen! I can handle a trot or even a canter if I feel I can stop him, it's the out of control part I can't deal with. I need help, what do I do! __________________ Proud sponsor of one humpbacked whale named Onyx and a wild mustang mare named Sope.

08-07-2008, 05:57 AM
BabyMay Coming two Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,895	Try the curb and see if it works. Can't hurt. Since that is what he is used to being rode in. But make sure there is no danger of you getting hurt if he runs out of brake fluid again.

08-07-2008, 06:10 AM
ahlihaff Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western MA Posts: 3,635	He needs to listen to you. I would not change bits. He should be able to be ridden in a halter and lead rope. The problem is he is not focusing on you. Do you know how to do a one rein stop? Check out Clinton Anderson's DVD Gaining Respect On The Ground. I would go back to ground exercises in a round pen. Teach him to bend and give at the poll on both sides from the ground until he does it lightly. This will transfer to the saddle when you are riding (lift, slide, bend to your hip). Eventually, he will learn that when you lift that is the signal that you are going to ask for a bend. Practice this constantly from the saddle when you are riding once you've got it good on the ground. Then do many transitions w/t/c/stop, and add a one rein stop if he does not stop immediately when you ask him to. Hope this helps.

08-07-2008, 06:38 AM
DARLA5711 Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: MASSACHUSETTS Posts: 10	i would go right back to the basics with him starting from the ground to saddle. work him on the ground first have him walk with ya tell him to stop then back him up continue to do this everytime you lead the horse around. then also do the same in the saddle work at a walk then up to a trot and then canter schooling him. say ho and stop him and make him back up a few steps. continue to do this for a week or so and you will see a big diffrence in the respect you get. this has always worked great with any of the horses we have brought in with problems. they all need to know that you are the boss. and once you gain the respect of them everything else is easy. ground work and slow work in the saddle teaching them is the best tool. and the more you work at it the better it always gets. you can also practice one rein stops they are always a good thing for you and the horse to learn if every you need it. just take your time and be safe. no one likes to be on a run away ride. been there done it not to fun.

08-07-2008, 07:58 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	Have you done any ground driving with him... you can do that outside of the arena after he understands what you expect from him.. which might help.. as well as doing a lot of transitions and one rein stops... Pole work is another way to help him focus on what your are asking and pay attention to you.. Since he does work well in the arena with the bit you are using, I am inclined to think it is not the bit.. perhaps he gets nervous or excited outside in the open.. Work him close by the arena at first if you can.. lots of stops, backs, turns, serpentines.. until it becomes second nature.. make sure you are sitting deep in your saddle when you ask for that stop.. and use the "whoa" voice command as well... Frustrating isn't it... but it sounds like you can and will work through this.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-07-2008, 07:59 AM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,066	Ok, first of all let me say that I agree with Druy and Ahli the bit is not the problem. If you can't stop the horse but you can turn him then turn him left and right and back as much as you can. Go around trees or anything that you can make into an obstacle. Do this about 5 seconds then ask to stop again, repeat until he stops then let him have a rest. The idea is if you don't want to do what I ask, you're going to have to work harder until you do and you're not going to do what you want. See the running off in a straight line is not so hard but trotting in a figure 8 is fairly tough and the tighter the turns the harder the work. Also, when you are turning him don't let him slow down until you ask him too. It's kinds like that reverse psychology stuff you hear about for kids all the time. You want to work then let's work hard enough that you'll want to stop. So instead of asking to stop and he won't stop then asking again until it turns into naggging, ask to stop, if he doesn't stop then ask to work harder, then ask to stop. Eventually he'll think if he doesn't stop when you ask, then you're gonna work him to death and he will begin to stop at the slightest request. I know that was kinda rambling but I hope you get the idea. This thread is another good example of why I believe that trails are the best place to train a horse, you will never be able to simulate, in an arena, all the things you'll encounter on a trail. ETA: maybe you should get with Huckabuck and I and we could go for a ride some time. I just realised you only live about 20 miles from us. If I can I'm going to try to ride this weekend, maybe Kennesaw Mtn, Fort Mtn, Pinhoti Trail, or in the backyard who knows. __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey. Last edited by David : 08-07-2008 at 08:02 AM.

08-07-2008, 08:11 AM
Mav2007 Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,489	I agree, it's not the bit. If he won't stop, he won't stop. The reverse psychology analogy is good. If you cue him to stop, and he doesn't stop in about 2 or 3 seconds, then bend his head around and pull him in a circle, until his feet stop and he gives to the bit. You can work on this in a round pen or arena. You just cue him to stop, give him 3 seconds, when he doesn't, you turn him into the fence, bend him around in a few circles, then go off the other direction. Cue him to stop (using your seat) if he doesn't, pick up on the reins, bend him around into the fence and go the other direction again. Do this over and over and eventually he'll get the message.

08-07-2008, 08:14 AM
readytogo Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pa. Posts: 533	ONe rein stop - works every time, but you need to train him for it and do it over and over, and over!

08-07-2008, 08:32 AM
chukker4 Halter broke Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberts Posts: 60	You could try ground driving him.

08-07-2008, 08:41 AM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	I like to play their game but change the rules. If he wants to move, make him move. By doing this you've taken the decision from him. Let him pass everyone and keep him going and going and going. And when he begins to tire, push him on until he's really puffing. Then relax in the saddle, pick up one rein and verbally ask him to whoa. He'll be more than happy to whoa. You will probably have to repeat this exercise, maybe three times for him to completely grasp what's happening-he can either move at your pace and whoa or work hard. If you offer grain when you return from your ride, this can inspire a horse to hurry thro the ride to get his grain, so I'd withhold it for several hours.

08-07-2008, 08:52 AM
sli92 Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 596	I didnt read the other posts yet, but here is something I would try. Use lots of progression. If the horse is ok in the round pen(do everything... w/t/c both directions, lots of transitions between the gaits), then move to a bigger pen, then a bigger one, then maybe one of your pastures. it may be shock of being in a big place where you can take off and get away with it... __________________ ~Sarah * PA Sebastion(Oh CanadaxCrystal Vision)

08-07-2008, 09:20 AM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 942	I totally agree with the One Rein Stop idea, and staying in a snaffle bit. A snaffle bit doesn't have near the pressure that a curb bit would have and he is probably just kind of running thru it, b/c it's so little pressure to him. Put a curb strap on your snaffle bit though. ALSO, you have to remember that NO horse wants to feel left behind by the herd/ group that you are riding with. SO, initially, I would practice, practice, PRACTICE, one rein stops under saddle, and a VERBAL WHOA at the same time. I would do it in the round pen/ring, and on the ground leading him, putting him out, putting him up in the stall, everywhere, and, as well, in the saddle. I would do it UNTIL you think WHOA and the horse also thinks the exact same thought at the exact same time. There is NEVER NOT an opportunity to practice the WHOA with your horse. HE MUST HAVE BRAKES. Then, when I was riding in a group, I would practice it at the walk, and put my horse in different spots within the group...., AND I would ask my friends to stop their horses as well to reinforce the concept, and not make your horse feel like he's the only one in the group having to stop. Your riding buddies should understand and help out, that way everyone is looking out for one another. Then, as your horse gets the idea that it's ok, and he's ok, and probably after mant trail rides, you can separate off from the group and practice whoas, transitions in different gaits, flexing..., have a training program in mind every time you go out. Eventually he will be less insecure and panicy, and will know that the others aren't leaving him behind all alone. Remember safety to him is with the herd, alone, he worries that he'll become dinner to something. Good Luck, Redboy

08-07-2008, 01:46 PM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	You have gotten a lot of really good suggestions! Miley has no brakes, AND no power steering, so it can get a bit hairy at times. She knows how to do a one rein stop, and Gracie is getting pretty good at it. Unfortunately, the only thing that normally stops Miley is being near Cricket... __________________

08-07-2008, 10:42 PM
merleliz Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 1,183	Thanks for all the help and encouragement, I didn't even think of the one rein stop last weekend, (DUH) not sure if it will work on him when he's in one of his moods, but it's sure worth a try! When I bought him I was told that he was very slow and easy, kids had ridden him at bible camp, he was easy to stop, just hard to get started! My riding instructor said he was "dead sided", he doesn't respond well to leg pressure, she said he had a hard mouth and was unresponsive probably because he had been used as a kid's trail horse, she said beginner kids can give so many conflicting signals that the horse just learns to ignore them. We know he has a "buddy sour" problem, he's okay as long as he's with the other horses, but if they try to leave him, or I try to make him leave them, that's when the problems start. I don't have enough confidence to push him under saddle, but the ground work I can definitely do. And Alihaff, you are absolutely right, he has no respect for me. I think he can sense that it scares me when he takes off with me, so he knows he can get away with it...and he pays absolutely no attention to me or what I'm trying to get him to do, all his attention is focused on Bita Star and Cali and what they are doing. I'm going to see Clinton Anderson in Conyers in two weeks, I have some of his DVD's, hopefully I will pick up some strategies and figure out how to make them work! I need an injection of confidence! __________________ Proud sponsor of one humpbacked whale named Onyx and a wild mustang mare named Sope.

08-08-2008, 12:23 AM
Rusty's Girl Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 802	When he refuses to halt, do the one rein stop, then walk a few feet and do it again. I would do about 20 one rein stops at the beginning of each ride to get him focused and halting properly. Once he is stopping calmly doing the one rein stop, ask for a couple of normal stops, and then start your ride. If he refuses to stop at any point in the ride, make him do a few more one rein stops until he listens again. I recently had the same issue with Rusty, and this is what worked for us.

08-08-2008, 08:45 AM
myfirsthorse Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: new hampshire Posts: 13	I agree with the one reign stop..But There is more to ownership than just riding..you have to work on the ground FIRST..NEVER get into the saddle unless your horse is listening to you on the ground. Doing just a one reign stop is great but do it gradually..Don'y do this 50 times on him and then get in the saddle..Try it slowly..do alot of groung work.Clinton Anderson is great..follow what he does if that will help you or get a certified Natural Horsemanship trainer to help you... Don't run your horse and exhaust him on the trail,that is pointless..So everytime you get on the trail he will EXPECT that is the behavior you are looking for and possibly you may get hurt..He will also not like the trail if you do such a thing. The point is to keep you and him safe. So you start with good groundwork...then move to a walk and trot in hand,not alot either, a few times around..thats it..reward him by stopping and a few rubs ,good boy is great for walking and trotting,listening to you..go easy and don't trot him in circles for a long time maybe 4-5 times each way. Then stop on a good note..he will appreciate that much more than running him in a circle.You will see a big difference. It takes alot of time and patience..but well worth it. Mine WAS the same,he was ridden before very hard,no brakes. Now after great instruction and alot of correct ground work training,we ride in a halter......

11-11-2008, 03:18 PM
cindyf Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern mn Posts: 618	This is an old post! Any updates though?