Training Question For Blondie

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 10:30 AM

O.k.

So here is the problem.

Blondie is 12 and green broke.

She had the misfortune of spending the first 5 years as a puppy dog...of course she didn't mind that.

But it has hurt her in the long run as far as being a riding horse.

I am going to use a side pull tomorrow morning on her...is there anything I need to know before I use it?

I have never used one.

I have gentle hands...and I stay out of their face...unless necessary.

Thanks.

ETA: The main reason for the side pull is to teach her to whoa.

It is literally a fight to get her to yeild to the bit at all.

B2Buckskins · 09-03-2008, 10:41 AM

Side pulls are not good for woo at all --I use a beetle hack and every time I stop I back -- I do it on the trail a lot with hot gaming horses and with in a day or so they get what you want. With a fight.

Good Luck

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B2Buckskins

Side pulls are not good for woo at all --I use a beetle hack and every time I stop I back -- I do it on the trail a lot with hot gaming horses and with in a day or so they get what you want. With a fight.

Good Luck

Crap...the side pull didn't work?

*Sigh*

She completely ignores the bit all together.

I cannot feel her take it in her mouth....she just plows right through it.

Leg aides....seat position....nothing.

My arms feel like mush when I get done riding her.

Maybe I should buy a hackamore?

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 10:46 AM

I will have to google a "beetle hack"

I was wondering which Hack would be good for whoa.

B2Buckskins · 09-03-2008, 10:50 AM

Older horses are a pain to retrain --I never use the sidepull and now you know why

. Bits are some time the same way, when you can't get her to stop take one rein and pull her head to her side until she stops. One rein her and take her head back. Good Luck and have fun

dodib · 09-03-2008, 10:51 AM

I would start back on the ground getting her to give to the bit. stand on her side with her completely tacked and take the rein on that side in your hand--hang on to the horn with the inside hand. The gentle pull the rein back until she freely gives--even if its a split second let go the rein then. She will probably turn in circles etc in the beginning--don't let the rein go til she gives. That is why you hang on to the horn so you can go with her. Do this over and over and over til everytime you pick up the rein she gives to it. And do it on both sides
when I went to a Ken Mcnabb clinic he had us do this..
Then after she is doing good on the ground get on her and do the same thing at a walk. and every time you stop her make her take a step or two back....

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B2Buckskins

Older horses are a pain to retrain --I never use the sidepull and now you know why

. Bits are some time the same way, when you can't get her to stop take one rein and pull her head to her side until she stops. One rein her and take her head back. Good Luck and have fun

Yes...we did the one rein stop all day long the other day!

Like...till she wouldn't turn anymore! Must have been dizzy!

I am searching for a walking horse trainer in our area to help a little in her retraining.

Guess we will see.

B2Buckskins · 09-03-2008, 10:59 AM

Good luck with finding a trainer and don't get hurt or give up an her

. Just remember everyone has thier own way of doing thing and make sure if you find a trainer that you go ride with the trainer and learn yourself

cameo05 · 09-03-2008, 11:06 AM

I am in agreement with Dodib, start back on the ground to soften her up. As you do this you will have more control in the saddle. She needs to yield to the bit, but pulling hard is not going to do anything but make her pull more. Retach her from the gound. I had to do this with one of mine, no matter what the ground is the best course of action... Good luck with that girl.

**gbarmranch** · 09-03-2008, 11:19 AM

Since she has so many gaps in her training, you really need to start her from the ground up again as if she had never been trained at all. It not only will help you to see what she does know, but teach her the right way on the things she either doesn't know, forgot, or was taught incorrectly.

Just how I would do it..

ThorArb · 09-03-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodib

I would start back on the ground getting her to give to the bit. stand on her side with her completely tacked and take the rein on that side in your hand--hang on to the horn with the inside hand. The gentle pull the rein back until she freely gives--even if its a split second let go the rein then. She will probably turn in circles etc in the beginning--don't let the rein go til she gives. That is why you hang on to the horn so you can go with her. Do this over and over and over til everytime you pick up the rein she gives to it. And do it on both sides
when I went to a Ken Mcnabb clinic he had us do this..
Then after she is doing good on the ground get on her and do the same thing at a walk. and every time you stop her make her take a step or two back....

Ditto. This is what I would do. Introducing other devices and tack to make her listen is not the answer. Just like when I see people using tie downs to keep a horse from rearing, or switching to harsher bits to get a response. Quick fixes are never the answer.

She's green so its kinda expected for her to act like that. Take her back to the bare basics. Lots of training in giving to pressure, bending, ground driving etc will benefit her more in the long run.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:25 AM

I will not give up on her.

Finding a trainer to help has been a little difficult.

I asked one...and their answer was a twisted bit.

I wish I could find someone who I could send her to for a little bit.

She is not mean....just ignorant like me.

I don't want her to end up a pasture puff...especially since it is only training that is keeping her from getting more use.

I do not pull on her though....I just have to hold her back a lot...or else she will take off.

I did not want you thinking I yanked on her.

I think someone did though at one point.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorArb

Ditto. This is what I would do. Introducing other devices and tack to make her listen is not the answer. Just like when I see people using tie downs to keep a horse from rearing, or switching to harsher bits to get a response. Quick fixes are never the answer.

She's green so its kinda expected for her to act like that. Take her back to the bare basics. Lots of training in giving to pressure, bending, ground driving etc will benefit her more in the long run.

I don't want a quick fix.

I honestly thought a side pull would help train her.

I did not know it was used as a quick fix.

I don't want to do anything the wrong way with her.

I really, really, really wish I could find a trainer that I could get to come to the house...and I could pay...and they could show me.

Here....this is what you do....like this.....don't do this though.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:29 AM

I have one in mind though.

I think I am going to have to do one of those.

Hey....I know I don't know you...but could you help me out!

ThorArb · 09-03-2008, 11:29 AM

Yeah its hard. To be honest my stallion, Zippy was like that at first too. We had to stop and start all over again. After I started him, I sent him to my trainer's for touch ups and to get started in his career as a pleasure horse. Well after his injury and what not he isnt going back to the trainer's anytime soon so we just goof off for now doing different things. Now Im in the process of teaching him to neck rein, slowly but surely getting there!

It helped alot when I took Zippy back to the basics. For a while I even stopped getting on him altogether. Instead Id just tack him up, lunge him then we'd practice bending and giving to the bit on both sides. I also went to ground driving him too. I think that is what helped the most in our situation. He was much more responsive under saddle after a few weeks of ground driving.

cameo05 · 09-03-2008, 11:30 AM

No ma'am that was not my insinuation, nor did I thnk you yanked on her. It is a so to speak type of thing. Pulling on her and yanking on her are 2 different things.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameo05

No ma'am that was not my insinuation, nor did I thnk you yanked on her. It is a so to speak type of thing. Pulling on her and yanking on her are 2 different things.

O.k. I did not want you to think that....feeling much better now!

ThorArb · 09-03-2008, 11:33 AM

Also to help get that whoa, when you are trying to stop her walk her into a solid fence. Tell her whoa, she'll obviously have to stop because of the fence and then back her up a few steps. That also helped to reinforce that whoa with my horses. Just another way to get it through to her what you are asking.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorArb

Yeah its hard. To be honest my stallion, Zippy was like that at first too. We had to stop and start all over again. After I started him, I sent him to my trainer's for touch ups and to get started in his career as a pleasure horse. Well after his injury and what not he isnt going back to the trainer's anytime soon so we just goof off for now doing different things. Now Im in the process of teaching him to neck rein, slowly but surely getting there!

It helped alot when I took Zippy back to the basics. For a while I even stopped getting on him altogether. Instead Id just tack him up, lunge him then we'd practice bending and giving to the bit on both sides. I also went to ground driving him too. I think that is what helped the most in our situation. He was much more responsive under saddle after a few weeks of ground driving.

Agreed.

Actually...the girl that had her before I did actually stopped by today...completely out of the blue...and I was telling her about the problems I was having...just you know...conversation.

And she was the one who suggested the twisted snaffle.

I told her nope...not going to do that.

THAT....is what I am facing.

it seems to me ALOT of people in this area resort to that.

So it is making it difficult for me to find someone who will do the basics....and take the time she will need.

I can do it...I just have never done it.

So...if I can't find anyone within my area...I am going to have to ask alot of questions.

Freedomnchrist · 09-03-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorArb

Also to help get that whoa, when you are trying to stop her walk her into a solid fence. Tell her whoa, she'll obviously have to stop because of the fence and then back her up a few steps. That also helped to reinforce that whoa with my horses. Just another way to get it through to her what you are asking.

Great idea as well.

I think though...I am going to stay on the ground for a while.

My normal instinct is to train her from the saddle....but obviously that is not working.

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09-03-2008, 10:30 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	Training Question For Blondie O.k. So here is the problem. Blondie is 12 and green broke. She had the misfortune of spending the first 5 years as a puppy dog...of course she didn't mind that. But it has hurt her in the long run as far as being a riding horse. I am going to use a side pull tomorrow morning on her...is there anything I need to know before I use it? I have never used one. I have gentle hands...and I stay out of their face...unless necessary. Thanks. ETA: The main reason for the side pull is to teach her to whoa. It is literally a fight to get her to yeild to the bit at all. Last edited by Freedomnchrist : 09-03-2008 at 10:34 AM.

09-03-2008, 10:41 AM
B2Buckskins Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 452	Side pulls are not good for woo at all --I use a beetle hack and every time I stop I back -- I do it on the trail a lot with hot gaming horses and with in a day or so they get what you want. With a fight. Good Luck __________________ B2BUCKSKINS Foundation Quarters Horses

09-03-2008, 10:46 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	I will have to google a "beetle hack" I was wondering which Hack would be good for whoa.

09-03-2008, 10:50 AM
B2Buckskins Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 452	Older horses are a pain to retrain --I never use the sidepull and now you know why. Bits are some time the same way, when you can't get her to stop take one rein and pull her head to her side until she stops. One rein her and take her head back. Good Luck and have fun __________________ B2BUCKSKINS Foundation Quarters Horses

09-03-2008, 10:51 AM
dodib Started Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ravenna, MI Posts: 2,594	I would start back on the ground getting her to give to the bit. stand on her side with her completely tacked and take the rein on that side in your hand--hang on to the horn with the inside hand. The gentle pull the rein back until she freely gives--even if its a split second let go the rein then. She will probably turn in circles etc in the beginning--don't let the rein go til she gives. That is why you hang on to the horn so you can go with her. Do this over and over and over til everytime you pick up the rein she gives to it. And do it on both sides when I went to a Ken Mcnabb clinic he had us do this.. Then after she is doing good on the ground get on her and do the same thing at a walk. and every time you stop her make her take a step or two back.... __________________ Dorthy www.freewebs.com/brownranch/

09-03-2008, 10:59 AM
B2Buckskins Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 452	Good luck with finding a trainer and don't get hurt or give up an her. Just remember everyone has thier own way of doing thing and make sure if you find a trainer that you go ride with the trainer and learn yourself __________________ B2BUCKSKINS Foundation Quarters Horses

09-03-2008, 11:06 AM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,841	I am in agreement with Dodib, start back on the ground to soften her up. As you do this you will have more control in the saddle. She needs to yield to the bit, but pulling hard is not going to do anything but make her pull more. Retach her from the gound. I had to do this with one of mine, no matter what the ground is the best course of action... Good luck with that girl. __________________

09-03-2008, 11:19 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	Since she has so many gaps in her training, you really need to start her from the ground up again as if she had never been trained at all. It not only will help you to see what she does know, but teach her the right way on the things she either doesn't know, forgot, or was taught incorrectly. Just how I would do it.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

09-03-2008, 11:25 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	I will not give up on her. Finding a trainer to help has been a little difficult. I asked one...and their answer was a twisted bit. I wish I could find someone who I could send her to for a little bit. She is not mean....just ignorant like me. I don't want her to end up a pasture puff...especially since it is only training that is keeping her from getting more use. I do not pull on her though....I just have to hold her back a lot...or else she will take off. I did not want you thinking I yanked on her. I think someone did though at one point.

09-03-2008, 11:29 AM
Freedomnchrist Greenbroke Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,312	I have one in mind though. I think I am going to have to do one of those. Hey....I know I don't know you...but could you help me out!

09-03-2008, 11:29 AM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,509	Yeah its hard. To be honest my stallion, Zippy was like that at first too. We had to stop and start all over again. After I started him, I sent him to my trainer's for touch ups and to get started in his career as a pleasure horse. Well after his injury and what not he isnt going back to the trainer's anytime soon so we just goof off for now doing different things. Now Im in the process of teaching him to neck rein, slowly but surely getting there! It helped alot when I took Zippy back to the basics. For a while I even stopped getting on him altogether. Instead Id just tack him up, lunge him then we'd practice bending and giving to the bit on both sides. I also went to ground driving him too. I think that is what helped the most in our situation. He was much more responsive under saddle after a few weeks of ground driving.

09-03-2008, 11:30 AM
cameo05 Bombproof Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 8,841	No ma'am that was not my insinuation, nor did I thnk you yanked on her. It is a so to speak type of thing. Pulling on her and yanking on her are 2 different things. __________________

09-03-2008, 11:33 AM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,509	Also to help get that whoa, when you are trying to stop her walk her into a solid fence. Tell her whoa, she'll obviously have to stop because of the fence and then back her up a few steps. That also helped to reinforce that whoa with my horses. Just another way to get it through to her what you are asking.