Comments on The Posting Trot: Learning to kick some butt

Oh! And you also confirm my coach's credo which se...

2008-11-07T22:25:00.000-05:00

Oh! And you also confirm my coach's credo which seems to be like your own: wish for it, ask for it then demand it... It makes me think of Nuno Oliveira's famous words: Ask often, require very little and praise a lot (which by the way, does not work with 9 year old boys, I know, I tried...).

Also thank you for reminding me that each horse is different and a rider needs to adjust to each personality. Horsemanship really is an endless, and fascinating, learning project, isn't it?

Oh Jewel! Your intervention is much appreciated as...

2008-11-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

Oh Jewel! Your intervention is much appreciated as I've always believed life is too short to try and learn all things by trial and error. So tapping into a seasoned rider's experience is priceless. I do thank you for your comment and your advice!

OHHh tough question. I think I spent so long worki...

2008-11-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

OHHh tough question. I think I spent so long working on ground manners in the begining that we laid a strong foundation. I will say that each horse has a very distinct personality and you as the leader must learn the correct way to communicate with each horse. What I do with Abu I cannot do with Tonka. I do think there is a certain level of relationship and trust that evolves over time, however you are the herd leader. I did very early work with Abu in the round pen -lots of getting him to "hook on". I also made personal space very important. You can do that several ways, but a punishment should be swift and then forgotten and they should never be made from a place of anger, more of just saying- that is not ok. I may be different where I think you dont own Meeka, but lease her. When its your own horse and you see them 7 days a week it is much easier to become "lead mare". If you dont have respect and control on the ground you will never have it in the saddle. In my personal riding I have a very strict rule I stick to. When asking the horse to do anything I 1.Apply the aid as softly as possible, more just try to think it into happening, and I give him ample time respond. 2. I ask with meaning and give a bit less time to respond. 3.I demand and this usually only takes a few tries and Booster is right on board with the program. Now as soon as I get the desired results I praise and let him know he did the right thing. When learning something new I praise for even the smallest effort and attempt.
Whew sorry I got so long winded there.