On Friday I sat on Rio's back for the first time! She was really mellow so I mounted up and dismounted a few times to get her used to it. She took a few steps with me on her back calmly. I plan on doing the same thing, just mounting up and dismounting a few more times till she's used to it.
Rio broke her bridle a few months ago so I've been doing all her longing work in a halter. Its been working out okay but I'm gonna get on it and go buy her another bridle ASAP. That way, as I'm spending more time on her back I'll have more control.
Also, I'm going to start long-lining her again. Its been a struggle with her but I need to try up again. I think long lining is the most profitable thing someone can do to prepare their horse for riding. And hopefully we can get to more advanced long-lining like "shoulder in's" and side passing. I wish my new boarding facility had an indoor arena. :( Working horse in the mud and slush is really a pain. Riding in it isn't too bad, but groundwork can be awful. She learned that she can pull the lead rope out of my hands and run away when its slippery out. So, that was lots of fun. I've started putting the side reins on her though. With those she can't get as much leverage and hasn't been able to run off again.
Looking forward to more good times with my horse as she progresses!
You have more control (less finesse but more control over brakes and turning) in a halter and one lead rope because the horse cannot lean into it. I find it easier to ride my horse at a walk and trot in just a halter and lead rope, for she tends to yank on the bit too much when she gets cranky. There is far more control when you can swing the head around and "bend" the horse to a stop. Once she is ready mentally for faster work, add the reins and bit while riding and get her accustomed to them, while leaving the halter and lead rope underneath for extra control. Just for safety until she has been ridden for several months and is completely responsive with the bit. But good work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. :) You are right. I get caught up in the illusion of having more control when I have a bit and bridle. Truth is my horse gets cranky and focuses on the bit more than me when I have one in. I'm exited to get out there and get on her back again!
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