Little gal is very green but doing well

[tyecop15]

Had the little gal out on the road for her third drive. I think she is doing ok for as green as she is. She seems to be catching on we'll. I am very big on voice commands and use very little physical cues. She is doing well enough that I should probably make her a harness that fits

 

[Performancemini]

LOL! Yeah, I think her harness needs some fitting or adjusting-but she sure doesn't seem bothered by the excess. I used to think the horses shouldn't canter in harness; but a Morgan show horse trainer I respect said she actually teaches her to so they learn the feel and learn to come down to a trot and walk and not get rattled. That way if they ever spook and bolt the feel of going out of a trot and coming back 'to earth' is not unreasonable. Looks like your girl is doing great!

As far as cantering too; had to rearrange my thinking when my husband got into the Roman Chariot driving events. Though I still think a lot of them need to learn the difference between HAND gallop and a full out gallop or run!

 

[tyecop15]

How interesting, that is the exact reason we teach ours to canter, in case they are spooked. You are the only other person who has ever brought that up. In my mind it makes total sense. What will happen when your horse gets spooked and runs, I believe in most cases the horse will then become more spooked by the bouncing cart and things will snowball from there. This is why we teach our s that running is not scary, but make sure they also know I control the brakes. If you'll notice in the video, when I say easssssssy she backs right down. I've never had to put the plan into action with any of our horse/donkeys but I would hope if they ever were spooked and ran they would trust me, that slowing down is safe. Just my .02 worth.

 

[studiowvw]

Yes, I've heard it's best to get some cantering experience because that way they're used to it and it doesn't make a spook worse.

Randy Bird suggested cantering a few strides, then going down to a walk, and repeat so they get used to coming down to a walk. Just like doing transitions while riding.

 

[BiologyBrain]

I wish the boys I'm working with could partner up with your girl... She could teach them so much!!

 

[rabbitsfizz]

IME cantering is OK on grass, but I would not be cantering on that surface and I would not be cantering with only three drives on a horse at all- they can easily spook just form something silly like the sound of their hooves and, at three drives, no matter how much ground work you have done, they can just spook at nothing. Slow down, there is no hurry.

 

[jeanniecogan]

WOW, doing really well. I LOVE the stop. keep up the good work.

 

[diamond c]

I agree it's a little early to be cantering, even for "training" reasons. and on that slick suface, just beging for a reck.