QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED

PROBLEM HORSE/PACE
Sunday, 09-Apr-2000 13:11:13
Hello Sandy!
I really love your page! I have a question about my horse. She is a eight year old Thoroughbred/Quarter horse cross mare named Tara. When going at any gate she tends to speed up and then slow down. She also has problems with lowering her head and when i get her to lower it i praise her and then she automatically raises it again and speeds up. How can i get her to stop this? Also when at a canter she seems to shorten then lengthen her strides which makes her canter uncomfortable. How can i change this?? If you would please e-mail me the answer that would really help becuase my computer will never let me read the answer on your page.
Thank you,
Britt & Tara

Re: PROBLEM HORSE/PACE
Monday, 10-Apr-2000 14:01:19
152.163.207.213 writes:
Hi Britt,
Problems maintaining pace are definitely a cause for concern. When asked what is the single most important ingredient in a successful ride, my answer is “PACE.” Without having control of it, nothing you do on a horse will work. You must get a ‘mental speedometer’ which will trigger the alarm as soon as there is even the slightest deviation from the correct pace. Please invest some time perusing both of the Training links on my home page. Within those pages I deal with pace, both on the flat and over fences as well as hints designed to invite your horse to the bit and maintain a good hunter style head carriage. ‘Hope you find help there. If you are not riding with a knowledgeable instructor, finding one will serve you well. Even on a limited budget, I advise working and learning from a good pro. A lesson once a month is better than no guidance at all. Good luck, Britt.
Sandy

PACES(Chris)
(06-Aug-1999 22:00:21)
Please explain the proper paces on a horse.
Chris

Re: PACES
Friday, 06-Aug-1999 23:06:36
Good questions, Chris. Everything we do on a horse is dependent on establishing the proper pace. It is a top priority if riding well is your goal. Riding a horse in hunt seat equitation or in the hunter divisions, the gaits and their paces are as following: The Walk - 4 m.p.h. The Posting Trot - 8 m.p.h. Sitting Trot - 6 m.p.h. Canter - 10 to 12 m.p.h. Hand Gallop - 14 to 16 m.p.h. The hand gallop is a 'controlled' gallop. It is performed at a faster pace than the ordinary canter, while still maintaining control. The rider rises out of the saddle, so that there is contact with the horse through the legs, but no longer in the seat. In other words, the hand gallop is ridden in a two point position. The correct rein length should be established at the beginning of your ride, with that contact maintained throughout all the gaits you perform. The reins should only be shortened if the rider has allowed them to slip through the fingers, thereby permitting them to become too long. It is correct to ride with a straight line from your elbow to the bit in your horse's mouth, with no slack in the rein while schooling and yet establishing a soft contact with no undue pressure on the horse's mouth. Should you lengthen your reins before requesting a canter? No, not unless they've become shorter than the ideal rein length you began your ride with. Riding into the canter with too long a rein will encourage your mount to quicken the trot, rather than responding correctly (laterally), and stepping into the canter.
Sandy

Re: CANTER LEAD
Friday, 06-Aug-1999 13:30:46
What is the proper way to ask for the canter lead?

Re: CANTER LEAD
Monday, 09-Aug-1999 20:04:51
Depending on the age and maturity of the horse you are asking to canter, I prefer two different methods for employing the canter cues.
When a horse is green and has never cantered other than when loose in a paddock, I suggest lateral aids. That is, outside rein and outside leg. Begin at the walk and gently turn your horse's head to the outside or rail of the ring. At the same time move your leg, on the same side, back about nine inches behind the girth and keeping this position while you squeeze with both legs (the inside leg in its normal position, just slightly behind the girth). Be sure to restrict any attempt to quicken by your pupil. He may only know that leg means to go faster and attempt to quicken the trot step. Prevent that by resisting with your hands, so that he gets the message you wish to convey.
When a horse has learned to canter on command, and goes willingly into the canter, you can then go to the second method of teaching the canter depart, using 'diagonal' aids, employing a slight indirect rein in front of the whithers to bend your horse in the direction you are traveling, while using both legs, as you did when first teaching the canter. Your outside hand will then become the 'pace controlling rein,' keeping your mount from 'running,' rather than continuing in a more balanced frame.
Sandy

CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 18:09:38
what are the aids too get the horse too canter on the strightaway without coming out of a circle? Could you put them into steps for me so I could have a better understanding. Thank you so much.
Kevin Graham

Re: CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 22:52:20
Kevin,
I’m not sure I understand what you are trying to do. Your post states that you want to learn how to canter on the ‘straightaway’, but without coming out of a ‘circle.’ If you are requesting a canter while in a ring, and would like to keep your mount straight in relation to the shape of the arena, bend your horse with an inside leg and slight inside indirect rein, in front of the withers. At the same time, bring your outside leg back a hand’s width and squeeze with both legs (inside leg at the girth and outside leg behind the girth). I would carry my crop in the inside hand, unless your horse is stiff to the outside leg. Be careful not to use too much indirect rein and be ready to activate with more outside leg if your mount tries to bulge to the outside.
Sandy

Re: Re: CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Saturday, 01-Apr-2000 00:27:06
I sort of understand, is it in these steps, I am not sure. 1.indirect rein and inside leg 2.outside leg or is it
1.indirect rein
2.inside leg and outside leg
or is it
1.indirect rein and inside leg
2.then inside leg again and outside leg ????
Thank you for the help

Re: Re: Re: CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Saturday, 01-Apr-2000 12:46:39
Bend slightly to the inside using an indirect rein and inside leg at the girth, then guard the haunches from bulging to the outside by placing the outside leg back and then squeeze with both legs.
Sandy

Re: Re: Re: Re: CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 17:04:21
I read a book by Anne Kursinski and all she say's too get the canter is one aid, using your outside leg behind the girth. She went on too explain that nobody should even notice you have done anything, you body and hands don't move. Any thoughts?
Kim Smith

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: CANTER ON THE STRAIGHTAWAY
Sunday, 02-Apr-2000 20:40:58
Hi Kim,
In her book, Anne is addressing a more advanced rider. The experienced rider will already have the horse bent a little in the direction he is going. Therefore, no additional leg or rein aid is necessary. The outside leg’s role is simply to guard the haunches from bulging too far to the outside. The inside leg is the ‘animation’ leg and is therefore necessary when requesting forward motion from the horse.
If you are riding a 'made' horse, rather than a green one, you are correct in bending him slightly, in the direction in which you want to travel. Be sure not to overbend or you will find his haunches bulging to the outside, which is not beneficial at all and will be likely to cause him to pick up the incorrect lead. You want a slight bend, just enough to enable you to barely see his inside eye. Do not speed up at the trot, but keep his walk or trot animated and then ask for the canter with outside leg back a few inches and inside leg at the girth. Keep just enough contact with his mouth to prevent any speeding up before the 'step' into the canter. Good luck.
If you will read my comments on the Judging link within this URL, you will note that I concur with Ms. Kursinski's thinking regarding body English. As a judge, if I can see it (an aid being used), I won't like it!
Sandy

Re: FLYING CHANGE
Sunday, 08-Aug-1999 02:17:05
What is the sequence for asking for a flying change?

Re: FLYING CHANGE
Sunday, 08-Aug-1999 02:17:05
Hi Pam,
If I were asked to instruct a rider on how to do the flying change of lead in 5 words or less, I would tell that rider "Pace Control and Straightness."
A correct flying change begins in the hindquarters, not in the front legs. Looking for the change or leaning into the new direction will throw your horse off balance and cause him to change his lead only in the front or at best, in front, followed by the rear legs.
Does your horse tend to bulge or cut more on one side? Be sure, when attempting to execute a flying change, that you don't get so wrapped up in what his feet are doing, that you ignore the necessity of keeping him absolutely straight before asking for the change. With a crooked horse, chances for a correct change are slim indeed. Look up at a point ahead of you, never at his legs and don't lean in. Stay in the middle of your mount while simultaneously asking for his straightness with your legs. Use your hands to prevent him from misinterpreting your aids by speeding up. Keep your pace very even, using half halts, until you are sure that your horse is straight through his entire body, even bending a bit to the inside, so that he's moving away from your inside leg before you ask for the flying change. If he doesn't listen to your requests for straightness, quietly halt and do a leg yield away from the side he's leaning into. Then try again. If you are successful in communicating straightness and consistency of pace to your horse, you will successfully accomplish flying changes.
Remember: NO BODY ENGLISH!
Sandy

WHEN DO WE LEARN THE HALF-HALT?
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 15:58:21
When do students normally learn too use the half halt. I have already started jumping and I have done competitions in the lower equitation.

Re: WHEN DO WE LEARN THE HALF-HALT?
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 22:42:28
Please read the last question and my answer.
Thank you.
Sandy

QUESTION HALF-HALT
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 15:56:35
When do most students normally learn the half halt. I have been riding for around 2 years, I can walk, trot, canter, I have done several lower competitions in Hunter Seat, I have begun jumping as well. I hear that the half halt is pretty advanced. So when do students normally learn this?

Re: QUESTION HALF-HALT
Friday, 31-Mar-2000 22:40:42
I generally don’t teach the half halt before I am certain the rider will not inadvertently be conflicting aids when attempting to coordinate riding with leg into a resisting hand. Your trainer is best equipped to make that decision.
Sandy

WARMBLOODS IN THE HUNTERS?
Tuesday, 18-Apr-2000 13:44:10
Hi Sandy!
I show my Danish Warmblood gelding in the Children's Hunters in Zone 2. My question for you is what do you think of the warmbloods in the hunters? Do you consider them on an equal basis w/ the Thoroughbreds, or do you prefer one over the other? My WB is a little finer than most (picture at: http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/jaxers/images/cosmo.jpg), and he won a lot w/ his old owner at 2'6", but I'd just like to hear what you think about the warmbloods in the hunters and whether or not you prefer them or if it doesn't matter to you.
Jackie

Re: WARMBLOODS IN THE HUNTERS?
Tuesday, 18-Apr-2000 22:53:16
Hi Jackie
I show my instructor's wb/paint cross in hunters and he does quite well. Last year he was the overal high point hunter at the locally rated A show most of us go to (3 of us show him). He hasn't been in any hunter class over 2'6" yet, but even at rateds he does quite well and the judges always watch him! Plus he's got a great personality and is very forgiving -an advantage to the "coldbloods"
http://geocities.datacellar.net/pamspics/JeffD_pose2.jpg
http://geocities.datacellar.net/pamspics/Jeffrey.jpg
http://geocities.datacellar.net/pamspics/JeffSarah.jpg (my friend Sara showing him last summer)
Pam

Re: Re: WARMBLOODS IN THE HUNTERS?
Tuesday, 18-Apr-2000 23:44:50
Hi Pam,
'Cute horse. Where is Jeff hiding the 'paint?'
:-)
Sandy

Re: Re: Re: WARMBLOODS IN THE HUNTERS?
Wednesday, 19-Apr-2000 00:48:58
Right here:
http://geocities.datacellar.net/Heartland/Farm/4479/Beland_JP5.jpg
*One* whole spot! And those stockings too :) hehe I was at an eventing barn where he used to be boarded at and was told he was a purebred Paint. But my instructor has his papers and says he isn't. Prior to that meeting we thought he was a Selle Francais, now we figure he's just a warmblood/paint cross :) Who knows?! he's a great horse whatever breed he is!
Pam

Re: Re: Re: Re: WARMBLOODS IN THE HUNTERS?
Thursday, 20-Apr-2000 02:25:45
Very cute, Pam and 'lots of chrome.'
Sandy

BREEDS
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 22:09:57
Hi Sandy!! I own a beautiful grey TB X Percheron that I'm planning on showing in the Pre-Greens this year. He's a really floaty mover and jumps in textbook form. As a hunter judge, would you discriminate against us because of his breed?
Kelly

Re: BREEDS
Saturday, 25-Mar-2000 22:55:28
Not a chance, Kelly! If your horse jumps in textbook form and is a 10 mover, he will win a great number of classes in his division. The ‘discrimination’ you sometimes hear about is not due to the judge’s preference of breed, but because of the animal’s less than stellar performance. Some breeds do tend to fare better as hunters than others do, but it is the ‘performance’ not the breed, which is being evaluated on the judge’s card. Good luck showing him.
Sandy

ARABIAN JUMPING
Hi Sandy!I just started leasing an Arabian Gelding, and have been riding for over a year.This horse has been used for english riding all his life, but I have a very hard time getting him to soften and accept the bit.like most arabs, he naturally carries his head high, and so is reluctant to lower his head.I dont feel that using a martingale is a proper way of getting him to carry his head lower.Have any tips?
Jamie

UPDATE ON JUMPING ARAB
Monday, 01-May-2000 22:26:25
Thought you might lke an update on the jumping arab that I asked you about last fall. (she didn't stay folded in front long enough, just jumps higher) Spent alot of time on gymnastics,slow approaches,slight half halt before the jumps to get her deeper-big help! Showed her this past weekend(her very 1st show!)Didn't win any prizes(lots of baby type mistakes) but she looked pretty good when she went around, still like to see her tighter but what a difference, thanks for your advice.
spikethomas@webtv.net

Re: UPDATE ON JUMPING ARAB
Tuesday, 02-May-2000 23:26:12
Thanks for the update, Spike. You're very welcome. That's the kind of news we love to hear! Keep up the good work. 'Hope to hear more success stories from you down the road. :-)
Sandy

REPORTING BACK:)
Sunday, 16-Apr-2000 23:00:15
We were asked to w/t/w/c and then w/t/w/c/t. No backing. Jeff was great. The show started 45min late because they didn't have the judges' cards! so the poor guy had a very long day (since the competitors were on time). For some reason a very large number of horses were acting up at this show, it was raining off and on, but still. In my 1st pleasure class I lost my stirrup, Jeff spooked in a corner and cantered (we were trotting), and then I picked up the wrong lead. I still tried though ;-) The second class went a lot better. Jeff reacted twice to horses freaking out next to him, but went right back to cantering or trotting on a loose rein and either the judge didn't see it or she liked that. We placed 6th out of 14. I was happy to get a ribbon :)
One girl kept cutting me off (dangerously), I was getting so mad at her, but she didn't place ;-) She did place in the equ flats though. Oh well. Everyone else was curtious. Too bad their horses were acting up.
I did a hunter u/s (novice) with Jeff too. He was really good. I felt so loose, but I got 3rd out of a lot of people... I estimated 15+. My friend got a 1st and 2nd jumping him so we ended up with Reserve :)
My equ's did not go well. Jeff was pretty ansy and anoyed with us (saddle on, saddle off, martingale/boots on, martingale/boots off, boots on, boots off) :-b He was really strong and ignoring me in Maiden, I got wrong leads of course. Limit he was better but someone's horse jumped sideways towards us next to a jump while we were cantering and Jeff almost ended up going over the jump, and then of course I had to pick up the wrong lead. Next time we'll do better though.
Pam

Re: REPORTING BACK:)
Tuesday, 18-Apr-2000 21:25:25
Hi Pam,
Thanks for the update. 'Sounds like you had a pretty good day. I'm so pleased with your positive attitude. More than any other ingredient, that's bound to help you become a winner. Keep up the hard work and your day will come.
Sandy

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