| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LadyLuck1 |
Posted - 16 Aug 2010 : 10:51:16 PM
people on here saying to wait to back horses. all my horsey friends are in such a rush for me to back Kirstie. I'm not in a rush as she is only three usual arguments you need to do it before she gets too strong etc but surely if I take my time and do it properly she shouldnt be too bothered. She has had a saddle on and I have leaned over her she doesnt seem to mind. At the moment we are going for walks and being introduced to new things, we can have flags, bags all over her body and she doesnt bat an eyelid unlike some ridden horses we know. We are hoping to long rein soon. Any suggestions on games we can play to help increase our bond and help her grow and develop.
Thanks
Mary |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| pinkvboots |
Posted - 18 Aug 2010 : 12:19:36 PM
Sounds like your doing fine, I used to go on long walks in hand around the woods some pole work and lunging before I started the backing process.
Some people at my yard would keep on about backing Arabi when he was 3, thing is they all had big warmblood sport horse types and at about 3 is when you would start backing this type of horse, Arabs take longer to mature so some are just not ready. good luck.
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| TAE |
Posted - 17 Aug 2010 : 8:00:00 PM
Listen to your horse and they will tell you when they're ready mentally. I've know one exceptional pony that was backed and thought he knew everything at 2 and his 1/2brother wasn't ready untill nearly 5.
Having already learnt voice commands can be very usefull when backing. There's all the usual Walk, Trot, Canter, Steady, Woah, Stand. I also like to teach Back, Over, to move his bum away from a pointed hand or very slight touch and Pick up, the lazy way to pick up feet.
We have also alway had a policy of trying to find things which could be scary and if possible introducing them at home in a fun way with lots of food and fuss. Though of course there's always those days when the ghost in the hedge is more scary than the nice friendly bus thats bearing down on you!
Best of luck however you decide to proceed |
| LadyLuck1 |
Posted - 17 Aug 2010 : 3:16:01 PM
Thank you Iwill order a copy of that book.
Mary |
| Crusaders Angel |
Posted - 17 Aug 2010 : 10:58:41 AM
If you want to feel like you're giving her more of an"education" get yourself a copy of "Schooling Exercises Inhand" by Oliver Hilberger.
It's a fantastic book which will guide you through teaching your horse lateral work from the ground which is great for helping youngsters to develop straightness and suppleness so that when you back her she will already have a nice strong back and be balanced.
My friend did this with her youngster and it seemed to make backing him easier as he was used to the rein aids and leg aids. He was also much more respectful of her space.
I bought a copy about a fortnight ago and have been working through some of the exercises with my 5yr old and the change in him has been remarkable, just in the short time I've been doing it - I wish I'd know about it last year 
Good luck with your baby, just enjoy what your doing and only listen to your horse's opinions cos that's the only one that matters 
Lucy |
| Kharidian |
Posted - 17 Aug 2010 : 10:29:14 AM
I think you're doing just fine!
Caryn |
| Pauline |
Posted - 16 Aug 2010 : 11:07:09 PM
I have always done things like walking then trotting over poles, around cones.Back up teach them to move away from your leg using a schooling whip (Not to hit the horse but to guide them)
I take mine for walks in the woods and lead them off another horse. I have even taught them to play football.
You can do carrot stretches, makes them very supple.
Pauline |
| natntaz |
Posted - 16 Aug 2010 : 11:06:02 PM
Sounds like you are doing everything right and putting
thought into how you go forward. Good luck
I think they are all so different. Better to wait and
make sure you give them a good start |
