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Discussion on Problems accepting the Bit | |
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 13, 1999 - 3:00 am: I have had my Arabian mare for two years and I'm having trouble getting her to accept the bit. She does not care to use it she would rather the reins lay slack and have her head in the air. I have tried many things streching side to side and down, using my legs, I used a martingale for a bit to build the muscle so it would not be as hard for a low head carriage, Keeping constant lite contact and moving with her and many other things.I Know she needs to find it herself but how do I help her. Want to know what I else I tried e-mail me at countercanter@netscape.net.All has failed. I also want to know how to ask for hind end power getting off the forehand, rounding the back. What to look or feel for when I know I got it. I know it all goes together I just havent found the start of the circle. She also does not accept sidereins. please help with anything. Thanks |
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 13, 1999 - 8:16 am: When you say she doesn't accept side reins what do you mean?? Does she have a fit?? If you introduce them very slowly she should adjust. It's also possible that your mare has learned that if she holds her head up she escapes the bit. My advice would be to keep a constant pressure on the bit even if she throws her head up and release slightly when she puts it down. You may be in for a battle on this one as she's learned to fight it but be persistent.good luck Teresa |
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 17, 1999 - 5:23 pm: First of all check your saddle fit. I cannot stress how tanatmount saddle fit is for a horse to willingly (or actually be able to) round thier back and lower thier head.If the fit's okay then start working your mare on getting her to use her hind end. A good exercise for this is raised trotting poles and raised canter poles. Make sure your mare is well warmed up and stretching before you use this exercise. The poles should only be raised about 5 inches from the ground and placed at a spacing that is comfortable for your mare. Only do three or four to start and let the reins loose as you go over them so she can lower her head and figure them out. You will feel her back round up into the saddle with this exercise and learn to recognize this feeling when you are on the flat. Don't work at this too long as she will be using muscels she usually doesn't and you don't want to work her till she's tired as she will then associate pain with using her hind end. Work on getting her engaged from behind and her head will begin to lower naturally. A horse that is not using thier hind end cannot round thier back and therefore cannot lower thier head. Good luck! |
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