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  Discussion on Hot canter
Author Message
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, Jun 10, 2007 - 2:01 pm:

After months of work at home we can canter both leads, transition to walk and go calmly within a few steps.
I thought it was time to reintroduce a show scene.
The first two classes were acceptable, then in the third class she got very pushy, and wouldn't relax her canter, in fact dearly wanted to run off with me.

So, my question is twofold. How do I handle this behavior at a show and what can I do to further repare her at home?

At home I can continue to work on her responsiveness, reconditioning her to relax after cantering.
I suppose,to some extent, I just have to get her into a show scene and teach her that even there she can relax, I will be the same rider for her at a show as I am at home.
any thoughts on what else I can do?
Member:
erika

Posted on Monday, Jun 11, 2007 - 9:45 am:

Lori, if you have other horses and riders near you, try this:
Have two others ride in a ring with you. After a couple of times around the ring, have the front horses slow a bit and the last one overtake them. Then a little ways on, the back horse again goes to the front. So in essence you are getting the horse used to being passed and settling in any position in the group. You are taking turns being the leader for a little while.

You don't stop the front horses, just slow enough that the next horse can pass you on the inside. Don't even change gaits.

Keep your horse's attention on you by doing something active (like a shoulder in or just a half-halt), instead of the horse that it is changing position with.

Hope you can understand what I am describing.
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Monday, Jun 11, 2007 - 2:44 pm:

Erika, thank you for your thoughts. Yes, I think you have it exactly but that is also my problem, I almost always ride alone.
So, while I can continue to improve her at home I guess I am going to have to go to a few shows, treat them as schooling shows and school her.
thanks again,
Member:
ellab

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 - 1:07 pm:

In some shows you can enter the class as a non judged participant at a reduced fee. If you know that you are not being judged you might be more willing to "blow a class" in order to school her. You may be less tense as well if you know you are not being judged.

You can also find a barn in which they give group lessons. I have a friend that gives group lessons to all her students every week. She stuffs as many horses and students in the ring as she feels is safe. Her horses never seem to get upset when they go to shows. There are never as many horses around them as there are at home!

EllaB
Member:
terrilyn

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 - 2:20 pm:

To get our horses ready for the show scene, we often take them, tie them, walk them around, ride a little on the grounds, and just practice "being there." I find it really helps in the long run.
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007 - 9:45 pm:

thanks Ella and Terri, good tips,

one of things I am changing is when I canter in my ride. From now on I am going to add random canter strides, so she learns to accept canter as just another thing we do. Nothing to get worked up about.
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