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Discussion on Can't keep his face off the grass | |
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Posted on Monday, Oct 4, 1999 - 6:29 am: My 6yo gelding has come a long way since I got him last Oct. He used to pull like crazy anyone who was leading him to turnout. He just could not get to the grass fast enough. This prblem has been pretty much solve with a chain over his halter. Just the presence reminds him to behave. HOWEVER,when riding him there is a whole 'nuther problem with the face to grass synDrOme. Nothing but a hard yank will bring his head up. If I'm on the ground holding him he's worse! I've tried a gentle and a not so gentle tap on the nose with a whip and a curt 'no', but he just looks at me with his cute face as if to say"Whatsamatta Mom?" I've also tried a nudge with a toe. I spent half the day at a show struggling with this VERY EXHAUSTNG |
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Posted on Monday, Oct 4, 1999 - 11:40 am: Are you riding western or English?If English, I'd suggest riding with a little more rein contact that doesn't slip if he pulls, thus avoiding the problem of trying to bring his head back up after he's started to graze. You can achieve that by making sure your thumb presses the rein against your index finger and you keep your upper arm vertical. When he goes to root, close your ring finger, sit up straight and keep your elbows at your waist. Move him forward and try to keep his mind on his work instead of his food. Attempts at grazing should be rewarded with more work :O) There is also something called an "anti-grazing" device (I've seen it in Libertyville Saddle Shop) that only comes into play when the horse goes to stretch down ... some people put these on children's ponies. Be sure you are very consistent with the rules ... do not allow grazing if he his a bit in his mouth, ever. |
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 3, 2001 - 10:30 pm: I would highly recommend the grass rein when riding, and make sure your always correcting misbehavior and rewarding him when he does not pull you. If you have ever seen Monty Roberts-when they do wrong make them dig a ditch :-) Otherwise as Chris says punish his misbehavior with work, and reward him when he completes it. Always be consistent and never turn to violence such as kicking hitting etc. Make sure he has something other to do than eat, and always make that option the easiest to comply with. Good Luck |
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 4, 2001 - 9:35 am: Hi D.this problem is much harder to deal with once established, but don't give up hope. The key is consistency. The pulling to grass when leading is essentially a leading problem and should be corrected as such. My approach would be to put a chain over his nose and when he pulls you give a sharp 'no' followed by a yank. Always use the voice first as you want to train him to respond to the voice and not the 'yank'. When he responds to the voice command DO NOT yank on the chain. If he pulls you into the paddock I would keep leading him in and out until he stops and then let him go. THat way he learns that it's actually faster to behave then to rush. When standing try to avoid being on a grassy patch as much as possible. If you have to be on grass then make sure that you hold the reins short so he can't reach for the grass. If he yanks on you I would give a sharp 'no' followed by a smack on his shoulder. If he doesn't respond repeat it and make him move so his head has to come up. If he gets a mouthful of grass try to take it out of his mouth so he learns that it doesn't matter he won't get to eat it anyway. good luck TeresaA |
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 4, 2001 - 6:00 pm: Hello, d.Farias,As Horsemanship Director of a very busy summer camp, I have this problem x100 with all the inexperienced campers who come my way. We have a grass ring, so whether the riders are in the saddle or leading they need to know how to keep the horses' heads up. One rein is the key, especially if the horse has a snaffle bit in his mouth. Picking up on one rein (and keeping shoulders back, tail in the saddle and elbow locked), every time the horse tries to dip his nose, will keep his head up and, with consistency, he will stop giving you such trouble. Pressure on one rein will bend your horse's neck so that he cannot lock his neck and pull straight down on the bit. On the ground, leading with the bridle, you can use the rein closest to you. Just hold the rein, with some slack in it so the horse doesn't feel pulled on, and keep your arm in an "L" position with your elbow locked as you lead him. Many, many folks lead horses with their hands hanging down by their legs and that is just like giving the horse permission to eat. I work with all breeds of horses and ponies and have never had to use a chain or yank. With consistency, your horse will be able to stand on grass on a loose rein while you saddle or adjust stirrups or tighten girth and all you may need to do is reach out to hold onto the rein on that side whenever you see the horse's head start to focus on grass. In effect, the horse is bumping himself in the mouth; you are not pulling on him. In a halter and on the lead, don't lead with your arm relaxed or hand down by your side (until your horse has gotten this lesson well-learned). Lead with about a foot of slack in the lead under the horse's chin, but keep your arm in the "weight lifter's position" and lock your elbow. Chris is right about keeping your horse busy. When I am working with or around a horse, as soon as I see his focus change to food, or grass, or another horse or whatever, I call his attention back to me with a cue to move. The horses get the idea that "Big Brother is watching," and they will maintain a better focus on the rider and handler. All of my horses are allowed to eat with a bit in their mouths if I give them permission to do so, but they need to know (and do) that when I pick up on one rein that their snack is over and they need to get back to work. Riding and leading is a lot less stressful for the horses and for the riders when these techniques are learned. Holly |
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 5, 2001 - 5:24 pm: Thats great advice about the one rein trick. My horse has started to try and pick while being riden. She is on a diet and losing weight and acts like shes starving to death. I think I have been doing it wrong. I have been driving with my legs and if she does manage to get her head down I pull with both reins. It is kind of a wrestling match. I've found if I anticipate it when she starts slowing and focusing downward I give her a bump and put her to work. It's defenetly an annoying habit to let a horse get into. |
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