Pivot Turns

Question
I have a lovely 16.2hh Appaloosa Gelding thats a Hunter Under Saddle champion for 2003, but I didn't have him at that time (i've had him since november of 2004). I love him and stuff but i can't seem to do a pivot turn with him! I haven't been doing showmanship that long, but I am experienced enough to know how to do all other showmanship stuff. My trainer says to push him forward, and always be able to see his back leg, but how can I do both at the same time? I have a show on the 19 of august which is thursday so please respond by then, I am desperate and i have know clue what to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!Please Help!I only have two more days to practice which are wednesday and thurs day so please help as soon as you can! All the younger kids who are 10&Under are beating me at showmanship and halter!What am i doing wrong? My show is through the Appaloosa Horse Club if you know anything about there rules tell me them too!!!!!!!Thanx


Answer
Hi Caroline
I personall would put him up nose to a building, use your legs, light fingers and start to work on turning on the forehand.  Touch up cheating with your heels on his shoulders to get him to take a step, then pat him, do this step by step until he learns to bend and turn in a circle, then procede to a pivot, will be easy but it will take a week or so and patience, do not work a long time daily short sessions often daily.  I took Dressage years ago and it taught me alot with balance, patience, etc.

Kind Regards n Good Luck
Patt
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