Me and Dani----again

Question
Hello again Ms. LaChapelle,

You have helped us so much in the past, that I wanted to take a moment to say thank you, and to let you know of our progress.

I'm still working Dani in a Hackmore, have him flexing well at the pole at walk and trot....haven't tried the canter yet.  He is beginning to understand that when I lift the reins he is to bend at the pole and collect himself and move out without me having to coach him, or pull him in.  He understands!  There is one hitch however (isn't there always a however?), when we are out just trail riding I have to constantly collect him.....press and release....in the ring he does it without me having to constantly remind him..  When trail riding, should I just let him go "al natural" or should I continue to ask for him to collect?  We ride hilly terrain, sometimes boggy, sometimes rocky, with grouse and pheasant flying up in our faces (he didn't spook to bad for a young horse!).  I was wondering if letting him have a loose rein is best for balance purposes and keeping him calm....those pheasants and turkeys and deer can be spooky things.

Now that it is hunting season in PA I'll be doing much more ring work.....teaching side pass, lateral pass, backing, and would still love to teach him to extend his trot for that beautiful floating trot he does out in the pasture.  How would I go about doing that?  I also thought I would set up barrels over the winter and try that, which I have never done....how would I go about teaching him barrels, besides walking the pattern first and then asking for speed once he understands what to do around the barrels?  And since winters are long here and we have an indoor ring, I thought to keep him interested I would try some jumping....any suggestions?

I want to keep him interested...he is smart and picks up things fast so keeping his mind occupied is important   for his mental health (and growth and stimulus) I think!  Mine to for that matter!

Of course I welcome any other suggestions to keep Dani interested this winter, to keep him wanting to learn and to keep my learning too!

thank you for your time,

Sarah and Dani  

Answer
HI Sarah Hi Dani!!!

I'm so glad to hear you guy are coming along so well!  Congratulations!  

I would do less collected work on the trail.  I would still do all of the great things that are helping Dani progress but, just a  bit differently.  I would USE the movements not "train" them.  I would find a reason to collect him and get him round, like going through downed timber or through streams, things that require a bit more contact and attention.  I would then just do things that require side pass and backing.  In between all of these things just let him walk out or trot out.  Do lots of walk trot transitions, just make it real!  Really use his skills.  

Really allow Dani to open his stride at the trot.  When his right front foot is leaving the ground add a nudge of pressure with your left calf.  When his left front foot is leaving add your right calf.  You can also help open up his stride with your posting adding a more driving seat.  Try this out and let me know how it is working and I'll add more!

Jumping is great.  It is a wonderful skill and you never know where Dani may show more talent! Start with poles on the ground, then a small cross rail.  Straightness is very important when jumping.  As you are doing more jumping I'm sure you will come up with more specific questions and I'll be happy to answer!  

Same thing with a barrel pattern.  Only, NO TIE DOWNS!!!  Get your horsemanship really correct.  Do the pattern, but do not sacrifice good horsemanship for speed.  Get the correct lead with the proper bend.  Ride for relaxation and balance.

Have a great winter!   You are just spot on with what you and  Dani are doing!  Keep up the great work.  You are so joyful in what you are doing.  Dani is lucky!

Keep me posted!
Smiles, Denise

Hi Sarah and Dani!  I noticed on my log that this has not yet been read.  I'm not trusting that my answers are being properly sent so I hope you have seen this answer!!!  I don't want you to think I forgot about you!  Let me know.  Smiles and Carrots!  Denise


Hi Sarah!

One more thing, when riding out and you have scary things, deer, pheasants and turkeys to deal with, get your hands on Dani just as quick as you can and rub him.  Try not to ever grab on the reins when you experience a spook.  If you have to do something, bend Dani from one (1) rein only.  Never grab with both reins as hard as that is not to do!  When you grab with both reins Dani will feel 2X's the spook, his and YOURS!  He might also feel trapped and the spook could escalate into a full on bolt or bucking.  So, try and remember with a spook, one rein only,and get your hands on him and rub and comfort him immediately if possible.  We have the same critters here and I encounter the same issues of unexpected friends joining us on trail rides!  I have about 30 turkeys that invade the barn and pastures as well as deer and quail.  It can be interesting when they fly into the barn!  The turkeys are HUGE!  Jet takes great joy in chasing them.

Have fun this fall!  Wear bright orange.  I also add a bell to my chinch when I go out.  I am noisy in the woods this time of year!  Be careful!

Smiles!  
Denise