controlling speed on trail

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a just turning 5 year old paint mare that does well on trail with the exception of liking to be right in the tail of the horse in front of her, and if you hold her back she wants to trot up on the horse as soon as you let up at all. She doesn't seem nervous/needing to be with the horse in front of her... it seems more like she wants to be the leader but that is just my guess as to why she does it. Either way I would like help in knowing how to break her of this bad habit so we can enjoy our rides more. thank you in advance for your help.
ANSWER: Hi Kristin!

You are very lucky to be trail riding such a young horse with no real issues.  

As far as her wanting to be up the other horse's butt, well, that could be a symptom of her immaturity.  Also, she feels "safe" being close to a friendly face!  LOL!!

No, really.  Think about it.  She is like an 8 yr old boy in the woods.  Send him by himself into the woods with no real idea why he is there and what's going to happen to him and he will be scared silly!  Now, take that same boy and send him into the same woods BUT, with his beloved father on a camping trip that they both have planned, filled with fun and togetherness. That kid will be happy and ready to go right in!!

You need to be your horse's "constant", her safe place, her happiness.  Then,she will not need to be so close to the other horse.  Because right now the other horse,in you mare's mind, is her safe place.  That is completely natural.  Of course horses pick another horse, especially a young female like yours.  She is low in the herd and looks to an older horse to tell her everything's OK.

So,make her want to be near you, you are her Boss Mare, her safe place and her trusted constant in every situation that makes her comfortable.  

Of course growing up and learning to understand the world around her will help too.  But, until then, you need to SLOWLY introduce new things and be there to let her know that it's OK.

Start by hacking out alone and only a short distance from home.  Stop when you decide.  Not her.  If you feel her putting on the brakes, anticipate it and stop her first.  Reward her with your voice and hands and walk her back to the barn.  Go a little farther each time and YOU ALWAYS decide when to go back.  Take the time to feel her out and show her she is safe with you.  When you feel she is concentrating on ONLY YOU and waiting for your signals, then, add another horse.  Do not change how you ride her and actas if the other horse is not even there.  Passthe other horse, let them pass you and turn and leave the other horse for a few paces and then turn back to it, not letting her speed up to rejoin it.  Have the other horse turnand pass you, going back a few paces and then coming back to ride behind you.  

Always ride firmly and decisively with a real plan of what to do each time you are taking these training rides.  She must be paying attention with you directing her from the saddle so she is taking her cues from you and not looking to the other horse for cues.

These are simple exercises to get her focused on you and nothing else.  If you do it consistently and calmly, the training will stick and be there when you really need it!

There will be mistakes and miscommunications in the beginning.  Be patient.  She will catch on that things are different and she will appreciate you taking charge and riding her confidently  :-)

Good luck and remember to always wear as ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Solange, I do have 2 follow up questions.
As I am taking the initial training rides, teaching her to rely on me for some confidence, will it hinder her if a person is with us on foot? Sometimes my husband walks when I ride short distances...
Secondly, will it hinder our training to ride with other horses before she learns to rely only on me? or can I trail ride with others in between my "training" rides?
thanks again. Kristin  

Answer
Hi Kristin!

Hmmmm....I don't think having your husband walk with you will interfere but, pay attention to your mare and see if he is a distraction to her.  In very nappy horses I have suggested having a helper to lead and give food rewards while riding out.  But, your mare appears to go well enough to not need that kind of incentive.

As for interspersing trail rides with training rides, I wouldn't.  You need to have your mare's full attention and confidence before you add another horse or change her training routine.  She is still very, very young and needs routine consistency to count on.   It will give her a real sense of knowing what is going to happen and that the outcome is safe and fun.  Then, when you do add a horse it will not blow her mind or cause her to backslide into depending on the other horse.

Make the training rides fun and relaxing, give her a good treat and a hand graze afterwards and tell her what a good girl she was!  Believe me, they know when you do the extras for them ~  They're just like men!!!

Have fun and believe in you both!

Solange

P.S. I know YOU may want to break up the training to have a little fun but, giving this your full attention and time now will reward both of you with years of pleasure riding instead of years of disagreement!  LOL  :-)