AUGUST 2021 THE RIDER /31 Palm Partnership Training™ Building A Partnership With Your Horse The Horse Who Runs Up from Behind
By Lynn Palm. To review, we have discussed im-
portant steps to prepare for training on the trail, including reading the horse to recognize his inner energy level and working with him to release it, prepar- ing the rider through warm up and stretching exercises, and building safety and confidence on the trail. I’ve also covered training tips for dealing with the horse who wants to always be in the lead. Let’s look at another common trail
training problem: the horse who wants to run up from behind. If you are on the trail with one or more horses, your horse’s herding instinct will become evident when he cannot see the horse in front of him. This can happen when the horse in front of him turns a corner, rounds a bend, or goes down a hill. A horse may just go “nuts” when he can- not see his buddy up ahead. He may get extremely insecure as his herding instinct comes out strong. He will want to hurry and run to catch up to the other horse or horses in front. He may get ex- tremely nervous. He may throw his head, buck or even rear in frustration if he cannot see his buddies or is held back from rejoining them. You need to realize that this situa-
tion can happen to any rider. I have ex- perienced it myself. It is important to learn how to avoid this problem and understand what to do if it happens. Avoiding this problem depends on
your level of riding and the level of your horse’s training whether outside or on the trail. When riding with oth- ers, the first step in preventing it is to discuss the importance of keeping the riding group together. Whether there is one other rider or a group of 50, every- one needs to be conscientious about not getting too far from the rider in front and behind her. Prevent problems be- fore the group goes out by deciding on a certain word or phrase that will be used when on the trail to communicate
For Advertising Rates
and promotional
opportunities call (905) 387-1900 or visit
www.therider.com 1 888 394 3330
capricmw.ca/equine
if there is a spacing issue. If you experience this problem
and it feels like your horse is getting out of control—get off him and on
the ground. He will be easier to control. If the riders in front of you want to go on or are too far in front to realize there is a prob- lem, let them keep going. Get off your horse. Give him time to chill out and stop fretting. Wait for other horses that are be- hind you to catch up. When they join you, your horse will have some buddies. Let him get acclimated to his new friends be- fore continuing on the ride. If possible, your horse should have at
least one buddy to accompany him on trail rides. If you are riding with large group trail ride, try to have 3-4 people who will stay close to you. By doing this, you will be respecting your horse’s natural herding instincts.
Your Next Step… A horse should have at least one buddy when going out on a trail ride. The “buddy system” provides extra safety for the rider and satisfies the horse’s natural herding in- stinct. Here are two tips to help retrain a horse when running to catch up to the horses in front becomes a problem.
#1: Practice the Single File Trail Training technique I mentioned in Palm Partnership Training™ Newsletter #94. Set up a trail ride training scenario where you and your horse are among several horse/rider com- binations in head-to-tail formation. Start with your horse in the lead position for a short time, about 2-3 minutes. Then shift positions in the line-up so he is the second horse. Stay in this position for a short time, then move him back to the lead. Continue leading for another short interval, then shift to be the third in line. Hold here for a while, then take him back up to the second position. From second position, rotate into fourth position for another short segment, then back to third, and so on. Keep switch- ing places so the horse learns to concentrate on his rider and the environment, rather than other horses.
#2: In a big field, practice doing large fig- ures with a group. Start with one other rider, then add two, three, and four more riders. Ride figures in groups of 2, 3, and 4 riders, then separately. Mix up the com- bination of riders, then go back to working alone. As long as the horse has a vision of the other horses, he will not experience the
trauma of being separated. The more you work him with a group, then away from them while still within sight of his buddies, the more he will develop his own individu- ality and a stronger independency.
Until then, follow your dreams… Lynn
Lynn’s Training Tip… Don’t forget your horse’s natural in-
stincts. If you pay attention to his natural instincts, you will build a much better part- nership with him, which will serve to en- hance his training. Remember: You can never change a horse’s instincts - you can only improve them with training! For more information about Lynn
Palm, her trainings in Florida and other parts of the U.S., DVDs and more, visit
www.lynnpalm.com or call 800.503.2824.
73A Bolton St., Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 705-991-0KCD (0523)
email:
kcd@kickingcowgirldesigns.com
www.kickingcowgirldesigns.com
The best protection for you and your horse.
CapriCMW is the official insurance partner for Ontario Equestrian and Provincial Equine Associations from coast to coast. We’re Canada’s most trusted insurance provider for equine enthusiasts and equine industry professionals.
Protect your horse with EquiCare, ask us how.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
