. > > You may have read about my Orri who has decided to spook in the indoor > arena while we do walk/trot transitions. I've stopped riding him and > I'm going back to ground work. > He's 5 and doesn't seem to be responsible yet. Does that mean he was > started wrong? > V
No, but he is probably sick and tired of going around in circles and really going nowhere at all. It's just sooo boooooring that he needs to do something! The only time I go round in a circle is when I get on a horse the very first time. And then only to check if he/she understands what I am asking him/her to do. And that usually involves going round once or twice in each direction, doing a few figure-8s around a couple of cones and backing between the cones. After that, we go on SHORT trail rides with another horse; this has to be a horse that the trainee likes and trusts. I initially don't pay any attention to gaits at all. And frankly, initially I don't give a @#$%^& about transitions and all that. All I want from the horse is that it gives to the bit and moves energetically. Initially these rides should be 1/2 hour max. You can gradually lengthen them as the horse learns to balance your weight and acquires power-steering. Sooooo Virginia: go and take Gat and Orri on some nice, interesting trail rides; expose them to some adventures such as COWs, wild life, road monsters, fresh air and all that nature has to offer. Ride up and down hills, cross streams and enjoy the great outdoors. I promise that you will have a bran-new Orri in no time at all. Anneliese
