>>> I went up to Moses Cone Park last week with my neighbor that is boarding Doppa and we did a lot of this type of trail exercise because it was the middle of the week and we were the only ones on the trails. We leap frogged and we did an exercise where the horses would ride in opposite directions until well out of sight, then we both would turn around and pass each other going in the opposite direction until out of sight; then one of us would turn around- kick it up a gear and pass the other from behind at a trot or canter or tolt until out of sight. We did this only a few times because Little Miss Doppa, who is very smart, figured out quickly it was a game and quit worrying about it. For the first few times, though, both the horses were hesitant about leaving each other - it was a great exercise.
That's good stuff, Laree. We try to start doing that pretty early on with our young ones, first in the ring, and at a walk at first, adding speed when the horses are comfortable at the walk. Then we try to do it around the edge of the woods/yard, then off onto the trail. It's more pleasant to do when I have a kid to ride with me...Cary WILL help me do it some, but I think he feels silly "playing games." I can't complain about him too much though...he's doing a great job of taking the young ones on trail walks, one at a time. I think that is doing a great job in building their confidence, and heading off barn-sourness/buddy-sourness before it gets started - at least it appears to be working. His latest project has been walking the yearlings. Karen Karen Thomas, NC
