>>> Those long lines can get tangled around a horses legs so fast you don't know what happened.
Just one more tidbit we've learned too...if you don't have a surcingle (I have no idea what happened to mine, but it's MIA) you can also use a saddle, by running up the stirrups and playing with the stirrup lengths. In fact, I think I like using the stirrups on a saddle better - it seems to me that the loops on a surcingle tend to be in the wrong place - either too high or too low, but I can always make more holes in the stirrup leathers to get the stirrups to exactly the right place for the horse. If you aren't careful with how you use the surcingle, you can inadvertently make the reins act like draw reins, which I absolutely do NOT want them to be. Long lines have a lot of weight to them, and can really drag on a horse's head, or on his/her mouth, if you're ground-driving with a bit. There's a lot to consider with ground-driving. It's a great training exercise, but it's not as easy as it looks. I know Judy has carefully prepared Charm up to this point, step-by-step, but Laree is right that ground-driving can be scary. I also believe that Charm is probably one of those "born old" horses, who's unusually sensible and safe, so what Judy is doing isn't the point of my post. I still feel like a klutz, after doing it for years, so I mostly stick to doing it in the round pen or the arena for a LONG time...and by then, we're often ready to ride out anyway. I wouldn't advise the average Betty to try it without someone with GOOD experience to help at first, especially not in an unfenced area. Still, it IS a great way to get the horse used to moving without a person at his/her side, leading him/her along. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.21/1109 - Release Date: 11/4/2007 11:05 AM
