saddle. she was fine. and after a few attempts of mounting, she > was fine with me on her back, I can even hop on her bare back.. but > here's the problem, I cant get any forward movement. I've only tried > this once, and I'm out of town right now, but could use any advice on > how to proceed in her training. Dwight:
This mare seems to be willing but she does not have a clue as to what you want her to do. You need to step back a little. I am a total amateur but this is how I have started many horses: Start out by leading her, using your chosen verbal commands for stop and go. Once she understands your verbal commands, ground-drive her, using either a surcingle or a saddle, threading the long lines through the leathers. If you have someone who can help you it's really easy. You simply ask your helper to lead the horse while you get behind her and use the proper commands. Never forget to praise lavishly when the horse does what you ask. There is often initial confusion because you praise her when she goes and praise her when she stops. There will be a moment initially when the horse will ask: now what on earth do you want me to do stop or go??????? She will soon understand that you want her to follow your verbal commands. Most horses will easily follow verbal commands when you get on them after a few ground-driving sessions. I used to ground-drive to the farm gate and then get on and ride back to the barn when I was doing it by myself. Once the horse makes that initial connection you are basically home free. Just never fail to give feedback to the horse. She needs to know when she is doing the right thing. Anneliese
