The Power of the Walk/Stop Exercise and 10 Hours of Riding

I have a new horse, a Paso Fino, and can you say hot, and crazy as a bedbug !  Oh my goodness, spin, and way, way too fast.  The action "walk" just was not in her vocabulary.  Not since my beloved Jose have I had a horse as scared and wacko as this little girl.

So after 5 days just riding her in the playground (my work area) and forever and ever and ever teaching her how to do walk/stop she finally learned to listen.  We did not get to her to being able to walk 4 steps, she could only do 3 steps before she sped way up again, but she finally did catch on to  the "stop" and the "release".

Once Cassie caught on to walk 3 steps, stop, 3 steps, stop and wait for me I then took her out onto the trail.  Needless to say, the first ride scared the bejesus out of me.  BUT, she would actually stop when I asked her too - every single 3 steps before we would start up again.  Did that for 2 hours on the trail, then next day 3 hours, then next day 2 hours, and I have to admit the first 2 days were pretty awful, but my goodness, the third, fourth and fifth days - what a HUGE improvement.

Her head finally dropped and we ACTUALLY COULD WALK quite a distance, and yesterday I started taking her down hills which I would have never, ever dreamed possible.

So, we are now in a partnership - she trusts me and I trust her - more work needs to be done, she is not perfect but I am no longer afraid of her nor is she afraid of me.

I had forgotten how well this works - ALWAYS - I have done it with many outlaw horses through the years but it has been a spell since I have had a new horse. 

Try it and you will be impressed with the outcome.

Remember, it takes the time it takes and it will take less time.


The best to you.

Cassie, Paso Fino

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@g  Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)                                                          
                                               www.RideNYS.com

Tip #26: your Manners

When you go to retrieve your darling from his stall - be courteous and respectful.  Just wait a second or two before entering so that he knows you're there.  He is not taken off guard.

Have your head down, eyes downcast, shoulders slumped, and slowly open the gate.  Extend your hand for him to sniff.   Slowly and politely put the lead around his neck and bring him out of his stall. You don't need to pet him or talk to him.  Just be quiet.

If he turns his back to you while you are at, or going into, his stall - don't go in because it's a huge sign of disrespect. and he is telling you he doesn't want you there.  Pay attention to his attitude and listen to him.

Get him to turn toward you,  stay quiet, then, once he is facing you,  approach him.

To get him to turn toward you, lightly throw your lead rope or a pebble, or whatever, toward his ass end (obviously while you are a distance away), or whatever it takes to get him to move so that he  faces you and you can stay safe.

As many of the top clinicians say: "Better two eyes than two heels".

Mostly we just barge into the stall and grab the horse and drag him out of there.  It's impolite and disrespectful.  Your horses' stall is his home where he feels safe and secure and territorial.- just like you do in your own home or bedroom.

You don't want someone just walking in on you.  Well , neither does your little darling.  He'll appreciate your courtesy.

Mary Dixon               Adventure Horse Riding in NYS                             RideNYS.com