"DISOBEDIENCES"

"Handling Refusals"

.....Punish or Pat?

Patting a horse, in an attempt to comfort one who has refused a jump, is inappropriate training. We don't want to see abuse employed after a stop, but realize that the horse learns his behavior through a system of reward and/or punishment. To his way of thinking, you are pleased with the most recent thing he has done, when you pat him. By the same token, you are less than satisfied with his most recent move, when it is immediately followed by a tap on the flank. (One or two, never exhibiting a loss of temper). If a horse is stopping because he is afraid, he is more than likely being overfaced. You will be doing your mount a disservice, continuing to show at a level, higher than he is ready for. Take him home and bring him along more slowly. Your patience will be rewarded with success, in time. George Morris says, "The slow way is the fast way."

"ON BITTING"

So you own a horse. Be sure to have your horse examined by a knowledgable veterinarian and have his teeth floated by a top equine dentist. Next, ask a reputable farrier to shoe your horse. What bit should I ride him in? Begin with the same tack that you witnessed him ridden in while being demonstrated to you. Next, do a little analyzing while riding your new companion. Does he lean on your hands? Does he poke his head up in the air, star gazing? Do you feel he needs a brake re-lining? Although, nothing can replace good riding basics and knowledge, riding in an incorrect bit can make even a top equestrian, suffer needlessly.

When possible, school your mount in a snaffle bit, a thick one for a young, green horse and a thinner one for a horse with more mileage who likes to lean a little. This may not be the most suitable bit to show him in, but save your show bridle for that purpose, rather than using it on a daily basis. He'll respect your show bit if you use it only in the show ring.

SOME BITS TO TRY.........

• Heavy Horses, Leaners
  Tom Thumb Pelham
  Snaffle Roller
  Twisted Snaffle
  Port Pelham
• Quick Horses
  Twisted Snaffle
  Double Wire Snaffle
  Port Snaffle
  Tom Thumb Pelham
• High Head (Star Gazer)
  Rubber Straight Bar Snaffle
  Rubber Broken Snaffle
  Thick Steel Snaffle
  Copper Snaffle
  Copper Roller

Keep Tuned In. More to come!

How Form Assists Function

Equitation/Position
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"Q and A MESSAGE BOARD"

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In the Barn

The Way We Were	Equitation Position	More Memories	Sheik & Reiver
M.S. Walk	Begin Training	About Judging	Jack Russell Hermes
Medal Twins	Meet Samantha	Safe Horsemanship	Remembering Buffy

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