Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My horse is rearing in the alley and stalling in it's turns!
Dear Tina,
My horse has been competing about 6 months now about 1 run a week. She is starting to rear and refuse to go in the alley. She also rushes into her turns but then almost stops behind the barrel! How can I fix the problems I am having.
Dear FBH.com reader,
Some problems can not be fixed without professional help. I think you have several things going on here. First, probably a poor foundation! Second, speed before understanding. Lastly, a novice horse should NOT compete every week for 6 months.
I would suggest a trainer like myself to take the horse for 60 to 90 days and start over. The first month should be on basics alone. The second month on slow pattern work and the third month on hauling to shows for confidence building exhibitions only.
Only then if your horse is showing confidence in the alley, smooth relaxed lope into the turns and quick snappy high lope out of the turn should you consider taking the horse home and entering maybe ` or 2 races per month.
Every horse is an indivdual and may take less or more time. I would also suggest you learn with your horse by taking at least 1 lesson a week with your horse. Being aware of your horse's emotional state will be very important as you go back on your own again! Stay in touch with your trainer weekly on progress reports.
I would be happy to help you if you are in my area.
Best of luck, thank you for the question. I got into training with TLC for teams exactly like you. I don't like to see a horse or rider upset with each other and if I can give them the tools to be successful and happy again, then that is what I am all about!
