Today Gilly and I worked in the round pen with the long lines. I am not really sure just how to do this with him so.....anyone who reads this if you have any tips, pointers or good books on long lining please feel free to help me! :-) In the next few pictures we are just working on having him drift across the round pen to go in the opposite direction.
He does step over nicely. Sometimes he does really well then we have a few problems, I am sure I am not giving him the right signals and he is confused. He does try really hard for me. I need a long whip so I can reach out and tap him when he starts going the wrong way or when he backs up. He backs up when he doesn't know for sure what I am asking him.
I also saw when working him this way why he has such a hard trot to ride. He really, really needs to round up his back!!!! When trotting on the way up his back is more straight and when he comes down his back is really hollow and he is really strung out. Almost looks like he is pulling himself with his front legs....ugh...Gilly we REALLY need a lot of work!!!
I notice that his neck is really stretched out too. Looks like an old sway backed work horse.....poor Gilly!
This looks a little better, head and neck are looking much better. I am also thinking of getting some trot poles for him to work with. With winter coming and sometimes riding is not going to happen but I am hoping that I can still work him in the long lines, even if it's just up and down the road.
So now if any of you have any thing you can tell me to help me out with this I would greatly appreciate it! :-)
The End
5 comments:
Well I "long line" (line drive to me because I do indeed, drive them after) every horse. Looks like you need more contact, or shorter lines, try standing closer, but off to one side of him your arms are always so widespread you will have little control over where he goes.
When I am line driving a young horse I set up cones. Then I weave in and out of said cones (just like doing poles in western events) this will give YOU something visual to help your commands become fluid and consistent and help give the Gil man something consistent in the form of human communication. Trust me, people laugh when I say I use cones but they certainly do not laugh when my horses are the lightest in their bridles and commands.
Sydney, thanks I will try that, the cones sound like a good idea and what length lines do you use? What I was using (the white one) is a 22 foot rope and the blue are long reins from an old bridle.
I have no tips or advice. I think Gilly is just so handsome. And I love how smoothly he side passes and moves when you ask him to. What a good boy he is for you :)
~Lisa
Not knowing much about training of horses Jane, BUT I'm just Happy to see you both out and about.
I'm learning through you.
The Internet is wonderful to have the thoughts of others (comments on Posts)and whatever works I say!!!
Wishing you & Gilly a Great week...
My Best
~Marilyn
He looks pretty good - like he's enjoying it. As Sydney says, if you can take up some contact, that will help him carry himself better. Lots of turns and figures will also help him.
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