Posted 2014-04-09 9:56 PM Subject: How to get a horse soft and supple?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 540 Location: My own little world :)
I am having a tough time with my 4 year old gelding on being soft and supple. It just feels like he is lazy and doesn't really want to respond. He also kind of likes to cruise with his nose out. I'm not really riding him hard...just walking and trotting to get in shape so I don't think it is a soundness issue. What do you do with horses like this? How do you work through the feeling of them kind of hanging on you and not being real responsive? I know for sure it is probably something that I am doing. What are common rider mistakes made? If anyone has any pointers I would greatly appreciate it!
Posted 2014-04-09 10:58 PM Subject: RE: How to get a horse soft and supple?
Arriving at the last minute!
Posts: 5148 Location: Kansas
Clinton Anderson has a lot of DVDs. Some like him and some don't but he can get a horse supple. Its an every day thing and some horses you just have to work harder and get the respect from the horse. I have watched them to just get me thinking about the little things I was missing.
Posted 2014-04-10 8:06 AM Subject: RE: How to get a horse soft and supple?
Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
The release of pressure is very important, and I think that comes with feel, which you'll get after many miles and hours. If you hang on the horse, he's likely going to hang on you.
Posted 2014-04-10 8:11 AM Subject: RE: How to get a horse soft and supple?
The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411 Location: North Dakota
Lots of one rein stops, moving the hips, moving the shoulders, lateral work, etc. The keys are to release when they soften and to not let them drag their feet. Move those feet and they will respond much better.
Posted 2014-04-10 9:54 AM Subject: RE: How to get a horse soft and supple?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
Drive him into the bit with leg pressure. When you feel him give then release that pressure. Start with walking around the arena and when he gets that down, then move on to circles.
How to get a horse soft and supple?
