Posted 2015-01-23 2:16 PM Subject: Adding more bend/flex
I am in the mits of 're-training' my 12 y/o gelding. He has been off some time and now since he has had surgery is ready to get back in the game.
For the time being before surgery, and before anyone could actually pin point what was going on with him. He had developed some bad habits (I believe due to pain). He wants to cut me off at the 2nd and 3rd barrel. His first barrel is pretty much perfect. But at the 2nd and 3rd he gets super stiff and wants to cut it off with his shoulder. I, also developed a bad habit of pulling on my outside rein when he does this just to try and hold him off. I am working on myself getting out of this habit, and instead of pulling his head the opposite way, I'm focusing on pushing him just a little more past it than I normally would. I know he is going to turn so I am not too worried about that. But what I am trying to work on with him is his bending/flexing. He is super stiff when turning the 2nd and 3rd, I will ask him with my legs to bend but he usually does not respond well during a run.
What are some exercises you like to do with your horses to get them to respond and bend from the rib cage?
Posted 2015-01-23 2:27 PM Subject: RE: Adding more bend/flex
Expert
Posts: 5293
Its going to be a little harder to re train a 12 year old. Especially since he was a finished horse. I would switch to the left barrel first ( Assuming you go to the right normally). THat will freshen him up some and i bet he keeps the same nice first barrel and second barrel. Hope that helps
Adding more bend/flex
