Posted 2015-01-28 12:16 PM Subject: Colts and Leads
Scorpions R Us
Posts: 9586 Location: So. Cali.
Looking for some input and experiences. My colt is coming 5 this year. He has a tough time keeping or switching his hind lead. We've done roll backs and figure eights, it's becoming a bit too 'easy' for him now to just switch the front lead and continue on. We've probably been stuck in the same spot on barrels for about 8 months now because of the lead swapping (and because I need to teach him what 'run' is). I know alot of people just say they'll eventually figure it out on the pattern, but at what point do I start considering there could be an underlining issue and not just lack of training or maybe even just lazyness?
Please share experiences and possibly what exercises really helped get that back lead easier. I try focusing on shoulder and hip and reaching up under him, it's almost like he just doesnt care to try.
Posted 2015-01-28 12:42 PM Subject: RE: Colts and Leads
Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315 Location: East Tennessee but who knows?!
It's always a good idea to rule out pain but I have found a lot of times this kind of thing gets much better with conditioning and building the muscles to keep themselves framed up. Collection and collection on circles seems to help develop that but it does take a while.
Posted 2015-01-29 11:20 AM Subject: RE: Colts and Leads
Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651 Location: Alberta
I'm assuming your referring to when you ask him to work the pattern?!? Same as Fairweather on all she said.........
I found with my 5 year old once I could lope a nice consistant circle then I would "ask" for more go on the barrel, I do also ride 2 hands when I work him around the barrels (at all speeds). I keep in mind as well the ground and maintaining his confidence, he's never disappointed me in how he handles all the ground I've shown him......good luck!
Colts and Leads
