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Location: Mississippi | This horse is off the track, was patterned but not seasoned last year when I got him. He was very thin and out of shape so I have put most of my time into getting him back looking good. He was also very stiff but after a good dental, he was a different horse. Edited to add, he is coming 6 yrs old.
He has always ran a smidge past and snapped back around but the past few runs he is tucking his head almost to his chest and going really wide. I am used to running my push style horse where I have to hustle all the way into the turn so trying to learn to 'check' one is new to me. He has also stopped using his back end. I need some suggestions/exercises that would help us fix these issues but my main concern is the first barrel. Sometimes he will have a better first but it's never been great. I am also not ruling out my hands and not being sure how to cue him. He is big and strong and I have tried working alot on getting him soft but it seems like he now has way too much bend in the poll, even when just riding him around.
I am using a medium shank Merrill gag (dogbone, twisted wire) and up until a few runs ago he was in a bonnet because that is what the trainer used on him so I had just continued to do so. This horse seems very smart and willing and does great in practice but tends to lose his focus at a race. He has been thoroughly vetted, up to date on dental (although after this weekend I am going to have him checked just as a peace of mind) and he is being currently treated for ulcers. I am open to all suggestions!
https://youtu.be/NtohQtCwXDU
Edited by turtleaut 2017-04-10 10:33 AM
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 Take a Picture
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| This is my take....You need to get a copy of Mark's video from Josey's on using your hands. Best money you will ever spend. I think it is about $25. Not real crazy about your bit. My trainer tries different bits and sticks with what works. You might try some other bits to see what works best. g you are starting your turn a little early and that is causing your to come off wide. (second and third) I think if you get your hands working in your favor you will be good. Every horse is different. |
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Expert
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Location: Mississippi | Thank you, and I agree - I have struggled with my hands on him because it is a new style for me. I think one thing I may be doing is just checking him with my inside hand versus 2 hands. Do you know where I can order the video from? I looked on Josey's site but didn't see it. I have been to numerous clinics but never with this particular horse. Do you have any bit suggestions or a good starting point for what bits to try?
Edited by turtleaut 2017-04-10 1:12 PM
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| You will probably have to call to ask them about the video or I can call. I would not go buy a bunch of bits to try. They are expensive. try what you have. I just know I had no control with a bit similar to that. |
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 Expert
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Location: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma | You are "pulling to your pockets", which doesn't in my opinion help a horse to gather up, shorten their stride and ready themselves to turn. I'm a believer in Ed Wright methods and think you need to help your horse shorten his stride and lift his shoulder to fix those turns. |
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 Elite Veteran
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| He looks like a nice horse. Gags have a slow reaction, maybe he needs something a little quicker or a fixed gag. JMO. These bits are examples.
Charmayne James Low Port Twisted Pretzel
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=c19774c1-bcb0-43ea-a...
Brittany Pozzi Twisted Med Lifter Bit
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/brittany-pozzi-twisted-med-lifter... |
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 Too Skinny
Posts: 8009
Location: LA Lower Alabama | How many runs are you making at an average show? I see a few videos labled with different classes. Does he get better or worse on his second, third etc |
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Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | If I don't make it for trainers, I will usually run 2. Kind of let him go his own speed through the first run (which is usually an adult class) then run him in open class encouraging him a bit. He is pretty consistent time wise but second is usually faster. Now at a 3 day race, typically the first run is the fastest and he slows down from there. But he gets pretty nervous at the bigger 3 days too. |
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Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | |
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Too Skinny
Posts: 8009
Location: LA Lower Alabama | I looked back at your previous horse videos and see a lot of the same riding. Do you think you could find someone to train with nearby? |
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Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | I do have a trainer I ride with occassionally but he tends to be more horse issue versus rider issue. Can you offer some tips on what you see that I need to try and focus on as far as my riding and things I can do in slow work to work on my hand position? |
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