Apologies to those bored by my horse posts....

[Remudamom]

But here is a short video of the bridleless ride attempt.

 

This is KatieB, a ten yr old AQHA mare. She is fairly new to me, I've had her for a while but she's mostly been sitting in the pasture. Her former owner warned me that she is very sour at arena work. You can see she isn't in the best mood. However, it isn't from any physical discomfort. She's been seen many times by a horse chiropractor. No problem there. Farrier says feet are good. Without saddle in the arena she's in the same mood, so I can only conclude that she is indeed, bored with arena work. She is much more responsive out in the pasture, so we'll just have to work with that. I'm not going to try this in the middle of nowhere yet. 8)

 

I did cheat a bit and put a lead rope around her neck. I'm not afraid of her bucking but if she didn't stop immediately I wanted to be able to address that.

 

We should have used the better camera, but this small one is always the one I have in my pocket.

 

http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/Remudamom/?action=view&current=MVI_0945.mp4

[Live2Ride]

Great job! She does look annoyed being in there, lol.

[Remudamom]

Her job for quite a few years has been "husband horse". In this case that meant a lot of treats and very little riding. She's also been living in the middle of Kansas City in a backyard with no room to let go. The owner told me that she didn't think the horse liked her, but the woman is a fantastic rider and handles my Arabian divas with ease.

 

She is bred for cattle work. With a bridle she has a fantastic stop and a fairly good spin on her. Her first summer here she spent terrified of the steers who in her opinion were entirely too familiar.

 

I am hesitant to do too much treating with her, I think that might be part of the problem. If we don't make some progress by spring I'll be tempted to treat her bad attitude with "you don't want to do this? Okay, how about this?" and really get after her. For now I'm ignoring.

[Wendi]

Impressive. So is she just responding to verbal commands and feet/posture?

[Live2Ride]

Her job for quite a few years has been "husband horse". In this case that meant a lot of treats and very little riding. She's also been living in the middle of Kansas City in a backyard with no room to let go. The owner told me that she didn't think the horse liked her, but the woman is a fantastic rider and handles my Arabian divas with ease.

 

She is bred for cattle work. With a bridle she has a fantastic stop and a fairly good spin on her. Her first summer here she spent terrified of the steers who in her opinion were entirely too familiar.

 

I am hesitant to do too much treating with her, I think that might be part of the problem. If we don't make some progress by spring I'll be tempted to treat her bad attitude with "you don't want to do this? Okay, how about this?" and really get after her. For now I'm ignoring.

 

 

I agree. She looks as if she's willing, but doesn't really enjoy it. Maybe start some trick training or set up obstacles. Make her brain and feet work. That may help her attitude...

 

Oh and no treats unless she's doing something for them...it just makes them grabby after a while.

[Remudamom]

Impressive. So is she just responding to verbal commands and feet/posture?

 

 

Yes, and she's learning quickly. Her verbal whoa is excellent going away from home but not so good on the way back. 8)

When she turns she's responding to leg pressure, we're working on the backing. She should feel me shifting my weight back a bit in the saddle. It's a blast.

[Bensmom]

I am just the city girl who knows absolutely nothing about horses, but think they are beautiful. Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. :)