[crayon]

I took Crayon's flash noseband off today because I don't really want to have to use it... I think I may have to, but I'm not sure. She accepts the bit well at the walk, but we're still working on it at the trot. And in certain spots she'll duck her head and dive into the center and try to go whichever way she wants. Once she gets to this point, all I can do to stop her is lean back on the reins... And I just don't think it's nice to put that much weight on her mouth, but it's all I can do to keep her from running away with me. So to keep her from diving to the center, I've been opening my outside hand and keeping contact and leg on the inside to make her look away from the gate and create a wall so she can't pop her shoulder out and start going sideways. I don't mind that she's beding the wrong way for now because this problem should be addressed before bending IMO. And it seemed to work pretty well, but every once in awhile I'll do it just a teeny bit earlier or later than ideal and she'll find somewhere to dive in again. I know I need to have more patience and not get angry at her when she does this, but I'm, getting to the end of my rope because she did this before I ever used the flash too and I feel like I've gotten nowhere. So any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[JBandRio]

2 reins pulling back rarely have a correct place with a horse

If she dives off the rail, just use the *one* rein in the same side to quickly, but quietly, circle and come right back to the rail.

Repeat as many times as she chooses to dive.

She'll figure out that doing that doesn't get her anywhere but back where she was.

Also, for a while, use the rail as the walking/resting place. Do your work to the inside. For now

[crayon]

Thanks. I really do feel bad when I pull back on her mouth like that. I'll definately just try to circle her. She knows the one-rein stop too, but sometimes once she starts diving, she "locks" her head in once position and simply resists when I try to turn her back. But it's definately worth a try. It was much better with the flash, but I don't think that's a needed piece of equpment in this situation and I would feel great if we could work through this problem without it.

[Jim_in_PA]

Elvis tries that little trick, especially with Professor Dr. SWMBO aboard. He used to try it with me, but I've learned to insure I have good contact on the outside rein and have my inside leg "on" coming out of the bend and into the long sides. He only tries it with me now when he's really tired and while I know that's an important communication to me, I don't give in to it immediately. He's still required to listen, so I'll push him back out on the rail, come around again and then give him a rest.

I don't have enough experience to know if a bridle configuration would contribute to this with some horses, so I'll not attend to that part of the conversation.

[crayon]

Originally Posted by Jim_in_PA

Elvis tries that little trick, especially with Professor Dr. SWMBO aboard. He used to try it with me, but I've learned to insure I have good contact on the outside rein and have my inside leg "on" coming out of the bend and into the long sides. He only tries it with me now when he's really tired and while I know that's an important communication to me, I don't give in to it immediately. He's still required to listen, so I'll push him back out on the rail, come around again and then give him a rest.

I don't have enough experience to know if a bridle configuration would contribute to this with some horses, so I'll not attend to that part of the conversation.

Thanks for your input. Crayon usually does it when she's ready to be done working. I put the flash back on today jsut to see how she'd do and she only tried it one time. It took a little effort to steer her back to the rail, but it was much better than yesterday. lol.

[lynnloves739]

More inside leg, outside rein, keep looking where you want to go and moving your hips and body in that direction. If you are anticipating what he's going to do you might be preparing your body for that and indirectly asking him to do it. So really try hard to focus where YOU want him to go. If he does it I would either circle him around or stop him immediately and back up to where you wanted him, keep doing it until he stops.. they hate to back up.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Lynda

[Capilet]

I can hear my early instructors in my head:

Outside rein, inside leg!

What JB suggested was also a very good tool.

[crayon]

Thanks everyone. So I guess I'm on the right track. I jsut have to be more assertive and timely with my aids. And who knows, it may have also been something to do with the saddle. It doens't fit quite right so I'm starting all over again with the saddle search. Gosh I can't wait to just win the lottery so that I can afford somethign that fits!

[Kelsey5674]

Like Capilet said "outside rein, inside leg". The best tool ever for a diving horse.
When i tried jumping, for the brief period of time a horse they put me on did a "run out". Very quick, very sudden and very sharp. To the right or left, doesn't matter. You could never predict it. LOL. Good times.