Eating while riding

mistysangel0 · 07-08-2009, 01:52 PM

My gelding Dilly has always been a pain with trying to eat while riding. Some of the stuff we walk through is about his head level as well so that really doesn't help. He has gotten increasingly worse this year. He pulls very hard down sometimes, and he does not really get anywhere with that. What i am most worried about is that he has started to try and eat at other gaits such as trotting and loping, and that does concern me, it just seems VERY unsafe and other then being unsafe it is very annoying lol. I do not like it. What is the best way to break him of this habit??

jwhisperj · 07-08-2009, 02:48 PM

When I was little my pony was the same way. My mom tied the lead rope to the horn of my saddle so the pony couldn't get her head down. But if your grass is too tall then I don't think this will help. Sorry, I will be interested to see what others come up with.

Lightningsrider · 07-08-2009, 02:52 PM

You could try vibrating one rein when he starts to put his head down at all. And to help enforce the training, don't let him eat when he's caught AT ALL! My mare is getting so bad about this and I've let it go on too long.

Zanerkin177 · 07-08-2009, 03:17 PM

the horse is more interested in his stomach then you! if the horse still tries to eat if you pull on one or both reins, then pop him on the butt with a popper/whip and make him go

Temposmom · 07-08-2009, 03:52 PM

Wouldn't get out of snack/whoa without my good ole trusty crop! With it, no problems, without it...ugh. LOL I don't mind them eating, but there IS a time for it, and tripping over ones lips while fighting to get that ONE blade of grass....time to draw the line if you ask me.

LRHenneman · 07-08-2009, 05:19 PM

My gelding does that. I'm putting a stop to that this year along with other things. He does not do it at any gait other than the walk, thank heavens. I one rein him away and if he persists, he gets a swat from my crop. So far it's working on the trail. Now, I have to work on it when we go through meadows. I think it will be a struggle, but I intend to persist. It's doggone annoying and can be dangerous at different gaits.

CJnBucksMom · 07-08-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LRHenneman

My gelding does that. I'm putting a stop to that this year along with other things. He does not do it at any gait other than the walk, thank heavens. I one rein him away and if he persists, he gets a swat from my crop.

This is the technique I have always used as well and it's always worked really well for me.

07-08-2009, 01:52 PM	#1
mistysangel0 Senior Member+ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In your closet Posts: 2,383 Images: 539	Eating while riding My gelding Dilly has always been a pain with trying to eat while riding. Some of the stuff we walk through is about his head level as well so that really doesn't help. He has gotten increasingly worse this year. He pulls very hard down sometimes, and he does not really get anywhere with that. What i am most worried about is that he has started to try and eat at other gaits such as trotting and loping, and that does concern me, it just seems VERY unsafe and other then being unsafe it is very annoying lol. I do not like it. What is the best way to break him of this habit?? __________________ Hold on just a bit longer bubby, I love you Doc horses have the ability to give us an escape form out mundane existance real love is forever Aunt Bunny Sept 27 07 Destiny June 12 08 Koti Jan 9 09 Austin Oct 28 09

07-08-2009, 02:52 PM	#3
Lightningsrider Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Clinton/Fulton, MO --Depending on the Season Posts: 1,246 Images: 106 Blog Entries: 17	You could try vibrating one rein when he starts to put his head down at all. And to help enforce the training, don't let him eat when he's caught AT ALL! My mare is getting so bad about this and I've let it go on too long. __________________ "When you feel like the world is against you, and you just want to hide, there’s something about the smell of a horse that has the power to dry your tears, calm your fears and make you smile."

07-08-2009, 03:17 PM	#4
Zanerkin177 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Army :D Posts: 1,288 Images: 7	the horse is more interested in his stomach then you! if the horse still tries to eat if you pull on one or both reins, then pop him on the butt with a popper/whip and make him go __________________ A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

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07-08-2009, 02:48 PM	#2
jwhisperj Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 416 Images: 6	When I was little my pony was the same way. My mom tied the lead rope to the horn of my saddle so the pony couldn't get her head down. But if your grass is too tall then I don't think this will help. Sorry, I will be interested to see what others come up with.

07-08-2009, 03:52 PM	#5
Temposmom Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 1,471 Images: 21	Wouldn't get out of snack/whoa without my good ole trusty crop! With it, no problems, without it...ugh. LOL I don't mind them eating, but there IS a time for it, and tripping over ones lips while fighting to get that ONE blade of grass....time to draw the line if you ask me.

07-08-2009, 05:19 PM	#6
LRHenneman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Rocky Mountains Posts: 460 Images: 7	My gelding does that. I'm putting a stop to that this year along with other things. He does not do it at any gait other than the walk, thank heavens. I one rein him away and if he persists, he gets a swat from my crop. So far it's working on the trail. Now, I have to work on it when we go through meadows. I think it will be a struggle, but I intend to persist. It's doggone annoying and can be dangerous at different gaits.