[Rainbow.Gray]

Originally Posted by Cami1230

Thank you. Another reason why we were changing the bit was because she kept pulling on it and putting her head down. I see what you're saying though.

Now I'm not there so I don't know, but it sounds like the bit she is in is a bit harsh, or maybe you could be bumping her face, or someone has before. I worked with a horse that did this, the horse needs to learn to give to the bit, don't know much about it I had someone help me. I was told in my case that the horse I was working with didn't want me to have the power so to speak to suddenly hurt her mouth, or not so much hurt, but do something to it, so she would take the bit away. My horse now will tuck her head when I ask, and when she gets a bit annoyed with it will shover he nose under her chest so I don't have controls anymore. We fixed that by reteaching her to tuck with a voice command rather then tapping the reins. I don't know what she or you is going... but I don't think a harsher bit is the answer.

Forgive me if this has already been addressed.

[lvmypnt]

Originally Posted by Cami1230

Seems like I worded it wrong. I didn't mean it as in general riding a 2 yr old. We're not taking the fast way to get to the final destination. I don't see trying to teach a horse flying lead changes to be a problem IMO.

But obviously with this horse it is a problem.

I am one of those people that realy doesnt approve of horses being trained so young because I do not think they are physically and metally ready to be challenged with the pressure of training. However, I do not judge people who start training early. Everyone has their own reasoning behind it.

With that being said, I also believe that some horses can handle it where others just absolutely can not handle the pressure.

Horses speak to us constantately. Since they cant express themselves with words then they express themselves in their actions. The mistake people make is not listing to what the horse is saying.

Since you said that she has been progressing nicely up to this point, maybe your girl is just trying to tell you that she is not ready for whatever reason. She cant come out and say "hey I'm just a kid, I dont feel comfortable doing this, its just too much and I am not ready." So it is up to you to realize when she is acting out that she is trying to tell you something.

This is the age where you will "make or break" the horse. Take it slow and "listen" to what she is saying. She will let you know when she is ready for the FLC's.

[Circle C]

It totally depends on the horse as to when I start them on FLC's, but generally it's in their 4yo year after they have all the basics down.

[Circle C]

Originally Posted by John

We do flying changes as soon as the horse is collected, moving forward and moving off leg. Most horses can do nice quiet back end first changes in a straight line at the end of the first week under saddle. It is not magic. It is simply doing the ground work properly and using the right building blocks in order.

What horse training planet are you on? I've never even seen Clinton Anderson doing FLC's in the first week under saddle...and he, IMO is as professional and good as they come.

[John]

Originally Posted by Circle C

What horse training planet are you on? I've never even seen Clinton Anderson doing FLC's in the first week under saddle...and he, IMO is as professional and good as they come.

I have been doing it longer than Clinton.

[Circle C]

Originally Posted by John

I have been doing it longer than Clinton.

IMO, just b/c you've been at it longer doesn't make you better.... and I'm talking anything, not just training horses.

I would like to see a horse doing FLC's after a week under saddle. Maybe you could make me a video?

[Lopinslow]

i agree, i would LOVE to see a CORRECT flying lead change after a week under saddle... heck, even after a month or 2..... pretty sure it does not exist.
and IMPO, even thinking that is SERIOUSLY rushing a horse.

if i had a trainer/rider tell me they were going to have my horse doing that right away,, i would run the other way,, even if they wanted to pay ME to train MY horse.

[John]

Come on out! You are welcome to watch. My daughter does most of the riding these days but she uses the same methods.

[Circle C]

Originally Posted by John

Come on out! You are welcome to watch. My daughter does most of the riding these days but she uses the same methods.

What is your purpose? Do you show?

If I could come to CAN I would.... But I cant so I'm requesting a video

[lvmypnt]

Originally Posted by John

We do flying changes as soon as the horse is collected, moving forward and moving off leg. Most horses can do nice quiet back end first changes in a straight line at the end of the first week under saddle. It is not magic. It is simply doing the ground work properly and using the right building blocks in order.

I am truly amazed and I would love to see a video as well. I never imagined a horse could have the balance and collection need to do a proper FLC after one week under saddle. I always thought it took a bit of time for a newly broke horse to get balanced and learn to carry itself in a collected manner while carrying the weight of tack and rider.