[Vix]

Originally Posted by JBandRio

Ok, now things make a little more sense

Sorry about that.

Using one rein is a great technique - for the rider It in and of itself doesn't do anything for the horse. It's a very very very useful tool for teaching the rider to not pull back with both reins.

However - with a green green horse, it can be a problem. It simply takes time to flip to the other side, and in that time, you lose the connection between her doing something you didn't ask for, or not doing something you did ask for, and making the correction.

It can definately be a problem when starting out actually giving direction instead of cruising. That's why we've started her on a training bosal as of today. Up until today she was just allowed to for lack of a better word mosey so we got the forward idea in her head. Now we have direction and bend at the same time.

So, if you want to keep the halter on her (and I would be one of the last to tell you to take it off at this point ) then tie the end of the rope back under her chin so you have to reins. Use another rope if your single one is too short. As long as you still do not pull on both reins (and you shouldn't necessarily pull on both), you are still accomplishing the same thing.


As for her movement being suitable for WP - my WB could slop around like she was And he would not be suitable at all. As I said before, WP is more than just going slow - the GOOD ones still reach under from behind and lift the shoulders and withers. Whether she will be able to do that and still look the part I couldn't tell you from this.

That is very very true. But is there anything about her conformation that would make WP difficult for her?

Thanks so much by the way JB, I really appreciate your comments.

[SkyeTiger]

Wow...that video recorder was EVERYWHERE!!!! What were you guys thinking while holding it? LOL

haha Anyway, she does looks very smooth and very slow. I say......GO FOR IT!

[sammiee]

wow all i can say is that horse got some serous AIR!!!!

[Vix]

Well a little update from our lesson this morning. We went in the big arena again and worked on serious hip/shoulder motion at the walk and trot.

Her trot is SO nice. Definately could see it being even nicer when we get collection going.

She still has issues with her shoulder popping out, but we got her number on that one. At a walk she braces with it, but can't seem to do it at the trot...so, Mocha gets worked at the trot.

Thanks Skye! And I know! Watching that video makes me sea sick everytime but its probably the only recorded evidence of me riding her I'll get for a while. LOL And we'll see how things go down the road WP wise. Right now as long as we can do walk/trot classes I'll be able in the short term. Long term who knows.

sammie - Yes, when she is loose she definately gets air...lets just say I've been tempted to find out from the Spanish Riding School if they want a painted above airs filly. LOL