This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Behavior and Training » Topics Not Covered Above »
  Discussion on Switching horse from Western to English
Author Message

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2002 - 1:49 pm:

I've recently purchased a green broke 1997 paint/TB gelding "Ted" with 2 months training Western training. I've got about 5 rides on him now using a large, loose ring egg butt snaffle. He's getting progressively better at feeling contact but we do have a way to go obviously. He's getting used to it and although his head is not in the moon its higher than how he went Western. I know that the Western trainer used draw reins extensively and a narrow twisted wire snaffle and Ted certainly looked good with a nice flexion at the poll and stretched down along his back. I know that getting the "front" end and getting the horse on the bit is largely a function of the back end and the rider's back,leg,etc. However, Ted is also used to a Western saddle with little or no leg contact - another challenge which I am working on.

My question for those in the know. What do you think of using the loose, large ring snaffle? and what do you think of using draw reins on him as we go through the adjustment? Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your help

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 13, 2002 - 3:45 pm:

I wouldn't use the draw reins.

I would use a conventional snaffle - most likely an eggbutt with medium thickness of mouthpieces.

I would work on getting the horse forward, calm and straight and forget about "headset" for a while.

I'd try to have a light, even contact that received the energy I created with my seat and legs. All requests would be through seat and legs first.

I'd probably start with lunging for a few days and then before each ride, using side reins to help the horse accept contact. I'd use a lunge cavesson and circingle, too.

I'd probably have his teeth checked to be sure there aren't any issues as he is fairly young.

I'd be patient and expect it to take some time.

Posted on Thursday, Mar 14, 2002 - 11:32 am:

just to add to Chris' great advice.....

Remember that your horse is young and green broke. Many of the issues you describe would be similar to any green broke horse western or english. Also remember that head set is the natural result of self-carriage and those muscles take time to develop. As Chris says gentle contact with seat and leg is the idea. Side reins are great but the temptation is to use too tight and for too long. Keep them relatively loose. If you've never used them before have someone show you how. The problem with draw reins is that they 'force' the head set so it's not the natural extension of the horse carrying himself from behind (much like if I strapped a board to your back for posture). Once these gadgets are removed the head will go up. They also tend to encourage a stiff jaw as the horse braces.

For now just work on forward, rhythm & straightness. Good books to give you the idea are:
Walter Zettl "Dressage in Harmony"
Jane Savoie "Cross-Training your horse".

good luck

T.

Posted on Friday, Mar 22, 2002 - 12:15 pm:

Thanks Teresa and Chris for the advice which by the way I've been following. Just happened to have received Jane Savoie's book about the same time as your advice. Haven't used draw reins, have done the lungeing and the side-reins (very lightly). In the 4 or 5 rides since you both provided the advice I've seen progress with the contact and rythym. As I've been working on that I've noticed that I may have to be more aggressive with moving forward. Last night Ted was quite unresponsive to my attempts to move forward with clucks and mooches and some leg. Thanks again for your advice.

Posted on Friday, Mar 22, 2002 - 1:34 pm:

For better responsiveness to your forward request, think 1-2-3:

1 - squeeze with the leg (always draped on and long) while releasing a couple of millimeters with your ring finger ... praise for any speed increase,

2 - tap with your ankle/heel a little more aggressively, again releasing the ring finger a small tad ... praise for any speed increase,

3 - tap behind your calf with a crop, releasing the ring finger a small tad and praise for any speed increase.

Work on a 20m circle. Be sure to continue the forward motion and praise for going forward. I define praise as a vocal coo - good boy and a stroke of the withers.

You repeat this often, 1-2-3 (give the horse a moment to respond each time). After a few times, you will only get to 2 and eventually you will only have to do 1.

I think it will help your horse go forward in response to a squeeze.

Cheers.

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 27, 2002 - 1:52 pm:

Thanks for the great advice. I've been riding a long time and it never ceases to amaze me how little I know or how poorly things have been explained to me or...how dense I really am. Cheers.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC