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Discussion on Lazy, uninterested TWH
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New Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 10:23 am:
Hi, I am new to this site and so far, have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts; the questions and the responses have been very interesting. So, I've decided to ask a question of my own.
I have a coming 4 year old TWH that I have owned since a yearling. I believe this horse was born knowing how to ride. He loves people, loves attention and was the easiest horse to break I have ever seen. We ride everywhere and do anything and he is just fine. I trust him and would take him anywhere. However, he is very lazy and it is difficult to get him to pay attention while under saddle. He would prefer to walk than anything else. I can easily get him into his walker trot but he breaks back to a walk fast. I spend more energy keeping him in his walker trot that I am soon exhausted. Additionally, while on the trail, it is difficult to keep him on task. He is constantly looking around and watching other things than paying attention to where he is going. He once tripped in a small hole in the ground that caused both of us to go "down" because he was looking at other "stuff". He's not spooky at all and not concerned with the other stuff, it is almost as if he is bored. Even when he is in his walker trot, his head is always going from one side to another looking around him which causes him to weave back and forth rather than go straight. I have tried even pressure on both sides as well as rein pressure, etc. and nothing seems to keep him focused. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 10:52 am:
Do you ride with others? Does he still do this? The best way to get him involved more is take him in group settings. That always gets them perked up either they compete with each other, keep each other company, etc.. If all the horses in a group are in their walker trot, i'd think he would hate to be left behind. have you given that a try yet?
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 11:48 am:
Hmmm . . . Maybe call him a TTH . . . Tennessee Trotting Horse?
I have always understood that transitions are the best way to teach a horse to pay attention to the rider and be ready to listen. Lots of transitions, at unexpected moments in your rides, should help to wake your horse up as he is more apt to start to listen and ask, "I wonder what she is going to ask next?"
Also, I don't know what cues you use, but if a rider continues to increase the strength of the cues, the horses will become increasingly dead to the cues.
Start with the verbal cue to "Move." Wait 2 seconds. If no response, ask with the verbal cue followed by a light physical aid (leg/heel). Wait two seconds. If no response, ask with the verbal cue, leg aid, and a quick snap of the crop on his rump. Praise whenever he moves off your cue immediately. Allow him to move forward for a few seconds or about 20 feet . . . then cue for halt. Then cue for "Forward." Each time, you want an immediate response . . . but if you don't get it, just keep adding an additional cue, making sure that the crop cue is quick and snappy. The response of the horse should be to start moving off of the lightest cue . . . once he learns you are serious with the crop, he won't want to wait for the snap of the crop. Make sure it's not a gentle "tap, tap," with the crop. Make it count . . . Let him know you are serious, and then praise him for his "forward." You get trot the same way. Cue verbally, if no response, cue verbally and with leg/aid, if no resopnse, cue verbally, add leg aid, and follow with a quick, solid snap with the crop . . . and allow him to move forward wth praise . . . transition to walk or halt and repeat . . .
This can be done on trail or in the arena. Be sure you aren't asking again before the horse has time to process the thought. 2 seconds is a good amount of time to wait, but no more than that. The horse should start to pay more acute attention to the rider, and should start to move off the lightest cue . . . without waiting for repeated thudding against his side or gentle tappings of the crop. In fact, you shouldn't have to continue with the crop at all.
Sounds like a neat horse. Good luck.
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New Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 2:23 pm:
Wow, quick responses. Thanks so much for the info from both of you guys.
First, I ride alone and with groups of 3 or more. Most of the time, I am in a group. We ride in the mountains as well as the desert and it doesn't matter whether we are on a mountain top, flat ground, in a group or alone, Koa is always the same. He's very busy looking around and paying attention to the scenery that he isn't paying attention to where he is going. He's extremely laid back and gentle and I would put a true beginner on his back in a heart beat (in the right setting). He's always been this way since the first day we've owned him. He looks at everything with such curiosity...never fear. Nothing bothers him. We've been sprayed by huge construction type water trucks, ridden in heavy truck with semi-trucks roaring by, in the dark, early mornings, late evenings, groups, by ourselves, etc. NOTHING bothers him. He will ride behind or in front, he doesn't care. He is a December baby and will be 4 this coming December. He's been under saddle for 8 months. I know he is young but this lack of attention causes trouble for both of us.
I will definitely try your advice Holly Wood. Thank you. I have tried the cues you speak of but not really consistently. I believe his problem is partly my problem...caused by me. I love him so much and he always makes me laugh that I simply tolerate the behavior from him. I laugh almost constantly while riding him because of his behavior and his curiosity. I do NOT tolerate that type of behavior from my other horses. Thank you for helping me realize that. I am attaching a picture of my wonderful Koa just for kicks.
Again, thanks for the quick responses and great advice! I think I am really going to enjoy this site!
Tina in Arizona
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 3:04 pm:
I second Hollys advise.
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Member:
Shanson
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 4:44 pm:
In my opinion, this situation is hopeless and the best course of action is to give him to me. 
Seriously, he sounds like a sweetheart. Truly beginner-safe (and sound) trail horses are hard to find and worth their weight in gold. I agree with others that this guy needs more basic training in walk-running walk/trot-canter and listening to the rider. sharon
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 6:42 pm:
I agree with Sharon, this horse sounds frustrating and I'd also be glad to relieve you of having to deal with his lazy a**  .
Excellent advice from Holly. Just remember, he is very young. Do demand attention, but give him frequent breaks to relax and fool around.
Work over ground poles is also good to teach a young horse to mind his step and focus a bit more in what he's doing.
Bottom line, he'll grow up. They don't stay unfocused and absent minded for ever.
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Member:
Srobert
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 20, 2006 - 7:59 pm:
My walker was so funny when he was just getting started. It often seemed like he wasn't sure what leg went where. Sometimes it felt like they were all going different directions at once. Eventually, he got it together...
He, too, is extremely easy to ride - calm, laid back, and SMOOTH....He's our "dude horse" when friends come to ride. They all love him because he is a big gentle giant. His favorite speed is, and will probably always be...WHOA.....He has conserving energy down to a science...
Funny thing though. I started gaming him just for kicks and he turns out he is FAST when he is motivated. He zooms around poles or barrels with a feather touch - then comes to a dead stop when you lift the rein slightly. Then goes back to sleep while the other barrel horses are jumping around and doing kooky things like rearing and busting through gates....He beats most of them easily (probably because he hasn't used up any energy.) This horse was also top ten in our state 4-H saddle seat pleasure class (A huge thing around here. The versatility is amazing.
Bottom line - enjoy this guy. Walkers are awesome!
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New Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - 1:41 am:
Wow Shari, it sounds like you are describing my horse to a tee. I watch him in the pasture at play with the others and he can get up and go like no other. But, while under saddle, you would think that the guy doesn't know how to move. AND....he is hysterical in his walker trot as his legs do go in every direction. My hubby happened to come home from work one day while I was riding so he followed us home. He was hysterical by the time he got home. He thought Koa's legs would get tangled up together and he would fall flat on his face! I've also watched them ride and it is a funny site. I'm glad to know that he will eventually get it together and become more coordinated. And if not, that's OK too. We love him just the way he is...slow, fast, coordinated or uncoordinated. It doesn't matter to us. He's a great horse with an awesome personality. I couldn't imagine my barn with out him. Whenever I am down or stressed for whatever reason, I can spend 5 minutes with Koa or simply watching him and the world just "goes away". I can do that with any horse really but with Koa, he is just so special.
Thanks again everyone for your great eye opening advice. I truly appreciate it!
Tina
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Member:
Ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - 8:50 am:
I envy those of you with these wonderful TWH's. We owned 2, a crazy mare who gave us a colt with a somewhat better temperament, but he was still very, very hot. The mare had the most wonderful gait, not even sure what is was but I don't believe she did a running walk. She wasn't afraid of anything except pigs scared the daylights out of her! The only time she would go slow was in the corral; otherwise she was dangerous to ride.
The colt was sweet, and a very nosey guy with a great sense of humor!! If only I knew then what I know now, I'd still have him perhaps. But I had too many young horses, and a new baby.........
Would love to see pictures of your wonderful horses!
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Member:
Srobert
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - 8:53 am:
Best advice in terms of helping Koa achieve his best natural gait so to WALK a lot. When you do ask him for a bit more speed, keep some contact on the bit. You want to urge him forward but also provide a bit of support for him at the same time. Don't hurry him. If he tries to go too fast, he may put his head up and hollow out his back and then you will get some sort of nasty pace or trot or a combination of the two. Watch his head, ideally it should nod or shake up and down. (If it aint bobbing, he aint walkin) You can also hear the one-two-three-four beat of a good running walk. While Max is a smooth ride he is still crazy to watch in the field. Without someone on his back he often reverts to the "legs all over the place" thing. He just has so many gaits to choose from!
In terms of the laziness, Max was the same way. Holly's advice is great. I had to spend a lot of time working on the aids and letting him know I meant it when I asked him to walk off. Instead of a crop, I used a "natural aid" (a small branch of a pine tree) and gave him a poke with it when he didn't respond as requested. (Hey, it was handy at the time) Now, all I have to do is hold ONE pine needle in my hand and he is off and "running!"
Have fun!
P.S. You may want to check out www.gaitsofgold.com. It's a nice site to visit for those with gaited horses.
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - 11:09 am:
Tina, I enjoyed reading your post because my 5 year old TWH was just as you describe when he was younger. He is very responsive now and will go in the faster gaits without hesitation. Nothing seems to spook him. I ride with 5 dogs and they are constantly running deer, coyote or turkeys out in front of us. If he does see something he doesn't like, he only stares at it until he figures it out and then he moves on. What a horse! Thanks for reminding me what a treasure I have. I dearly love all of mine but he is one of a kind. If only I'd had him as my first horse. I am sure Koa will be just fine as he gets a little older.
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New Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 2:00 am:
I thoroughly enjoy reading all of the responses! Where have you guys been?? ha! Only kidding...
Let's see...
Angie, I rode a TWH in Ky prior to owning one of my own and she was very smart and respectful but didn't have the personality that mine does. I hear that TWH's are known for their playfulness and personalities. I truly adore Koa but I love my other horses as well. I have a big 16h 6 year old QH that has the smoothest lope I have ever sat. He too is a joy to be around and also one that I can pretty much let anyone ride. My sister learned how to ride on him. I feel blessed to have my big guys and appreciate them every day. Horses are my passion. I just don't know what I would do without them. I tried to attach a picture of Koa but for some reason it didn't happen. Perhaps I did something wrong. I will try again with this post.
Shari, Thank you again for such wonderful advice. I will work on all of what you guys have told me. I just can't wait for cooler weather! These Arizona Summers are definitely intended for the cactus, not humans! ha!
Ann, Koa is truly one of a kind as well. I have never met another horse like him and probably never will. He seems to read my mind. He is also extremely independent; never needing another horse. He is always off by himself but does love to play with the others as well. It's kind of hard to explain. His eyes tell it all it guess. He's so dang funny.
Again, I will try to upload a pic or two and see what happens.
Thanks again every one!
Tina 
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Member:
Kthorse
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 7:06 am:
What a sweet heart. Ever want to get rid of him call me.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 8:27 am:
You figured out how to post photos!
He's lovely . . . and it sure does look hot there.
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Member:
Srobert
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 11:38 am:
He's as handsome as he can be. No wonder you love him so!
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 2:13 pm:
I'll add here to be patient, give him another year or two. I have a five year old MFT, his favorite speed is dead stopped also. He was also unbelievably clumsy, but in the last year he has come around and is becoming a very good mountain horse.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Djws
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 10:32 pm:
VERY handsome...lucky you!
My mom lives in Tucson...I still don't know how y'all endure the heat (I refer to Tucson as "Hell Town") I was there for the month of July a few years ago...not a good time to visit!
Hmmm, if you don't want to give him to Sharon, I'll take him off your hands-LOL! Sounds likes he's just my speed.....!
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Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 8:27 am:
Thank you to all of you. I think Koa is very handsome as well but then again, I'm impartial. 
I think Koa will be with us for a very long time. No plans on finding him a new home anytime soon.
When we first moved to Phoenix in 2002 my husband and I used to joke about moving to "hell" and wondered why we made that decision! ha! The summers are very, very hot and miserable. Right about now is when the flies and heat have pushed my patience and then here comes the mosquitoes. It is absolutely intolerable then. But, we have only another 4 - 6 weeks of this "hell" and then on to 8 months of pure pleasure. It's worth it, I think. Ask me again in October. 
Thanks again everyone!
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Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 8:40 am:
Thought I would add another pic of me and Koa in the desert. Koa wasn't real happy as he thought that he should be biting at the stirrup instead of posing for a pic. ha!!
Happy trails everyone!
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 11:56 am:
Oooh! Summer hell apart, I'd trade places with you in a minute!
After nearly fifty winters of my only sport being "pressing my nose to the window to look for signs of spring", I look forward to the day when my husband has had enough of business and takes me to the desert.
Enjoy your pretty horse, and remember, even us northerners are hot and buggy in the summer!
Erika
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Member:
Tinaw40
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 9:21 am:
Hi Erika!
You sound like me in the Summer time..."pressing my nose up against the glass looking for signs of Fall! ha ha!" All in all, I do enjoy Arizona. There are only 4 months of HELL and the rest of the year is absolutely beautiful! I ride during those 4 months of hell anyway. Nothing can keep me from my horses! I may not ride long or as often, but an early morning ride before the sun comes up is awesome.
As for the bugs, I can handle all (rattlers, black widows, brown recluse, scorpions, and more) but the mosquitoes. They are awful little insects and I am sure they serve a purpose in life but they could certainly serve that purpose somewhere else if I could have my way. ;-)
By the way, I went for a 3.5 hour trail ride through Bush Canyon yesterday and had the best time I've had all Summer! The weather was wonderful, a nice 102 with a cool breeze and the scenery is beautiful. The Salt River was even running due to the recent rains and it is normally dry. I've posted a picture for all to see as I do love to share! One is of Me and my 6 year old QH Mac as Koa had the day off. Mac was not fond of the river as the largest body of water he had ever seen was in his water bucket. The other is taken from the top of the Canyon overlooking the mountains. It truly is beautiful here!
Happy trails,
Tina
 
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