Trotting Horse
| 
HORSE&RIDER ASK THE EXPERTS 16/05/10
QUESTION 1;
It sounds like you may need some professional help with your trotter x T.B. mare. Trotting horses tend to “pace” which means they do not pick up the trot with the normal diagonal strides but move the two legs on the same side, say the left, followed by the two legs on the right. I suspect she is uncomfortable and unbalanced in any other pace than walk and her only escape from the situation is to misbehave. If possible have her thoroughly checked out by a vet to make sure she is sound and not in pain in her back, neck or mouth.
If all is well with the vet and you have access to a flat area, you could lunge her gently in walk and then slowly ask for a few steps of trot and then back to walk again. Repeat these transitions until she can work with regularity and rhythm. Allow her head to drop so that her neck and back are free. Be patient, it may take many days or weeks of careful training.
When she is more supple and making satisfactory transitions, gradually introduce first one pole on the ground, then two, then three etc. until you build up to six. Walk over the poles first and when she has achieved this go back to one pole and ask for trot, again gradually introducing more poles. This will help her to find a regular diagonal rhythm into the trot.
For a 14.2 hh horse the poles should be approximately three foot apart in walk and four to five feet apart in trot, depending on her length of stride. You need to set them in a fan shape when you are lunging her on the circle.
If you have someone very experienced to help you then long reining, with two lines, both on a circle and on the straight would be very helpful.
I would continue with this regime until she is happily trotting over the poles in balance and with the correct diagonal rhythm. You could then try riding again, start on a circle with the walk trot transitions and gradually build up to longer periods of trot around the field or arena. Ride with soft hands and sit in balance.
QUESTION 2:
The first thing to consider with Bonnie is – what is your feeding routine? Why does she run to the fence looking for food? Do you always feed her by the fence? If this is the case I suggest you change your tactics. Feed her in a different place, say the middle of the field or feed her well away from your riding area. The fence could of course be a hedge and she is trying to eat the greenery, in which case try to ride her as far away from it as possible.
It is important that your horse respects you so try to instil some discipline when you are leading her around. I suggest you use a bridle, a headcollar with a nose chain or a natural horsemanship headcollar if she is too strong. Practice halting, walking and asking her to turn without barging. She must respect your space and listen to you. You don’t say what bit you have on her but clearly you have little control at present. If she normally wears a snaffle have you thought of trying a Pelham or kimblewick?
Using “daisy reins” can solve the problem of her pulling her head down. These are designed for ponies or horses that try to eat grass when being ridden. Most saddlers or mail order tack companies should stock them or be able to order them for you. Be sure to state Bonnie’s height, as they are often pony size. They attach to the bit rings, then to the headpiece and back to the D’s on the front of the saddle. The horse or pony can stretch its neck forward but not down. Once Bonnie learns that she can no longer unseat you this way she will probably give up trying but it does sound as if she is rather strong for you.
Finally, it might be wise to discuss Bonnie’s diet with your vet. Is she getting a good, balanced diet and do you have an effective worming programme? If she is not getting sufficient roughage or nutrition or if she is “wormy” she may well show signs of extreme hunger.
Good luck with your equestrian challenges!
Share this post
