Jigging on the Trail

[Ash]

Hi everyone!

Ok, so this is a problem I have had with a few horses but the mare I am riding right now is a pro. She has a very fast walk and I can get her to keep it a flat walk most of the time except for when we are on a very narrow, overgrown trail and we are behind other horses. Today, in more open areas when we were following, I could get her to walk calmly behind. I tried to ride her as calmly and as nicely as can be, and when we rode in front, I asked her to drop her head, give with her jaw, or leg yield. However, it seems like when I try to ask her to do little jobs and move her feet, she seems to get more annoyed.

Any ideas? Today she did really well even leading through a narrow trail but as soon as we tried to follow the other horse, twice she tried to back up and blow up with me. I will say that both times I had my reins as loose as possible and was just asking her to move. Also, when I "rate" her on the trail, I release as soon as she walks and go back to a long rein.

[luvmysorrel]

Hi everyone!

Ok, so this is a problem I have had with a few horses but the mare I am riding right now is a pro. She has a very fast walk and I can get her to keep it a flat walk most of the time except for when we are on a very narrow, overgrown trail and we are behind other horses. Today, in more open areas when we were following, I could get her to walk calmly behind. I tried to ride her as calmly and as nicely as can be, and when we rode in front, I asked her to drop her head, give with her jaw, or leg yield. However, it seems like when I try to ask her to do little jobs and move her feet, she seems to get more annoyed.

Any ideas? Today she did really well even leading through a narrow trail but as soon as we tried to follow the other horse, twice she tried to back up and blow up with me. I will say that both times I had my reins as loose as possible and was just asking her to move. Also, when I "rate" her on the trail, I release as soon as she walks and go back to a long rein.

I have found that when my horse jigs or gets anxious it is usually my energy he is responding to. When he acts like that it is time for me to take a deep breath and check in with myself at a fine level, I will notice that "Oh, I didn't realize I was anxious, but I am a little nervous", or anticipating that he will be nervous because once he was nervous on a roadside or behind this horse or going through a covered bridge for example. Horses are so very finely in tune with our energy. I think it works best to think in a "We" mentality. "Let's go over here." "Why don't we move a little slower" "Let's walk calmly across this creek" The horses sure appreciate it. Also they really appreciate it if we release as soon as they *commit* to a stop or gait change-when you feel them think about it, before they actually do it. Brent Graef taught me that. It has made a big difference in the softness and responsiveness of my horse. He trusts me more. Hope that helps. Happy Trails!