Sometimes You Have to Offend the Horse?

[Ash]

My instructor and I were talking about how to get the horse forward of your leg. With her horse, he is a very, very lazy fellow, spoiled by too many riders who have just let him plod along, growing dead to the leg. To get him forward, she had me squeeze nicely. If I didn't get a big trot right away, I kicked him quickly three times. Then, I would re-test. If he moved off from light pressure, I would praise him.

I mentioned to her that I thought my mare would be insulted by this, however. Brenna is sometimes energetic, but other times I find myself nagging her. My instructor told me that the point is to offend so that you get the desired response. But then you praise the moment you get it.

Thoughts?

[greenbroke]

offended???

insulted???

i would think in terms of

discipline and consistency.

also respect for the horse.... and for yourself.

you will both feel better about yourselves.

[Weebonilass]

My instructor and I were talking about how to get the horse forward of your leg. With her horse, he is a very, very lazy fellow, spoiled by too many riders who have just let him plod along, growing dead to the leg. To get him forward, she had me squeeze nicely. If I didn't get a big trot right away, I kicked him quickly three times. Then, I would re-test. If he moved off from light pressure, I would praise him.

I mentioned to her that I thought my mare would be insulted by this, however. Brenna is sometimes energetic, but other times I find myself nagging her. My instructor told me that the point is to offend so that you get the desired response. But then you praise the moment you get it.

Thoughts?

If someone offend you, would you be quick to give willingly?

I watched a clinican with an "energy efficient" horse (lazy is such an ugly word) and just a lot of transitions got him picking up his pace. A horse that his owner swore wouldn't canter had a lovely canter by the end of their session.