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Advice for stopping at a walk and standing still

754 views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  ArabianMama 
#1 ·
I just bought a 7 y/o Arabian mare bred for Endurance Riding. Before I take her out I have been building our relationship on the ground. She is beginning to trust me finally, though sometimes she is still anxious about leaving the property for walks. I have only had her for 5 days, so we are doing pretty well. I work with her everyday. From tying to the trailer, walking around the property, and putting on her tack.

My current problem: When we are walking and I ask her to whoa, she stops but wants to turn her hind instead of standing still. I think she is trying to look back at the house, but I need her to stay focused and stand still. Any tips for correcting this? I tried a little slap with the rope on the offending side and she ended up turning around the other way. She is sensitive and from what I understand gets overwhelmed easily. I use firm, but gentle, tones and when she gets overwhelmed we stop what we are doing and regroup and try again.

Thank you!
 
#3 ·
If she doesn't like to stop when asked, then I agree with tiffany.

Back her up a few steps and stop and see if she moves. If she does, back her up some more. Continue to do this until she stands still for at least 5 seconds longer than she usually does. Then stop and do something else for a bit before you do this again.
 
#4 ·
Thanks :)

She really is a sweet girl. And trying to please. I will continue to back her up and correct her. We also need to work on standing tied. She turns back and forth trying to see her barn buddies. She constantly needs a job. Hopefully I can break that, too.
 
#5 ·
"Corporal" (1982-2009,RIP) was an Arabian and they don't like to stand still. Arabs are very sociable and try to please so you CAN fix this.
I would start by bending and following her hind end around and around and around until she stops, then praise and pet her. She will probably do it again soon after, so repeat until she realizes that it's not fun to keep turning on the forehand. Then, you can teach her to turn on the quarters.
Clinton Anderson's method will work very well with her, so I'm thinking you should buy/use it.
 
#6 ·
Oh Arabs! Nahla is my first horse, and my friend said, "Why did you get an Arab? They are sketchy. I figured you'd get a comfortable trail horse." As if. I needed a horse to match my personality. Personally, I love their attitude.

I have a Clinton Anderson book arriving tomorrow. A Pat Parelli one, too, just to get different insight.

You're right, standing is not their favorite. They like to do stuff, which makes them great endurance horses. So when we are standing I work with her. Ask her to pick up her feet, turn her butt, etc. After about 10 minutes she begins to realize she won't die if she stands.

Thanks for all your advice. I have never trained a horse so this is a big learning experience for me.
 
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