Joining-Up

Ok, so ive been thinking about trying Monty Roberts' method of "joining-up" with my mare. The problem is that once i tried to free longe her and it was way out of wack! She was all over the place and ran right for the gate than as i came closer she would take off (i had a whip with me but i wasnt swishing it, just wanted her to stay away from the gate. How do i go about the joining up process even though she might run to the gate? Should i just keep her moving when i see her go to the gate? For those who dont know this process, the joining up process is done by free longing. thanx for the tips

Have you studied this much? If you read the end of his book he pretty much gives a step by step instruction on how to do this. Make sure that you know what you're doing before you start.

I agree. Study the process before you begin. The signs your horse will give you are subtle(lowered head, locked ear, tongue licking etc.) so you need to be well versed on the process to recognize them. It's not a difficult process in most cases, but definately get acquainted with the method before you begin. Good luck!! It's a cool experience when it goes well.

you have to give very definate cues, you have to give the cues at the right times, know when to back off and when to ask for more. you cant hesitate. dont try this if you dont have experience, try getting help from someone. I dont use a whip for free lunging. i use the end of a lead or lunge line. sometimes whips are too threatening. you really need to know the horse first.

I do know her, but the previous people i got her from hadnt rode her in 2 yrs, and we've been riding her all summer in the ring and trails and shes good. I do know the process very well. My question was, what do i do if she runs towards the gait? I've read his book over and over again and i've had it since i was little. As well as horses. I just want to make this perfect and make sure that if i get her away from the gait and make her go around until i get her cues that it wont interfere with the process.

by the way, in my first response, i was not doing the joining up process, i was just trying to see how she free longed thats all.

Read his book again and see if you find the answer.

your not being strong enough if she evades you and runs away, essentially ignoring you. you dont have her attention.

will do...but first, lets make sure we are talking about the same book, cuz im possitive it is not in there. Here is the book title...From My Hands To Yours, Lessons from a lifetime of training championship horses.

thanx for the advice sillybunny. i'm pretty sure on how i am going to go about doing this.