Sliders are dangerous on wet grass and not the greatest idea on the trails, I have and do go on trails with them . They will learn in time how to move around with them. I would not worry about the ears yet, just keep working on it. If it get worst then work him when he puts his ears back.
I entered my first reining class last weekend, and it seemed like he finally got the concept of the sliding stop! I videod my class, and made a short clip of our slide. It was not beautiful or perfect, but it was a start. I would like to post it for critiquing, but I don't know how to get a video clip posted. It is very short (4-5 seconds). Help???
After taking video of our reining class, I now also wonder how I can keep him from disengaging his hind in his spins. He had to do four spins each direction. He washed out with his hind about every 360 degrees.
We don't have flying lead changes yet, but his simple changes are getting very smooth, and he clearly understands the cue for each lead. We will be doing some exercises to work on the flying changes this winter.
By the way; we placed first in stock horse, second in reining, and I think second in western riding. I only rode in a class with about four other people, but I was still pretty proud of his first attempt :).
