The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Trotting with nose to the ground

3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  SaraM 
#1 ·
My OTTB will occasionally trot with her nose practically on the ground on the lunge line, which I know is a good thing because she's stretching her back. It's not very consistently, just occasionally, but better than nothing. She'll also do it a lot on our walks around the farm if she's relaxed.

However, I don't know how to get her to do this under saddle. At the walk she's finally more relaxed, but at the trot her headset is still super high. Any advice? I think getting this "stretchy trot" will really help her. Will it just come with time under saddle?
 
#2 ·
Under saddle, it is a really good thing to teach, and its takes a fast response from you to reward when she starts to respond, so she knows its what you wants. So start in a circle at the trot, push her really forward into the bit and when she softens her neck at all, give with the reins immediately. It seems at first, they soften a little through the throatlatch, but dont understand the down yet, so pay attention and give. So reward, release the reins and stop asking to reward her; and start again. If she resists against you, hold your hands firm, push her forward into it, and be patient; shed had a while of doing it wrong, just wait, be firm and don't give until its the right answer. You don't pull, just be persistent and consistent until she softens at all.

She will start responding sooner, just be patient. When she starts to get it, and starts to stretch more enthusiastically, give a little rein to follow her down, and reward, etc. Keep her forward, always pushing forward and down, always rewarding fast.

At some point with consistency, she'll get too enthusiastic and you'll have to stop her from going so far down, but first things first :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top