When walking down the trail my mare goes all “squirrelly dan” LoL say I’m trying to walk straight along the tree line; she will wander to the left and when I bring her back to centre she will wander right and I bring her back she will wander to the left again, etc..
Any tips on keeping her straight? Will it come with time and consistent riding?
BACKGROUND INFO:
She’s only 6yrs and green broke. We just started riding out in the field this month because winter is finally over and she was getting burnt out with arena work (refusing to lope more than 3strides and lost all motivation unless we’re working cattle). Being a “cold blooded” horse she’s naturally calm so, getting her energy up can be difficult at times.
I’ve noticed a huge difference in her now that we’re riding outside. We can trot and lope in a straight line but once we slow down to a walk we go all “squirrelly dan” I’m not sure if it’s because she more focused when we add speed so, maybe at the walk she’s just gawking around too much?...
What I’ve been doing:
I use my leg aid with rhythm at increasing pressure and add rein support when needed. Once we’re going straight I stop completely.
Oh, another thing! Lol
After we’ve done this dance for a little while she will sometimes slow right down and it feels like she lost her energy. I’m not sure if I might be confusing her or whats going on there...
When this happens, I’ve been asking her to trot in a couple circles and then we walk off in the same direction. It seems to be helping but any insight on this would be helpful too.
Thank you!
Any tips on keeping her straight? Will it come with time and consistent riding?
BACKGROUND INFO:
She’s only 6yrs and green broke. We just started riding out in the field this month because winter is finally over and she was getting burnt out with arena work (refusing to lope more than 3strides and lost all motivation unless we’re working cattle). Being a “cold blooded” horse she’s naturally calm so, getting her energy up can be difficult at times.
I’ve noticed a huge difference in her now that we’re riding outside. We can trot and lope in a straight line but once we slow down to a walk we go all “squirrelly dan” I’m not sure if it’s because she more focused when we add speed so, maybe at the walk she’s just gawking around too much?...
What I’ve been doing:
I use my leg aid with rhythm at increasing pressure and add rein support when needed. Once we’re going straight I stop completely.
Oh, another thing! Lol
After we’ve done this dance for a little while she will sometimes slow right down and it feels like she lost her energy. I’m not sure if I might be confusing her or whats going on there...
When this happens, I’ve been asking her to trot in a couple circles and then we walk off in the same direction. It seems to be helping but any insight on this would be helpful too.
Thank you!