Teaching a race bred horse to relax in the canter and stop softly**9 y/o and less than 30 rides

Join me as I help this race bred quarter horse through his 15th ride. I will be helping him find relaxation and purity of gait under saddle in the trot and canter, teaching him to not run away, and to stop softly.

[@sassy6292]

That’s an excellent point! They do lose track of us sometimes. Or forget you’re there! Stay engaged. In the early days my mare and I would drift off into our own thoughts and then suddenly I would sniff or move to adjust my seat and she would have a bit of a jump. I drive too and that same thing can happen so it’s crucial to move the reins and re-adjust your hands on a regular basis or sing a song, whatever, just to stay in the moment.

[@cindybrygman4350]

Another great video Steve!. I appreciate that you know when and when not to wear spurs! Great explanation of higher energy horses and what is a great mind connecting exercise. All makes sense to get that arc first then once you feel the horse is connecting to then work on straight lines. I like how you also put in some obstacles to also add in some desensitization! You rock!

[@_thenaturalhorseman]

Thanks Cindy! Yes there’s a time and place for all of the different tools.

[@dirkkuerschnerpeasantfield8913]

Great video! Exactly what I was looking for. If we would have worked through this on our 15th ride we would have less holes in our training! It was good to hear you say that taking off in the lope isn't loping! Thanks again. I'd love to see a follow up on him as he progresses.

[@_thenaturalhorseman]

I’m glad it was helpful. I’d be happy to do a follow up with him.

[@KingsMom831]

Thanks for the video!

[@maryhougan463]

Great video! Thank you for the information!

[@_thenaturalhorseman]

My pleasure Mary

[@CK-uh4wq]

Can you explain when you use outside rein to help stop what is your outside leg doing?

[@chrise438]

I'm going to start doing a lot more circles rather than the whole ring, or even half ring. Thank you.

[@_thenaturalhorseman]

That’s great! Let us know how that works for you, I hope it helps.

[@chrise438]

@_thenaturalhorseman thank you so much. I will!

[@chrise438]

The circles are working very well when he starts throwing and tossing his head and neck about. As soon as he starts it, I immediately circle him and then carry on straight. It seems to me like an attitude thing. But he is definitely improving. Thank you so much!

[@jenprior1406]

Do you ever bend to inside of ring, or are you using fence as a natural barrier/ slow down and keep shoulder from dropping to the inside when cantering?

[@_thenaturalhorseman]

Yes, there are countless reasons I’d bend to in inside and just as many reasons to bend to the outside, it simply depends on the horse and what I’m looking to accomplish. 😊