AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience
Experience: I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensure the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Question I have owned my horse for 8 years now-I was 12 and he was 6 when I bought
him. He is at college with me and the trainer here is not as experienced as I
would like. He is from Oklahoma and was trained western...however, if you
saw him now it is hard to believe. He is VERY high strung and jumps 4' no
problem. Recently I have gotten him to drop his head, slow down at the
canter, and jump a lot calmer. I took a few lessons from a dressage friend
and she simply helped me teach him balance by going in a square versus a
cirlce-this is what I go back to when he begins to act up and it helps
wonderfully. However, he is STILL having a hard time flat walking when I have
contact with his mouth. I know I am not pulling, it is simply that he will walk a
few steps then go into a jog and I have to stay ahead of him in order to
prevent him from breaking into a trot. He has a great flat walk when I drop
the reins but the minute I begin to collect he anticipates and goes into a
trot...or goes sideways to avoid me pulling back...it is impossible to get him
to walk a straight line!
Any advice or exercises?
Thank you,
Emily
Answer Argh! This behavior is one of my biggest pet peeves! You are right he is anticipating the trot. This habit does not usually solve over night. However, you can get quick results if you you don't become lazy yourself. From now on you will need to change your behavior to correct his negative response. Once you hop on for your schooling session, you will need to gradually shorten your reins as you head to the ring, or if you mount inside the ring, slowly gather your reins as you head out to the rail. If he steps into a trot, use your voice to slow him and ease him quietly and firmly back to the walk. Initially he may try to continue stepping into the trot. While your hand is soft and somewhat giving, do not give in to him by lengthen or looping your reins. Keep your rein length and feel on his mouth consistent. Each time he tries to trot without you legging him forward, then you must make him walk. Do this patiently as he will most likely become frustrated. To help him relax try small circles and direction changes. Circle him in various diameters, around jumps, incorporate serpentines, and you can even try indirect reining accompanied with leg yields. Consider spending a few schooling sessions just working at the walk. If you maintain a steady feel and continue to keep his mind thinking about your cues, he will begin to relax into your hand and wait for your commands for the trot. Be sure never to be rough with your hands as you maintain the shortened rein. You may give him a longer looped rein as a break once in the middle of your ride and not again until you are cooling down and done for the day. Once you have spent a few rides walking like this, then you can return to your trot. When you do this maintain your circling, or squaring, along with the changes in your path. When you ask to come back to the walk, you will give on his mouth, but not so much that your reins have slack. This will work if you remain calm and patient! Get back to me if you need more assistance! I am confident that the two of you will work through this fairly quickly as you both have such a long standing connected history!
