AboutJennifer Bulger Expertise I can answer questions about training and showing, both western and english. From Groundwork to show ring. My speciality is reining horses and I especially enjoy teaching people how to work with their horse without a bridle. I enjoy teaching people how to communicate with their horses using non-agressive methods, yet still reaching rewards and generating sucess in a timely manner.
Experience I've trained horses for over 20 years. I've showing horses to multiple levels and awards, from leading the nation, to world championships, with special emphasis on reining horses.
Publications NRHA, AQHA, PCJ and Horsetrader
Education/Credentials College, and the school of "wet saddle blankets". I have been fortunate to ride with many of the top trainers over my lifetime and believe in continued education by attending as many clinics and workshops as possible.
Question Hi Jennifer, Thanks in advance for your time. I have an 4 yr old Appaloosa mare who, as of recently, when loping a circle will kick up her rear and squeal. I will ask for more speed by squeezing with my legs and she might ignore me so I pop here with a rein on the outside hind. Thats when she reacts this way. But I don't allow her to continue at the same speed. I ignore her little fit and stay on her until I notice a change. The next time I ask she will usually respond correctly but this prolly happens once a day. I feel like I should reprimand her but not sure how?
Answer Hi,
My first suggestion is to have a vet check her for any physical issues, to include teeth and back and also rule out any ill fitting tack. After that, I would suggest, making the right thing easy and the wrong reaction hard. So if you are trotting her and ask her to lope and she refuses, I'd circle her head around, make her move her feet, even two track or sidepass her. Then ask her again, if she goes into it nicely, stop her after a few strides and reward her by letting her stand. She will soon realize, if she accepts your cue, she can move forward nicely and quietly and if she reists, she must work harder. Be sure that when she does resist and you make her move her feet, you do it with authority, don't let her just walk around in a cirlce or sidepass slowly, make her do it with some speed, so it's work.
