Posted By Kristy White
on February 20, 2009, 1:05 pm
This web site is all new to me, i also share that same passion as you and have set my goals, I am starting out this year with my 4 and 5 year old mares and hopfully all my work will pay off. I am having trouble getting my horse to drag a log!! Do you have any suggestions on this?
I am looking forward to this web site as problems arise in my journey to the ultimate Ranch horse!!
Comment By Kelli Paulson
on February 25, 2009, 9:40 pm
I do everything in building blocks. So start at the beginning and then take more time where you need to. Practice each step until you and your horse are comfortable then move on. It may take an hour or it may take several sessions - it just depends on you and your horse. Just try to end each day on a good note.
Start by having someone else drag the log (a wooden fence post about 4-5 inches in diameter works great) and you and your horse following it. Once your horse is OK with the moving log, then have your horse walk on each side of the log. Make sure the horse sees the log move from each eye.
Before you try to drag the log from your horse make sure your horse is OK with a rope touching him all over his body. You don't want any big surprises when the rope touches him.
Early on I teach my horses to disengage their hindquarters and how to be scared. This is also useful in this exercise.
So now you are ready to drag the log.
First drag the log backwards. It is easy for the horse to watch and they usually don't run away backwards. Next pull the log in a small circle. The log will rotate aroung in the center but not really go anywhere. As this becomes comfortable make your circle larger until you are dragging the log. Make sure to work on the circle in both directions. When you are ready pull the log in a straight line then work on changing directions.
When you become handy with the small log then move on to a heavier objects.
Have fun and be safe.
on February 20, 2009, 1:05 pm
I am looking forward to this web site as problems arise in my journey to the ultimate Ranch horse!!
on February 25, 2009, 9:40 pm
I do everything in building blocks. So start at the beginning and then take more time where you need to. Practice each step until you and your horse are comfortable then move on. It may take an hour or it may take several sessions - it just depends on you and your horse. Just try to end each day on a good note.
Start by having someone else drag the log (a wooden fence post about 4-5 inches in diameter works great) and you and your horse following it. Once your horse is OK with the moving log, then have your horse walk on each side of the log. Make sure the horse sees the log move from each eye.
Before you try to drag the log from your horse make sure your horse is OK with a rope touching him all over his body. You don't want any big surprises when the rope touches him.
Early on I teach my horses to disengage their hindquarters and how to be scared. This is also useful in this exercise.
So now you are ready to drag the log.
First drag the log backwards. It is easy for the horse to watch and they usually don't run away backwards. Next pull the log in a small circle. The log will rotate aroung in the center but not really go anywhere. As this becomes comfortable make your circle larger until you are dragging the log. Make sure to work on the circle in both directions. When you are ready pull the log in a straight line then work on changing directions.
When you become handy with the small log then move on to a heavier objects.
Have fun and be safe.
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