He pivots beautifully on the forehand but I am having a hell of a time getting the back to plant and his shoulders to move. Any tips?
I understand he needs to learn how to do this. I am working with him from the ground as well as from the saddle. I am asking for tips to teach him. Not for the reason he isn’t doing it…
To get him to turn on his haunches or hind end, ride him down the fence and when you get to the end (corner) turn him into the fence (not away from it). This will make him use his hind end to make the turn. Use your outside leg when turning him into the fence ( horses move away from pressure). I use this technique a lot in my younger horses as well as my barrel racing horses to get them to use their hind end more. It helps a lot.
galloppal
February 27, 2013 at 9:28amBy the time I ask for this under saddle, I have already trained it thoroughly in ground work. He needs to be backed in order to shift his weight onto the hind legs before you ask for a pivot, but if he hasn’t been methodically trained, one step at a time, how to do this, you may or may not be able to get him to do it under saddle. It takes conditioning and preparation for a move like this.
References :
Jessie
February 27, 2013 at 9:43amTo get him to turn on his haunches or hind end, ride him down the fence and when you get to the end (corner) turn him into the fence (not away from it). This will make him use his hind end to make the turn. Use your outside leg when turning him into the fence ( horses move away from pressure). I use this technique a lot in my younger horses as well as my barrel racing horses to get them to use their hind end more. It helps a lot.
References :
Horse trainer/breeder.
Mark C
February 27, 2013 at 9:48amTry trotting the horse into smaller and smaller circles, gradually increasing the tightness of the turn and of the reins.
Eventually you are looking to find the right balance between rein pressure and turning to cause the horse to lock its inside foot. Do a couple of good rotations and trot out.
References :