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Date Posted: 22:10:11 05/03/04 Mon
Author: Julie
Subject: Re: How to break/train a 2 year old?
In reply to: Donna 's message, "How to break/train a 2 year old?" on 18:24:43 08/10/03 Sun

You've got the battle half won already. I take it you can handle any part of your baby's body, including her feet. I guess that is the "friendly game" of Parelli's program. There is nothing wrong with Parelli's methods, just as long as you teach your horse RESPECT. Make sure she leads and stands respectfully, never tries to run you over or bump you, or pulls back when tied. If she does not respect your space, correct it now before you ride, because if they don't respect you on the ground, they will never respect you on their back.
Next, I do lots of ground work, lungeing and sacking out.You have the saddle thing worked out, but be sure you can "pop" those stirrups around her so she doesn't mind. You also say you mount up, be sure she is standing still everytime. Now, about bitting her up... put her in a mild snaffle in a headstall that fits, no use if it hangs in her mouth too low. She will chew it, that's fine. Work her while she wears it a couple of times. Then put a lead rope on one side, and pull gently, not very far. When she gives her head, immediatly release, that is her reward. Do this several times on one side, then the other. Do this a couple of sessions, then ask her to start giving more, do this in increments until she shows no resistance to your pressure. You will end up flexing her around to her shoulder. Oh, she should not be moving her feet at this point. Teach her to back also, with a verbal command. Give gentel pressure from the ground, use your lead if needed so she gets the drift. This may take a while.
Once in the saddle, ask her to flex side to side like on the ground. I hope you have taught her "whoa" on the ground using verbal commands. When asking for her to step off, Don't grab at the reins!! Make sure you are in a safe area, if she wants to run off or trot off let her, just don't let her put her head down and buck, if she wants to, pull her head to your knee. Then try again. Sounds as if she won't though. When she is walking, try your baby-flex, once she turns her body, release. Remember to use your legs to cue also. When it comes to "whoa", deepen your seat, light but firm contact on the reins, say whoa and instantly release when she stops. Don't pull back hard, she will probably fight it then. If she runs off or wont stop, pull her head to your knee untill she stops, then instantly release. It takes time and patients, but the light bulb will go off in her head pretty quickly and she will get it. Practice makes perfect!! Remember, perfect it on the ground first, or she will never understand it from the saddle.

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