SUPPLING AND RETRAINING

If all is going well at the walk, don’t expect that to carry over to the trot—at least not at first. A horse that has trotted stiffly for years will probably go right back to the pattern of muscle-use which it has always used, and much patience and time are needed to get to the sort of trot picture presented in the photo at right. I am, however, pleased that Amanda Dow thinks it’s important to school her STB on bending around the barrel, taking it at the trot rather than at a run. Many young riders who want to barrel race have the idea that speed is what makes a horse win. Speed is necessary but to win, the horse also needs to be supple enough not to cut wide arcs. (Photo by Grafx Solutions)

The first few canters, whether they occur out on the trail or in the arena, can be a little rough and the rider needs to have sufficient balance—and grit—to hang in there until things smooth out. It is particularly important during this phase of the training that the rider not grab up the reins, and not confuse the horse by holding on in fear when she has just told him to “git up.” Here Chelsea Chase is doing everything right with her horse.