In Hand Trotting

[alfresco]

Hello Sorry if this seems a silly question but wondered if there was any trick to getting my youngster to trot in a straight line?! We have our first show coming up soon (he is 2) and I have been practising with him at home but what I have found is that he tends to trot along beside me but in a rather banana-shaped fashion, lol Is this normal and is there anything I can do to help him? I am guessing that as he does a bit more he will get the hang of it, he is definately a bit unsure hence all the practising Can you tell I'm new to this too I am showing him in an inhand bridle btw but have practised in this and a halter and he tends to do the same, although saying that he does get better after a few goes so maybe I should stop worrying I just know he will trot out more and hence look better if he is actually going straight, I am trying to stay at his shoulder so I am not pulling him along but I think this is encouraging him t bend around me?

[gill]

Can you carry a cane in the hand nearest his head / neck and hold it straight so that he can't bend towards you?

[alfresco]

Ooo that's a good idea, thanks! I had been thinking about using a cane but couldn't quite figure out how to use it if that makes sense I don't have a proper show cane yet (on the shopping list, I got my brown rolled elastic for my number yesterday which was tip I read on here and was so pleased with myself, lol but I guess I can use a schooling whip to practise with just now

So much to learn, so much to learn...... ;D

[eirewhisper]

Also if you put the leadrein through the offside bit-ring & clip on the nearside ring it will encourage him to turn right (straight) a little easier and help with your corners. Good luck.

[boo]

was going to suggest what eirewhisper has said i do that but my problem is i dont/cant run fast enough and pull them round me - they dont do it with davie and he can run and keep up with them, i just fall over if i run fast lol

[alfresco]

Thanks guys! Was hoping to have another practise last night but didn't have time so will have a try tonight

I think what you have said makes sense too Boo, about not running fast enough but I find that when we start I can't get enough speed up to start with as he seems to immediately swing infront of me, which makes it a bit difficult ;D When I have him a bit straighter I can run faster and it does definately help! I can pretty much keep up although it's not very becoming, red face and puffing, lol!

I have a lead with a newmarket chain (think that's what it's called, splits into 2 chains at the end) so not sure if I can put the lead through and clip on the nearside ring but the chain bit is quite long so will have a go as this makes good sense too

Thanks again! Felt a bit silly asking but you have all been really helpful and guess we all have to start somewhere, right?

[kermie]

I usually carry a cane in my left hand and point it towards the pony's nose to tell them to straighten up - they sometimes get the odd prod in the nose to physically push them and then they soon learn.

It's often a good idea to have a few inhand lessons from someone experienced when you're first starting out. It's easy for us to offer advice, but actually seeing you and your pony may result in different advice.

[alfresco]

Thanks kermie, I totally agree having some lessons in the flesh would be better but tbh as this is to be our first show I wasn't too worried about performance just about surviving, lol! But as I am getting closer I am feeling less fear and more excitement and would like to do as much as I can to try to do him justice

My aim this year was just to get him out for the experience more than anything else but I will definately have a look and see if I can find someone local to give us a few lessons now my competative streak seems to be kicking in, lol ;D

[lisal]

Agree with the cane suggestion and to be honest if he is doing in a calm environment at home he will likely be worse at a show and it can make turning round the ring difficult so id get pracitsing if i were you Ive also used a roller and side rein on the right side to turn the head slightly away from you to keep them straight.

[gill]

Jul 6, 2011 7:06:52 GMT alfresco said:

I have a lead with a newmarket chain (think that's what it's called, splits into 2 chains at the end) so not sure if I can put the lead through and clip on the nearside ring but the chain bit is quite long so will have a go as this makes good sense too

I'd ditch the chain if you can - I'm not a fan of them and they can bounce around which is another distraction you don't need! I would attach the lead rein to the offside bit ring and thread through the nearside as suggested, it will help you turn him to the right when you're in the ring.

[alfresco]

Gill, yes the first thing I realised when I started using it was that the chain was incredably annoying bouncing around everywhere! TBH I wasn't sure if it was just my inexperience! The lead was given to me as a gift and is lovely and really long which is great but will need to see if I can do something with it. Have been practising with a cane and it has really helped and he is much better and 'getting' it now

Lisal, thanks for the suggestions I know he is going to be a completely different pony when we are actually at the show but I am hoping he will remember all our practising deep down somewhere and so won't be quite as manic as he could be! I started off practising in our indoor school while he got the initial idea but have taken him out now to practise in different places including an outdoor school and field with horses/things going on around. My next step is to badger some folks on the yard to bring their ponies along so I can practise with him with other horses around - show is a week on Sunday so hopefully will get a bit more practise in before hand! ;D But nothing can compare to the real thing so I am under no illusions of perfection no matter how much practise we put in! You never know though, he might surprise me

At the end of the day I just want to get him out for experience and not disgrace ourselves too much! The show we are going to is a very low key charity show, specifically chosen for our first time out as it is very friendly and laid back. I am not expecting anything tbh but if we can get there, survive and get home I will be chuffed!

[Lavender]

I agree with Gill!! Get rid of the chain!! Also, if you can use the wall of the school as a straight line guide, him nearest the wall, that should help keep him straight I always try to find a handy wall to practice trotting, just now it's a road with a ditch either side

[scottyhorse]

Practice using the cane in walk first getting him to turn away from it (and you) easier than in the trot. Will also help when you do his run out as you walk away from the judge and turn him away from you to trot back towards the judge. Once he's used to turning away from the cane in walk hopefully it will be easier to use in trot when you are running flat out! Good luck with your first show.