JenniLynn wrote:
So, as I have said before, I am working for the first time ever on my own horse from the ground up. So far, it's a PITA, but Fugs McBudweiser has been picking up things rather quick and I have a trainer helping me out. Anyway, I've been working on him transitioning into a canter in the roundpen. Going one way, he's a saint. He doesn't love it, but will move out and lope for me until I slow him down. The other direction however.. well, I've dodged some angry back feet a couple times now. Trainer says to start diverting him when he starts to turn into the wall (the prelude to kicking, angry horse fun) and if he makes it around to just start wailing on his backend until he gets it turned back away from me. And from there to set it up and start over again.

This is working, but I'm not loving it, and was wondering if anyone else had other ideas? I don't like this plan, but I like getting kicked even less!


Starting a horse from the ground up should not be a PITA.  To me it sounds as if your not trainer material.  You may be letting your emotions get the best of you while working him and he's already got your number.  At this point it might be in your best interest and your horses best interest to send him to a good listed AQHA professional.  No good can come from you letting him get away with this behavior.  Do a search for listed professionals in your area.  Check out their place and their reputation.  Do yourself and your horse a favor, leave it to a professional to put a good foundation on your horse.

CassielFell wrote:
Beauisabella sold me her soul for a cookie. I keep it in a little glass jar that I use to light up the cellar.


It's shiny.