Hi folks

[circlej]

Just looking to introduce myself to the forum, my is Jim and I have recently started my own equine training service based in Co Antrim, www.horseabout.com/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&page=show_ad&adid=774&catid=36&Itemid=0
My current client has a large cob which she wants re-schooled to ride western, she has suffered several falls and is now very nervous of her mount, so far it has been a very successful process with the horse who is now a lot calmer, less inclined to run off and vastly improved flexion, both lateral and vertical, far removed from the stiff as a rod, leaning on the bit, hyper horse that he was when I arrived.

[Elaine]

Hello! Sounds like you're doing a nice job with that horse How did you work on the calmness, bit retraining and improving flexion?

[circlej]

Calmness came from initial ground work, disengage hind quarters with my body language, establishing ground manners, lateral flexion from the ground first then both lateral/vertical from the saddle using rein management, this led onto introducing two tracking and counter bending at the walk and last weekend to collection at the walk and jog/trot all of which teaches the horse not to lean on the bit but rather give to it, I will advance to collection at the lope/canter this weekend all being well.