Cheating the Circle During Round Pen Work; Following the Herd Hierarchy at Feed Time Q: How can I get my horse to longe or round pen in a complete circle? He keeps cutting in to the middle and making his circles too small. –Amber Verbena A: This is a common occurrence in the round pen and your horse may show the same “cutting corners” behavior when you’re riding. Your horse … [Read more...]
Feeding Frenzy
Dear Julie, I have just taken in two mares, ages 27 and 20. Both were well trained as performance horses in their youth, but have recently been neglected and poorly fed (pastured on 140 acres and left to fend for themselves). The older mare is smaller, but is the alpha. She’s very skinny right now. At feeding time she becomes aggressive toward the younger mare—charging around … [Read more...]
Slowing Down A Fast Horse
Slowing Down Fast Horse Tips Question: Hello Just wondering if you could give me some advice. My horse, a six year old mustang had been trained for about ten months. He stops, turns fine, but I cannot get him to slow down. Of course then I get nervous and then he gets nervous and we end up a mess, any advice? I would love to work it out with him, but cannot figure him … [Read more...]
Teach Your Horse To Slow Down
Riding Right with Julie Goodnight Speed Demon: Teach your horse to slow down on command Dear Julie, My 12-year-old Appendix Quarter Horse is always in a hurry—even to get around the arena! I’m always pulling back on her mouth to slow her down, but she speeds up again right away. We’re in a constant battle. My friend suggested I use a stronger bit, but I hate the thought … [Read more...]
Overcoming Fear: How To Be In Control And Feel Safe
Question: Hi Julie, I am a beginning rider, and have been taking lessons twice a week for about three months now. I have wanted to learn to ride since I was a little girl so this is a dream come true for me (I am 37 now). Initially I was very nervous approaching the horses, but more frequent visits have helped. I'm no longer afraid to get on the horse, but after we've … [Read more...]
