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From Dressage to Western

Last post 10-14-2009 5:45 PM by Cindi. 3 replies.
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  • 10-08-2009 12:04 PM

    From Dressage to Western

    I am switching disciplines from dressage to Western and am considering doing open shows in the trail classes more for enjoyment than competing.

    I am seeking advice on how to help retrain my horse in regards to slowing his gaits down and teaching how to neck rein. He is a 16hh Dutch Warmblood.

    I don't want him to forget his extensive dressage training, but I would like for him to experience something new and refreshing.

    We have long needed this change of pace so any and all advice is greatly appreciated.Wink

  • 10-10-2009 3:11 PM In reply to

    Re: From Dressage to Western

    I think it's great that you're wanting to give your horse something new to do :)  And western is a BIG change!

    1) When you think of a good western pleasure horse, you think of something very slow, right?  Those good ones are slow from their legs.  If you watch those legs, they move slow and have a solid 1-2-3 rhythm.  That's great breeding!  You'll see others that aren't moving any faster, but if you look at the legs, they seem to be going 90 mph.  Those are the horses that are trained to go slow.  That's a whole heck of a lot different!  So first, take a good look at your horse and see what his legs are doing.  That will help decide how you'll train him.

    2) Whoa is your best friend.  We want our horses to work entirely on a loose rein, focusing more on leg, seat, and occasionally voice aids.  My #1 rule is Whoa means Whoa, and don't say it unless you mean it!  Our slow down cues comes from my seat, guiding from neck reining and my legs, and stopping is seat and Whoa.  He has to learn how to carry himself in a balanced frame with a relaxed neck carriage, without constant bit contact. 

    3) Neck reining is just basic repitition.  Start riding with a slack rein,  keeping your hands about shoulder-width apart.  When you ask him to turn, keep your hands that same distance apart and use your direct rein a little bit which should also mean you're laying the off rein against his neck.  Combine that with your leg cue, and pretty soon you'll be neck reining like a pro! (but as a caveat, most of us actually do 95% of our guiding with our legs)

    4) Western pleasure and trail is kind of a different mind set.  I like a slow, patient horse.  We spend a lot of time walking, jogging, and standing.  I stand smack in the middle of a trail obstacle to teach my horse not to rush.  Think about what frame of mind your horse is in (is he energetic? is he lazy? etc.) and where you'll want him to be.

    That should at least give you a basic idea of where to start :)

  • 10-13-2009 8:49 PM In reply to

    Re: From Dressage to Western

    You must not have very many people from wher you are that compete in trail with english attire and horses, around here we have about half sometimes little lower percentage. In fact below is a picture of me and my 1/2 arab 1/2 saddlebred doing a trail class.

    I wouldnt go competely from Dressage to only western, keep your dressage in there becuase you get fundementals what you will use in western and can tune your horse up

    Without my horse, im just human. Without me, my horse is just an animal. But when you put us together we become an unstoppable team!

    Photobucket
  • 10-14-2009 5:45 PM In reply to

    Re: From Dressage to Western

    Just for fun, you might check out the Eitan Beth-Halachmy "Cowboy Dressage" videos! Some pretty amazing stuff there!


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