I start in the round pen (or other safe enclosed area), and teach my horses to “turn and face” me (a precursor to coming when called.)
I’ve also done the “emergency dismount” at the walk, and then ask my horse to turn and face me.
My Arab does the screech on the brakes and spin thing. I get unloaded every time. Sheesh. Just can’t hang with it I guess. Anyway, as of yet, she’s never run off. She just stands right there and waits for me to get back on. But I have done a little flying dismount stuff with her - just for fun. But also I have done a LOT (I mean a WHOLE LOT) of walking on foot with this horse. I’ve been walking her on the trails on a lead since she was weaned. I laugh sometimes because I pass somebody walking a dog, and I’m walking my horse. haha
I still routinely take her on a leadrope, and the dogs on a coupler on the other side of me, and set out down the road for a mile or two. I guess she’s just learned that mom being on the ground is normal. I guess I’ve unknowingly “trained” her to stick by me when I’m on the ground. I think all the years of groundwork really does come into play.
Also I have some nasty hip and back pain sometimes and I have to get off and walk. It’s not uncommon for me to dismount and mount 5 times during a 5 hour ride. :lol:
Two,
My biggest motivator not to fall off is my back not being in perfect shape - due to falling off many times from my first silly Quarter mare, Prieta who was well known for bucking people off and bucking at other horses. It is funny to see what you did to your Arab- take her out for many walks which I did for many many weeks before I learned that she needed me to be on her to show her that I am the boss. Still, I like to take Abby out for walks before I can summon up the courage to ride her! :eek::o Still, your Arab sounds more spirited than mine. :eek:
I look forward to begin working with her this weekend! The ice and snow is going, going, and g o i n g away to their wee wee world! :D:cool:
I can see wanting to train your horse to stay when you fall off, I can even see the actual training your horse to stay when you fall off, but what I can’t see is practicing.
Over and over, till its right!
Oof.
As a prior instructor of eventing students,and taking tons of children foxhunting in the past, we trained over 30 horse and ponies to stay when losing their rider. We did this with the emergency dismount method, general ground work, AND the cookie method… This is something we generally teach EVERY horse we start at our farm.
She’s a great little mare but she has a hot streak a mile wide.
Isn’t this snow melt amazing! I’m so excited. I did a nice long ride last night on the sides of the roads and it was really nice. The footing is perfect right now. I can’t wait to get back on the public trails though. This has been the longest, coldest, deepest winter I’ve ever seen up here. I love winter, but some nice weather would be ok for a change too. 
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I start in the round pen (or other safe enclosed area), and teach my horses to “turn and face” me (a precursor to coming when called.)
I’ve also done the “emergency dismount” at the walk, and then ask my horse to turn and face me.Bearcat, "
This jusy proves thar rhere are many ways to get what you want from a horse.
I never let my biys turn & face me on the lunge.
I taught my young mare voice commands when ground driving her as a baby. She was taught that “WHOA” means a complete and immediate stop RIGHT NOW!
I have come off about 4 times in the last year and a half, and every time but one she has stopped as soon as I yelled after her and waited for me to come get her. One time we were foxhunting and I guess the herding instinct was too strong. I would be really impressed if she came to a screaming halt in the middle of a group of galloping horses
The only trick with that is that you have to remember and use something else for “slow down” like easy or something like that. Save WHOA or HO for STOP NOW, if you use it for other stuff you will screw it up.
PSidio That was hilarious!!:lol::lol:
The cookie thing is a good idea, or you could train yourself to hang onto the reins. I had that drummed into me for so long in lessons, it’s now instinctive.
