From: ktracy@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Karin L Tracy)
Subject: Re: help with a stubborn saddlebred
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 1992 20:38:27 GMT

In article <92098.224236JB6UDSTI@MIAMIU.BITNET> JB6UDSTI@MIAMIU.BITNET writes:
>I've been leasing an 8 yr. old saddlebred for several months now, and have
>been trying to break him of several bad habits.  To begin with, if he's
>within sight of his barn, no matter what direction you tell him to turn, he
>always heads in the barn direction.  I've used a few different bits, but he
>has a very strong mouth, so when I try and turn him away, he rarely listens.
>Mainly, if I can't convince him to turn back the into the direction I had
>originally intended, I have to pull him tight into his turn and turn him all
>the way around.  He also doesn't stop very well.  Like I said, he has a very
> strong mouth and won't stop no matter how much I pull at times.  I've tried
>pushing his body forward into the bit with my seat, but that only works part
>of the time.
> 
>If anyone has any suggestions for working with Guard, I would appreciate them.
> 
> 
>...Jase...
> 
> 
> 
>P.S.  He is the most docile and responsive horse I've seen when we ride double
>on him.  But when I ride alone, especially bareback, that's a different story.


uYou don't indicate whether you ride saddleseat, but I'll assume you do.
I breed, train, and show Morgans, and the training methods are similar
to those used for Saddlebreds.  You have two problems, one in his head,
and one in his mouth.  First, the head --- refusal to turn away from
his barn.  If you want him to go left, as you use your left rein, put
as much pressure as you can on his left side behind the girth to try
to force his rear end over.  At the first indication of a movement to
the right with his forelegs, crack him with a whip (a long gaited one,
as you want to hit his leg).  This should make him lift his leg and
stop the movement to the right.  Relax, ask again with the rein and
leg, and use the whip if he again trie to go the wrong way.  Don't
get angry or use a lot of force on the rein.  Just do it over and over
as calmly as possibie.  When he does turn correctly, pet, praise, and
quit.  It may take several sessions, but he will soon associate a smart
crack with the whip with his bad behavior.  Your mouth problem will
take longer to correct --- it means giong back to basic bitting.  If
your horse has been worked in a bitting rig (most Saddlebreds are
started that way), go back to long lines and a bitting rig with a
plain snaffle (half or full cheek).  Work in small circles at first,
and try for a good response to a verbal "whoa" with light mouth
pressure.  Increase the circle size and go for rein respone only.
It takes time and patience.  When riding, do lots of circles, as
it's harder for him to stiffen his neck muscles against the bit.
Try using a plain snaffle, or what's called a slow twist.  It may 
take months before you see improvement, but strong bits and muscle
will only make him worse.  Remember to give him lavish praise and
lots of petting when he's good, and try to end each "session" on
a good note.  Hope this helps.

       Karin Tracy