Ask Cari

Critical Control is the ability to place the horse anywhere you want him to go. Here Ruben demonstrates how to teach the horse walk across a bridge from very large to medium to small. He initially asks him to place his front feet on the bridge, then the hind feet and finally all four feet. When the horse resists, Ruben makes him work very hard backing up or going in a small circle.  The horse is only allowed to rest when he is on the bridge.  Finally, the horse choses to be on the bridge where he can rest and conserve his energy.

Regal with Ruben taking the tongue Ruben is demonstrating the important technique of taking the tongue of the horse. The mouth is one of the defense mechanisms of the horse, when there is danger he can bite. By taking the tongue it shows the horse that the trainer has the authority of this weapon. This is also very pleasureable for the horse once he accepts giving the tongue, he enjoys the massage and it calms his entire being.

Dennis under saddle: Lateral and Longitudinal Control Ruben is demonstrating lateral control and teaching how to read the many signals of a tense horse and how to alleviate the tension by using lateral control. He first allows the horse to take a few steps and controls the movement by flexing the neck to one side, releasing when the horse flexes in the poll and is relaxing the neck. By increasing the time the horse moves longitutadally before taking the lateral control, the horse learns to listen to the riders aids and will be less likely to perform bad behaviour such as bucking, rearing or bolting.

PASSIVE: Riki with the ball hanging in the stall teaches the horse to accept being touched by the ball randomly and desensitizing the horse from panic. This is an example of passive training because the horse does not associate the ball with the trainer and yet learns a very important lesson of accepting movement around him without panicking.

ACTIVE: Active training can be demonstrated by the image of Regal with the whip, he learns that the whip is an extention of the trainers arm and is faster than him so he quickly learns to conserve his energy and stand still whilethe whip moves to either side and above him. This is an important excersise for a horse prior to mounting because he learns to accept movement above his head and to both sides which is where the rider will be.

Rescheduled to Sunday September 12, 2p.m.

Ruben Morales demonstrated several exercises to utilize when loading a difficult horse and how to avoid dangerous situations. The theory is to teach the horse that the trailer is the easiest option, thus he wants to be on the trailer where there is no pressure or work. The horse walked immediately up the ramp from the side as well as the rear showing no signs of resistance. Another horse was brought out who can be barn sour, always choosing to turn back to the barn. Ruben used the same theory to offer 2 options for the horse, the softer option is to go where the rider asks, the more difficult is when he wants to go to the barn. Eventually, the horse listened to the rider for the softer option. Photos ©Ona Kiser/Equine Photography