I have used this technique on pretty much ALL of the difficult and young horses that I have ridden over the years. It is a hugely useful technique! What other techniques do you guys use for dealing with a hot, nervous, anxious horse? Just curious...
Lots of circles and direction changes have always helped when my horses are a bit hot or I get a bit nervous and make my hotter blooded horses more ansty. It also helps with horses that get bored just going around the whole ring ( so pretty much all my horses) .
I used to ride my OTTB in a half overgrown field. Our warmup consisted of super fast trot dodging juniper bushes. He was much happier with me staying out of his face and using leg aids to turn. After a few minutes, he would be waiting for instructions and start being able to stretch out and focus.
“‘On a hot horse, the drifting the hind quarters IS your half halt.” Thanks for that! All of my half halts and two reins have not worked well with my OTTB! Love this video! Helped SO much!!
I have a pretty hot horse and have been doing this with her for the last couple weeks because she would take a long time to relax if doing a typical "warmup" that a much calmer horse would do. I have just taken to doing this exercise and has improved her significantly almost instantly. I love your videos and they are very useful and easy to understand if you have any sort of riding knowledge.
Ahhh this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!! Thank you!! I have a very forward Morgan mare and it’s been an extended struggle to figure out how to regulate her speed and be productive without making the ride an argument. I’ve had trainers try everything from nonstop transitions to constant half halts (that she runs through as if they don’t exist) to going back down to the lower gait every time she speeds up to endless spiraling circles, and EVERYTHING sparks tension and an argument. The bending and yielding rather than trying to extinguish the energy altogether is exactly what we need. I also love the acknowledgement of it being futile to start hot horses on straight lines because I’ve felt so defeated and incompetent when any trainer-recommended technique requiring straightness turns into a battle. On days of desperation I’ve resorted to allowing her to race around before a ride to get the silly out of her system, but that is such an issue of it’s own in that 1) I don’t like that it allows her to be fairly oblivious to me. I’m essentially in a passenger position 2) there is no benefit other than a bit of exercise. We learn/practice nothing. 3) she is now so fit that it’s almost useless because she’d be going for ages and still have gas and spice in the tank. I already know your method is going to be revolutionary for us and I’m so excited to try it!! The logic is genius. Gets all of our birds with one stone; it will allow me to put my leg on (a dangerous game with her, at times) and include technically productive practice of multiple aids/maneuvers while allowing her to burn off the energy that she so badly needs to. I always want win win situations between horse and rider, and this is perfect!
Hi- through a series of "events", I've been unable to ride my horse since the last week of July. I've taken this time to watch videos, and I just wanted to thank you, Amelia, for making all this content available. I relate well to your style of teaching, I appreciate how clearly you explain things. It makes me feel like all this time out of the saddle hasn't been a waste. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
This video was especially helpful to me. I have a Hanoverian mare that reminds me of the horse you are on, except I don't have your excellent position and expertise! She starts out kind of lazy but gets hotter as we go. She wants to get quick and holds a lot of tension in her back and neck, making it difficult to bend her. I am watching your excellent videos and have given up pulling on her, since it made her stronger. Sitting up and back is helping because I want to keep her off her forehand. I am practicing half halt and give and it is helping. She wants to resist using her hind legs and would rather pull herself and me around the arena. I have been doing more lateral work at walk, and will incorporate drifting the hindquarters, before trotting to activate her hind legs since she can get too strong if she's not supple. Fortunately she is not spooky so I feel safe riding her. I did take your "Why Round " course and found it beneficial. Your videos have made a difference for us since I am without a trainer at this time and I do feel more confident now, trying to channel your position. Thank you so much for putting this information out there for us, Amelia!
Omg Amelia I stumbled on this organically tonight while I was riding and couldn’t believe how much more balanced my horse got. I thought to myself I swear I remember Amelia doing a video about “drifting” the hindquarters so I looked up this video to make sure. This absolutely works WONDERS! I never realized this is what you meant by riding a little shoulder fore
I'm revisiting this video after at least a year because I accidentally ended up doing something like this yesterday. Maybe a toned-down version, but it was super effective. My mare doesn't get spooky but she's a lot like this one...super strong, very happy to drag me around, but really nice to ride when she's *supple.* That's the key with her, she really wants to clench her back behind the saddle (which fits) and there's nothing physically wrong with her. She's just super happy to hang onto her lower back and drag me around, and be offended when I ask her for really simple stuff. But once you can get her through a challenging exercise that gets her more supple, she completely stops being ornery and you can tell she's like, "ahhh this feels good." It's such an interesting thing because it's so easy to think she "just wants to be bad" and get mad at her. Now I'm thinking I need to turn some of this up in the warm up and see what we can get done.
Yes, my 4 yr old filly is very anxious and busy minded...she really doesn't like my calves against her especially on the right...this video has been very helpful to me by giving me some things to work on to help both of us.
I have a really hot horse, he's a ex-race horse. I have a lot of trouble with him going on and on and never listen to me. I started doing some lateral movement yesterday with him, and it really seemed to help. It's nice to see this video and realise that I'm not totally off in my thinking. Great video!
Me too. Just as I think I'm making some headway with my OTTB mare, we'll have a horrible ride where she pretty much is in her own world, racing around the arena and ignoring me. It's such a confidence buster.
This is exactly the kind of thing my trainer has been drilling into me in my lessons, with my hot little mare, but having this visual of it makes it so much more clear. So helpful!
I tried this technique on my very very forward thinking and strong boy and it really helped, especially in the canter, to let him have his forward - without becoming slightly out of control and feeling his mouth and neck just set against me because he wants to GO! I think it will really help when we go out places as well, as he gets very happy and boisterous in that situation. And it worked so fast, I couldn't believe it! Although we did need to quietly repeat for a bit....Thank you Amelia :)
I am a new equestrian (at 57) .. a native southern Californian. My husband and I bought a couple of more homes in Northwestern Washington, one being a 45 acre farm. Our 17hh accomplished 10 yr old racehorse (grandson of Seattle Slew) has been getting a little nutsy (I’m not gonna lie, I love watching him run and bounce around), especially at nighttime feed time. I asked my vet about it .. he said it’s the weather. He said the rain makes them a little crazy. Both horses are turned out during the day and corralled at night and boy are they mud balls. We haven’t ridden much in the past few weeks due to excessive mud but are hauling them out to our trainers barn in a couple of days. I will let you know if we will have needed to apply this drifting. Amelia ... your videos are so helpful for me as a beginner. Thank you for breaking down the definitions, it is most helpful. Ps .. “connection vs Collection” video, I’m still double dog daring you to make it. Will you consider setting up donations other than monthly patreon donations?❤️🐴. Merry Christmas to you!
Hi!! I am so glad to hear that the videos are helpful. And yes it is amazing how much the weather affects the horses. There is a nonprofit called Southern California equestrian sports which is a 501(c)(3) and you can donate through them. Email me and I will give you more information amelia.newcomb@colorado.edu
I have seen this video litterally 2h before a lesson, and I knew I was about to ride a particular mare for the first time. The mare fits the description :p I was MINDBLOW of well it work and it was such a gamechanger! Thanks you, thank you, thank you for this video you saved my ass ;)
Thank you so much, I am in South Africa so cold is not the issue but before our first rains our horses do get very hot. This is truly very helpful. thank you
My mare had major issues with other horses around her when I got her, had a HUGE bubble. I’ve used the drifting her hindquarters technique over the last year when horses are passing her or by her. Her progress has been amazing (this was an established behavior when I got her). Wanted to share that this technique has proved useful for me on more than controlling her power moments.
I went to my first show in 3 years today on my rocket ship horse. The drifting exercise was exactly what we needed and it kept my sweet mare happy and got her supple and paying attention. Thank you!!
Have a wonderful Morgan who is very forward. Very good boy at trot but Once I canter him we may as well be done. Just wants to run. Used this technique today and OMG what a difference. This will be a permanent tool in our tool box. I cannot thank you enough.
Hi Amelia - I enjoy your videos and thank you for making them. It’s so funny that I watched this one yesterday and it helped me today and it’s July not December lol. I have two ottbs and they can both be hot and spooky and sometimes yes I try to hold them back with the reins but you’re right it never works. Both my horses can be hot in different ways. I like forward horses but when they want to run off it’s important to control it. I have used small circles and lateral work to get a horse focused but this made me focus on really pushing the HQ. today it came in very handy as I train in a park and it was noisy and busy and my mare really got scared and wanted to bolt off and I used it to relax her and get her back with me. Normally when she’s that freaked out I might have had to dismount but today I could stay on and get her calm. We ended the ride great so thank you again! Good luck at Championships with Harvey, I’ll be rooting for you!
Thank you for this. I have a mare who once you go to canter she doesn’t want to go back. Her trot gets quick and forget about walk. She getscanter brain. I am definitely going to try this.
I have felt like my horse does that sometimes too....Not sure if its due to my uneasiness with the canter control (on an inexperienced horse) and that makes her a little nervous or what - BUT this sounds like a great thing to get her to slow down...
Well I just found your videos 2-days ago. I wish I would have found you earlier. I think your tips are awesome and especially the way you demonstrate while riding, great! I've already started practising a few of your methods, for example: at the canter to breath, canter, then swish, swish...super!! I have a hot horse and tomorrow I will try the drifting. He pulls, he's hot, he has so much energy. He even bucked today but we got through it and in the end had a successful training session. He's a beautiful 7 year old, bay, gelding, a jumper. I bought him 2-years ago.
Hello Amelia, I used this tool this morning on my horse. He's hot, hot. It was successful but I noticed that while we were drifting he tensed up his neck. I wasn't able to loosen him up while we were drifting. Do you have any tips?
I have a nice mare that was started very late who gets very quick and tends to pull, get heavy and even quicker. I struggled for a while until I found myself doing movements very similar to this. I have wondered if it was the right thing to do. Now I feel so much better seeing you use this technique I will be sure to continue it. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!
Excellent, excellent video, and explanation. I have a mare I’ve not ridden in a while, due to being too hot and not giving her the time. This looks fun. I like the voice over. For some reason, I could see the steps and timing better.
I am going to try this with my horse at the weekend. He is 20 and just seems to love to go, but he does tend to grab the bit and run off with it. No matter what I try, he just seems to love speed. I recently let him gallop whilst out and then rode him a few days later and in trot, he immediately sped up and tried leaping into a canter without being asked. I will give this a try this weekend. Wish me luck! lol.
I’m doing this in my lesson this week! All the horses are fresh and feeling good. Last week I was bolted on and bucked off simply because he just was frisky. I’m going to work on shouldering him in, but with all that fire he was giving me
Apart from the height and colour, this is my mare, hands down! Thank you for your clear explanation of how yielding really helps a hot horse. My mare likes to anticipate, becomes tense, throws her head around and dips her back. I can't wait to try this method with her!
This is extremely helpful were heading into winter in Australia and Ive had a sudden increase in energy, and shying. Ive been trying to yield the hind quarters to stop her after she spooks or takes of and noticed today I could stop the looking and keep her focused with lots of bending and transitions making use of the energy. I have by accident noticed that by yielding her hind quarters she will soften and as she's been not that accepting of my leg as in she will often mistake it as an aid to shoot forward Ive been trying to get her to yield after a half halt. This sounds very helpful so thanks I'll try this tomorrow.
I have been a bit unconfident to canter on my horse simply because he is a bit hot and spooky. I am having a lesson tomorrow and I am definitely going to do these tips.
This is to me the most fundamental piece to riding anything. I check my horses out both on the ground and under saddle. My thoroughbred can start out getting anxious and from there start to get sticky. At this point I need to prepare for broncing. As time goes on I can keep her moving forward much better and get her to relax by disengaging her hindquarters. I don't get to spend a lot of time with my Morgan. She starts out by having a little temper tantrum. She'll Trot right out. I don't try to confine her here. But do exactly what you were doing, letting those hindquarters drift, until she relaxes. Then we can move on to other things. I practice disengaging the hindquarters every time I ride. To really work at it I work at having the horse pivot on her inside front foot. You are spot on. I watch riders get tight and then tighten up on their horse thus upsetting the horse even more. The horse's answer is to escape that pressure. I saw a horse give the rider a lot of rein on one side and proceed to yank the rider right out of the saddle and on to the ground, so I never ever want my horse ever to figure out she is stronger than me. Don't get into a contest with your horses.
Also, I’m giving a free webinar on Show Season at the start of may you can sign up here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/show-season/ Also, if you want a free mini course to get your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, take my free rider position mini course here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/? Do you love my content? I’d love if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴
Great tips! I have a hot horse, named Roxey (the Rocket). I didn't realize I was using a version ofo this with young horses to supple them without allowing them to get going too fast. I never thought of it as "drifting" the hindquarters (I learned it as disengaging the hindquarters), but this makes so much more sense to me. I also know that feeling a horse exhibits when they feel "trapped" by too tight a rein when they are really hot and want to move forward. Great technique!
Thank you for this! I don't have a hot horse, I have a quickly spooky horse, so I will try this next time he spins and bolts. He does work well off my leg.
Thank you so much for this video. The timing could not have been more perfect, my young dutch WB is all about racing around the arena in trot and canter when it is cold. You are definitely right about not pulling on both reins, it does nothing other than upset the horse. I will definitely try your method! Thank you again!
Excellent video, I saw clearly the relaxation develop with the drifting and bending exercise, and can clearly see the tension in the transition to canter when you were trying to control the horse with steady pressure on both reins, and how the tension increased. Thank you for such a clear video with explanation and demonstration, this is a great video. I remember with another horse that wasn't spooky but was very hot, that I had used sml surpentines to help get him to focus and come into my hand. Thank you again! Yes I am working on this with my new horse! These videos are amazingly helpful, you are a great teacher.
Fantastic Video and voiceover Amelia. In the UK OTTTB or as we call them 'Retrained Racehorses' are increasingly popular. I have used this technique and it really works. It has improved our transitions from canter to trot so my TB boy doesn't fall onto his forehand -whoop whoop!
Thank you for this video. I recently switched to a new horse that took off on me when I was aligning up to a pole while trotting. They did this several times, and throughout my lesson stopped listening to me. I started to feel a bit frightened and was losing my confidence. I started to do small circles, but I was pulling back on the reins, which I noticed what you said they don't like that. So I will continue to work on the small circles using inside leg.
I have read a lot about disengaging the hind quarters to get a horse using the thinking side of the brain vs the reactive side. It ties in very well with what you are doing here. However I really wanted to comment on how completely in sync you appear to be with the horse in this video. Beautiful riding is hard to describe but easy to recognize when you see it. This qualified in my mind.
Thanks so much for this! The mare I’m riding is extremely hot in the winter. She’s always hot in the canter, but now that it started to get chilly I’ve been having issues trying to keep her calm. Perfect timing on the video! I’m going to try this! Hopefully it works. She usually gets fast, extremely strong in the forehand and doesn’t like me keeping my leg on... thanks so much!!
I watched this and thought you were riding my mare, but no, she's still in her stall 😄. Like this technique, it works well, because pulling on the reins just makes things worse. Thanks for the demo, nice to see it from the ground instead of doing it. Gives me better insight on how I need to adjust my aids (I seem to have more difficulty getting this movement in hand than I do riding, though).
I have a Waler Mustang cross and I bought her to train as a living history highwayman's horse. I broke her in myself and she is mostly fine she has a beautiful nature and is very smart, but has a lot of energy, is green and was getting a bit spooky, to the point where I didn't want to canter her. Both her and I love to canter and this was the reason I got her, to go fast. But going fast and spooking is not a good combo. I will try to his method, to keep her engaged and paying attention to her work at the trot first of all,, then move up to the canter. And you're right, pulling on both reins doesn't work. When I was trying to control her by doing this, she'd throw her head, buck and carry on. She just wanted to go, but like I said, I felt that wasn't an option at that time... She's now wearing a martingale which is helping to control her head throwing habit, but I always prefer software solutions to hardware solutions! Hopefully, using this method I'll be able to get her to focus on her work on the trail, instead of all those scary puddles, rocks, shadows etc... Thanks for making this video, I'll let you know how it all goes...
Great video!! Thank you. I have a lazy horse but every once in a while he get nervous about something (winter time blues). I will practice this tomorrow just so I have it in my tool box for good.
The trainers at my barn rely on this technique. I am learning it. I have a green filly that likes to buck when she feels blocked. One difference between what you said and what my trainer is telling me is position. I am inclined to think because my horse bucks that an upright position is important. My trainer insists that I ride in a very forward position to counter bolting...I worry that I am making it easier for her to send me sailing over her head, but we haven't had any bucking incidents since I adopted the forward position.
I agree with you. Your center of gravity has to be more forward for you to be in equilibrium over the horses center of gravity in those bucking moments. I myself found this out the hard way, and realized that my point of equilibrium definatly was a lot more forward than the classic 'shlouders back' we all ear led me to bellieve. And ever since I accepted that, I am so much harder to throw off! ;)
And if you combine that with the technique so eloquently demonstrated here, which I indeed practice a lot, it's a win win! Thanks for the great video Amelia!
The horse I have been working has been acting very differently since it has gotten cold. She is still just in the ground work stage but I have been trying to tack her up getting ready to ride her. She is a big Friesian girl and yesterday was spooky which is not normally in her character. I never considered that the weather was affecting her to cause this. Noticed several of the other horses at the barn I have her at are the same....very flighty and spook easily....wow. Thank you for the information.
They just get VERY frisky when it's cool or cold, especially in FL, where we don't have typical seasons.. This is why we work them under saddle, with side reins or a German Martingale in the round pen to get to get the friskies outs!!)... Even my dog gets gets that same way with herself when it gets cold😊🐾🐎
Can’t wait to try, my gelding and mare are purebreds, Arabians and they are young 5 and 6 and fresh and both a handful. And when the ride together because it’s not much fun alone, they get very out of control.
Looking forward to trying out this exercise with my hot TB! I think I take too long to start working my horse at faster trot and a canter b/c I'm trying to put off the strong, nervous results -- maybe if I just get started & use this drifting technique, I'll see a different result! We live in Sarasota, FL -- it is finally our winter season which means 70s & 80s instead of 100s -- our horses & riders are friskier even at 70 degrees in FL! B/c when we ride in the summer, the heat zaps our energy even before we start working but when it's "cooler" we can ride for hours & still have energy!
Just wanted to update you -- With the holidays over, I have found time to start using the Drifting the Hindquarters technique on Jack, my 17H TB, who was always taking control of the canter from me. It is a miracle! I am now in control of his tempo and rhythm and he isn't trying to speed up or bolt like he was doing. Thanks for sharing!!
This is very helpful and the answer I was looking for! I would not call my QH hot, however, he got hot on two recent occasions (still getting to know this horse
Great video, thank you so much, I have a super hot and extremely alert pace racer mare, that will help me a lot! I did use the technique with the bending of the head with the inside hand a bit higher up, and sit straight with upper-body back, but now I also can add the thrifting of her hind-quarters out to the outside, thank you so much!
Great video and voice over. Soooo hard staying centered when they r moving out. Constantly working to keep weight in inside stirrup so he doesn’t drift more! Seems like supples shoulders too:)
Oh, that is SUCH a helpful video, thank you very much! It's one thing to be told what not to do, but sometimes very little is offered other than the "emergency rein" or just putting them on a smaller and smaller circle, which is just different ways to fight against each other and creating a vicious cycle. I guess before something like this is attempted, it's better to let a very forward horse burn some energy on the lunge in order to be able to practice drifting the hindquarters in a calmer mindset?
Hi Amelia I tried this today on my very hot Australian thoroughbred. It was the best ride I’ve had on him (I’ve owned him for 5 months). I also lunged him in the sand arena before. You have given me a lot of confidence. Thanks 🙏 any more hot horse tips would be appreciated.
Hello Amelia, thankyou for de clear video, my horse is really easy and relaxed in the arena, never spooky or strong. When we are riding in the woods she is the opposite, really spooky , fast in galop , nervous and headshaking. Tried a lot of things and riding few times an week outside. I will try this exercise when I am riding outside, hope you have more tips when riding outside also, thankyou.
So good video!😍 This is how me and my trainer works with my spooky angloarab. He is not really hot, but he is unfocused and can spook, and we ride him like this too keep his focus inside of the arena walls and with me...it works but he really tries to make me straighten him out so he can get a window to spook...😅🐎
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Thank you, thank you. I have two very forward mares. I know not to pull, but as an inexperienced dressage rider, knowing how to control their enthusiasm is so frustrating. I'm going to try this technique.
Good ideas, and very well explained. When I ride one of the horses that is a 8 year old little TB mare, she is sometimes thinking that going quick and straight forward or up in the air may be the best answer to all of my questions as a rider to her... I try to come back/lower the tempo in the gait and go on a circle, and not to get too much weight on my reins but more to direct it from my seat. It is important to be in contact with her (leg and weight aids) and not to let her do "her thing" alone. She is one of these horses that you must not "surprise" with the leg aids, and she has to learn to relax with them and answer in a confident way ...
Thanks again, This is exactly what I needed to be doing in my last ride. My horse gets tense after cantering, seems to be anticipating? Frustrating so shoulder in on a small figure 8 will hopefully do the trick.
I am going to try this. I have a very sensitive horse. he is afraid of being afraid. If I am not 110 percent focused on his every move he spooks. He plants his front feet and spins and sometimes bolts. He needs lots of exercises to keep his mind engaged. thanks for the tips.
Very helpfull video! When my mare got really hot i tried to keep her “thinking” and ridinr exercises when she cant really go fast. So simular to this! Tight cirkels, riding figure 8. And walk trot transitions on the cirkle worked for her because she had to slow down and bend so she couldnt go fast.
Hi, I have a hot horse. I hope this helps me in the canter. Will work on it in the trot first of course. Locking up creates all the things that make him impossible to ride. I definitely need to try this.
I had to revisit this video because I finally have a hot horse! However, I have a question/predicament. I started doing the drifting the HQ in the trot and my mare has found a way to completely use it against me after the canter work. She's a complete angel if we do it before the canter stuff but afterwards all bets are off. The first few times I used this technique to slow her down after the canter were wonderful and we actually had a productive ride after cantering, but the second ride after doing this she would overreact to the inside leg and fly sideways across the arena (through my outside rein and outside leg) and if I would ask her to go straight she would slam on the brakes and go backwards. So I'm a little lost on what to do to get her to relax at the trot after we canter.
It sounds like you’re missing the bend when drifting the hindquarters. Check in with your position and hips as well as flexion to the inside. If you’re a member of Strides, feel free to send me a video for office hours!
This is my first winter with my 6 year old Andalusian mare, and she has been very tense, spooky and distracted ever since it got colder. She ignores my bending aids and locks her back, and it's very difficult to get her supple and listening. I think this technique will help her focus and get supple. I will try it tomorrow!
By the time I learned about this my horse was more capable and able to do shoulder ins which engages not only her body but her mind. It's been so long I can barely remember what we used at the beginning thankfully she's never been one to run though your hands despite being hot.
is this kind of like a one-rein stop - only you never stop - just keep moving???? Your trouble shooting hints are SO helpful!!!!! THANKS for ALL you do for us learners!!!
I have been living the comment 'pulling back on both reins' - duh..... I feel retarded ....it sounds SO obvious when you state it (that it will never help) its like arguing with a child - you NEVER win - it just makes everything worse....I have a Gypsy mare that is FORWARD.....(everyone thinks they are tubby and sluggish - NO way!!) She loves to work! I cannot wait to get on her back and USE this.....THANK you - eternally grateful
Great ! Thank you !.... My horse looks like this one. He is very hot. I only give him 2 qts of grain a day. It is low carb low sugar. I will try this thanks !
Huh, I actually use this as warm up and loosening. Essentially shoulder-fore/-in on a circle, as you said. I may vary it later in the session to travers/renvers on a circle. Funnily enough it actually tends to wake my boy up when he's a bit sluggish and doesn't feel like working or flexing or bending or listening to my leg or listening to me period. :D
@@bbuzzard8002 I was responding to Amelia's video, so that would be the one right there. As I said, I used a similar approach not to deal with spookiness but for loosening and throughness.
I have used this technique on pretty much ALL of the difficult and young horses that I have ridden over the years. It is a hugely useful technique! What other techniques do you guys use for dealing with a hot, nervous, anxious horse? Just curious...
In some cases (I dont often ride babies) waiting for a hores to mentally relax makes a big difference.
Lots of circles and direction changes have always helped when my horses are a bit hot or I get a bit nervous and make my hotter blooded horses more ansty. It also helps with horses that get bored just going around the whole ring ( so pretty much all my horses) .
I used to ride my OTTB in a half overgrown field. Our warmup consisted of super fast trot dodging juniper bushes. He was much happier with me staying out of his face and using leg aids to turn. After a few minutes, he would be waiting for instructions and start being able to stretch out and focus.
“‘On a hot horse, the drifting the hind quarters IS your half halt.” Thanks for that! All of my half halts and two reins have not worked well with my OTTB! Love this video! Helped SO much!!
I have a pretty hot horse and have been doing this with her for the last couple weeks because she would take a long time to relax if doing a typical "warmup" that a much calmer horse would do. I have just taken to doing this exercise and has improved her significantly almost instantly. I love your videos and they are very useful and easy to understand if you have any sort of riding knowledge.
Ahhh this is exactly what I’ve been looking for!! Thank you!! I have a very forward Morgan mare and it’s been an extended struggle to figure out how to regulate her speed and be productive without making the ride an argument. I’ve had trainers try everything from nonstop transitions to constant half halts (that she runs through as if they don’t exist) to going back down to the lower gait every time she speeds up to endless spiraling circles, and EVERYTHING sparks tension and an argument. The bending and yielding rather than trying to extinguish the energy altogether is exactly what we need. I also love the acknowledgement of it being futile to start hot horses on straight lines because I’ve felt so defeated and incompetent when any trainer-recommended technique requiring straightness turns into a battle. On days of desperation I’ve resorted to allowing her to race around before a ride to get the silly out of her system, but that is such an issue of it’s own in that 1) I don’t like that it allows her to be fairly oblivious to me. I’m essentially in a passenger position 2) there is no benefit other than a bit of exercise. We learn/practice nothing. 3) she is now so fit that it’s almost useless because she’d be going for ages and still have gas and spice in the tank.
I already know your method is going to be revolutionary for us and I’m so excited to try it!! The logic is genius. Gets all of our birds with one stone; it will allow me to put my leg on (a dangerous game with her, at times) and include technically productive practice of multiple aids/maneuvers while allowing her to burn off the energy that she so badly needs to. I always want win win situations between horse and rider, and this is perfect!
Thank you for sharing your story
Hi- through a series of "events", I've been unable to ride my horse since the last week of July. I've taken this time to watch videos, and I just wanted to thank you, Amelia, for making all this content available. I relate well to your style of teaching, I appreciate how clearly you explain things. It makes me feel like all this time out of the saddle hasn't been a waste. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
This video was especially helpful to me. I have a Hanoverian mare that reminds me of the horse you are on, except I don't have your excellent position and expertise! She starts out kind of lazy but gets hotter as we go. She wants to get quick and holds a lot of tension in her back and neck, making it difficult to bend her. I am watching your excellent videos and have given up pulling on her, since it made her stronger. Sitting up and back is helping because I want to keep her off her forehand. I am practicing half halt and give and it is helping. She wants to resist using her hind legs and would rather pull herself and me around the arena. I have been doing more lateral work at walk, and will incorporate drifting the hindquarters, before trotting to activate her hind legs since she can get too strong if she's not supple. Fortunately she is not spooky so I feel safe riding her. I did take your "Why Round " course and found it beneficial. Your videos have made a difference for us since I am without a trainer at this time and I do feel more confident now, trying to channel your position. Thank you so much for putting this information out there for us, Amelia!
You're right- when you present a square rein feel to her it frustrates her no end!
best
Bruce Peek
Omg Amelia I stumbled on this organically tonight while I was riding and couldn’t believe how much more balanced my horse got. I thought to myself I swear I remember Amelia doing a video about “drifting” the hindquarters so I looked up this video to make sure. This absolutely works WONDERS! I never realized this is what you meant by riding a little shoulder fore
I'm revisiting this video after at least a year because I accidentally ended up doing something like this yesterday. Maybe a toned-down version, but it was super effective. My mare doesn't get spooky but she's a lot like this one...super strong, very happy to drag me around, but really nice to ride when she's *supple.* That's the key with her, she really wants to clench her back behind the saddle (which fits) and there's nothing physically wrong with her. She's just super happy to hang onto her lower back and drag me around, and be offended when I ask her for really simple stuff. But once you can get her through a challenging exercise that gets her more supple, she completely stops being ornery and you can tell she's like, "ahhh this feels good." It's such an interesting thing because it's so easy to think she "just wants to be bad" and get mad at her. Now I'm thinking I need to turn some of this up in the warm up and see what we can get done.
Yes, my 4 yr old filly is very anxious and busy minded...she really doesn't like my calves against her especially on the right...this video has been very helpful to me by giving me some things to work on to help both of us.
I have a really hot horse, he's a ex-race horse. I have a lot of trouble with him going on and on and never listen to me. I started doing some lateral movement yesterday with him, and it really seemed to help. It's nice to see this video and realise that I'm not totally off in my thinking. Great video!
It can be challenging with the ex-racehorses for sure!
Me too. Just as I think I'm making some headway with my OTTB mare, we'll have a horrible ride where she pretty much is in her own world, racing around the arena and ignoring me. It's such a confidence buster.
This is exactly the kind of thing my trainer has been drilling into me in my lessons, with my hot little mare, but having this visual of it makes it so much more clear. So helpful!
I tried this technique on my very very forward thinking and strong boy and it really helped, especially in the canter, to let him have his forward - without becoming slightly out of control and feeling his mouth and neck just set against me because he wants to GO! I think it will really help when we go out places as well, as he gets very happy and boisterous in that situation. And it worked so fast, I couldn't believe it! Although we did need to quietly repeat for a bit....Thank you Amelia :)
I am a new equestrian (at 57) .. a native southern Californian. My husband and I bought a couple of more homes in Northwestern Washington, one being a 45 acre farm. Our 17hh accomplished 10 yr old racehorse (grandson of Seattle Slew) has been getting a little nutsy (I’m not gonna lie, I love watching him run and bounce around), especially at nighttime feed time. I asked my vet about it .. he said it’s the weather. He said the rain makes them a little crazy. Both horses are turned out during the day and corralled at night and boy are they mud balls. We haven’t ridden much in the past few weeks due to excessive mud but are hauling them out to our trainers barn in a couple of days. I will let you know if we will have needed to apply this drifting. Amelia ... your videos are so helpful for me as a beginner. Thank you for breaking down the definitions, it is most helpful. Ps .. “connection vs Collection” video, I’m still double dog daring you to make it. Will you consider setting up donations other than monthly patreon donations?❤️🐴. Merry Christmas to you!
Hi!! I am so glad to hear that the videos are helpful. And yes it is amazing how much the weather affects the horses. There is a nonprofit called Southern California equestrian sports which is a 501(c)(3) and you can donate through them. Email me and I will give you more information amelia.newcomb@colorado.edu
I have seen this video litterally 2h before a lesson, and I knew I was about to ride a particular mare for the first time. The mare fits the description :p I was MINDBLOW of well it work and it was such a gamechanger! Thanks you, thank you, thank you for this video you saved my ass ;)
Thank you so much, I am in South Africa so cold is not the issue but before our first rains our horses do get very hot. This is truly very helpful. thank you
My mare had major issues with other horses around her when I got her, had a HUGE bubble. I’ve used the drifting her hindquarters technique over the last year when horses are passing her or by her. Her progress has been amazing (this was an established behavior when I got her). Wanted to share that this technique has proved useful for me on more than controlling her power moments.
Great to hear! Good work!
I went to my first show in 3 years today on my rocket ship horse. The drifting exercise was exactly what we needed and it kept my sweet mare happy and got her supple and paying attention. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Have a wonderful Morgan who is very forward. Very good boy at trot but Once I canter him we may as well be done. Just wants to run. Used this technique today and OMG what a difference. This will be a permanent tool in our tool box. I cannot thank you enough.
You can do it!
Hi Amelia - I enjoy your videos and thank you for making them. It’s so funny that I watched this one yesterday and it helped me today and it’s July not December lol. I have two ottbs and they can both be hot and spooky and sometimes yes I try to hold them back with the reins but you’re right it never works. Both my horses can be hot in different ways. I like forward horses but when they want to run off it’s important to control it. I have used small circles and lateral work to get a horse focused but this made me focus on really pushing the HQ. today it came in very handy as I train in a park and it was noisy and busy and my mare really got scared and wanted to bolt off and I used it to relax her and get her back with me. Normally when she’s that freaked out I might have had to dismount but today I could stay on and get her calm. We ended the ride great so thank you again! Good luck at Championships with Harvey, I’ll be rooting for you!
Thank you for this. I have a mare who once you go to canter she doesn’t want to go back. Her trot gets quick and forget about walk. She getscanter brain. I am definitely going to try this.
I have felt like my horse does that sometimes too....Not sure if its due to my uneasiness with the canter control (on an inexperienced horse) and that makes her a little nervous or what - BUT this sounds like a great thing to get her to slow down...
Well I just found your videos 2-days ago. I wish I would have found you earlier. I think your tips are awesome and especially the way you demonstrate while riding, great! I've already started practising a few of your methods, for example: at the canter to breath, canter, then swish, swish...super!! I have a hot horse and tomorrow I will try the drifting. He pulls, he's hot, he has so much energy. He even bucked today but we got through it and in the end had a successful training session. He's a beautiful 7 year old, bay, gelding, a jumper. I bought him 2-years ago.
Hello Amelia, I used this tool this morning on my horse. He's hot, hot. It was successful but I noticed that while we were drifting he tensed up his neck. I wasn't able to loosen him up while we were drifting. Do you have any tips?
I have a nice mare that was started very late who gets very quick and tends to pull, get heavy and even quicker. I struggled for a while until I found myself doing movements very similar to this. I have wondered if it was the right thing to do. Now I feel so much better seeing you use this technique I will be sure to continue it. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!
The Drift is an exercise named and taught by Buck Brannaman- its a turn on the forehand..
best
Bruce Peek
Excellent, excellent video, and explanation. I have a mare I’ve not ridden in a while, due to being too hot and not giving her the time. This looks fun. I like the voice over. For some reason, I could see the steps and timing better.
I am going to try this with my horse at the weekend. He is 20 and just seems to love to go, but he does tend to grab the bit and run off with it. No matter what I try, he just seems to love speed. I recently let him gallop whilst out and then rode him a few days later and in trot, he immediately sped up and tried leaping into a canter without being asked. I will give this a try this weekend. Wish me luck! lol.
This is excellent! I actually prefer the voiceover.
Betty Beebe voice over is best
You re amazing!! Your videos are my rescuers!I wish you were my trainer! 😍😍😍
I’m doing this in my lesson this week! All the horses are fresh and feeling good. Last week I was bolted on and bucked off simply because he just was frisky. I’m going to work on shouldering him in, but with all that fire he was giving me
Apart from the height and colour, this is my mare, hands down! Thank you for your clear explanation of how yielding really helps a hot horse. My mare likes to anticipate, becomes tense, throws her head around and dips her back. I can't wait to try this method with her!
This is extremely helpful were heading into winter in Australia and Ive had a sudden increase in energy, and shying. Ive been trying to yield the hind quarters to stop her after she spooks or takes of and noticed today I could stop the looking and keep her focused with lots of bending and transitions making use of the energy. I have by accident noticed that by yielding her hind quarters she will soften and as she's been not that accepting of my leg as in she will often mistake it as an aid to shoot forward Ive been trying to get her to yield after a half halt. This sounds very helpful so thanks I'll try this tomorrow.
I have been a bit unconfident to canter on my horse simply because he is a bit hot and spooky. I am having a lesson tomorrow and I am definitely going to do these tips.
This is to me the most fundamental piece to riding anything. I check my horses out both on the ground and under saddle. My thoroughbred can start out getting anxious and from there start to get sticky. At this point I need to prepare for broncing. As time goes on I can keep her moving forward much better and get her to relax by disengaging her hindquarters. I don't get to spend a lot of time with my Morgan. She starts out by having a little temper tantrum. She'll Trot right out. I don't try to confine her here. But do exactly what you were doing, letting those hindquarters drift, until she relaxes. Then we can move on to other things. I practice disengaging the hindquarters every time I ride. To really work at it I work at having the horse pivot on her inside front foot. You are spot on. I watch riders get tight and then tighten up on their horse thus upsetting the horse even more. The horse's answer is to escape that pressure. I saw a horse give the rider a lot of rein on one side and proceed to yank the rider right out of the saddle and on to the ground, so I never ever want my horse ever to figure out she is stronger than me. Don't get into a contest with your horses.
Thank you Dan for this insight!
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage thank you for yours.
super helpful video! This is helping my horse accept my right leg, which previously had been hard to do.
So glad you found it helpful KAty and thanks for watchign!
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Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴
Great tips! I have a hot horse, named Roxey (the Rocket). I didn't realize I was using a version ofo this with young horses to supple them without allowing them to get going too fast. I never thought of it as "drifting" the hindquarters (I learned it as disengaging the hindquarters), but this makes so much more sense to me. I also know that feeling a horse exhibits when they feel "trapped" by too tight a rein when they are really hot and want to move forward. Great technique!
Good ideas for me and my 5 yr old who spooks on the trail. He is definitely a forward horse. Thank you.
Thank you for this! I don't have a hot horse, I have a quickly spooky horse, so I will try this next time he spins and bolts. He does work well off my leg.
This is great for spooky horses. I hope it helps your horse! Let me know how it goes!
This is my horse! My trainer is staying at home due to the virus, I will be working on this today, thank you!
This is great, just what I needed for my thoroughbred.
Thank you so much for this video. The timing could not have been more perfect, my young dutch WB is all about racing around the arena in trot and canter when it is cold. You are definitely right about not pulling on both reins, it does nothing other than upset the horse. I will definitely try your method! Thank you again!
Excellent video, I saw clearly the relaxation develop with the drifting and bending exercise, and can clearly see the tension in the transition to canter when you were trying to control the horse with steady pressure on both reins, and how the tension increased. Thank you for such a clear video with explanation and demonstration, this is a great video. I remember with another horse that wasn't spooky but was very hot, that I had used sml surpentines to help get him to focus and come into my hand. Thank you again! Yes I am working on this with my new horse! These videos are amazingly helpful, you are a great teacher.
Yay! Glad this was helpful!!
Fantastic Video and voiceover Amelia. In the UK OTTTB or as we call them 'Retrained Racehorses' are increasingly popular. I have used this technique and it really works. It has improved our transitions from canter to trot so my TB boy doesn't fall onto his forehand -whoop whoop!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I recently switched to a new horse that took off on me when I was aligning up to a pole while trotting. They did this several times, and throughout my lesson stopped listening to me. I started to feel a bit frightened and was losing my confidence. I started to do small circles, but I was pulling back on the reins, which I noticed what you said they don't like that. So I will continue to work on the small circles using inside leg.
I have read a lot about disengaging the hind quarters to get a horse using the thinking side of the brain vs the reactive side. It ties in very well with what you are doing here. However I really wanted to comment on how completely in sync you appear to be with the horse in this video. Beautiful riding is hard to describe but easy to recognize when you see it. This qualified in my mind.
I think this going to be a game changer for me and my gelding. I can't wait to try this technique.
Thanks so much for this! The mare I’m riding is extremely hot in the winter. She’s always hot in the canter, but now that it started to get chilly I’ve been having issues trying to keep her calm. Perfect timing on the video!
I’m going to try this! Hopefully it works.
She usually gets fast, extremely strong in the forehand and doesn’t like me keeping my leg on... thanks so much!!
Yes, this technique should help you!!
I watched this and thought you were riding my mare, but no, she's still in her stall 😄. Like this technique, it works well, because pulling on the reins just makes things worse. Thanks for the demo, nice to see it from the ground instead of doing it. Gives me better insight on how I need to adjust my aids (I seem to have more difficulty getting this movement in hand than I do riding, though).
😂😂😂
My dog is also very energetic in winter, he is like 5 years younger during winter. 🥰🧿
I have a Waler Mustang cross and I bought her to train as a living history highwayman's horse. I broke her in myself and she is mostly fine she has a beautiful nature and is very smart, but has a lot of energy, is green and was getting a bit spooky, to the point where I didn't want to canter her. Both her and I love to canter and this was the reason I got her, to go fast. But going fast and spooking is not a good combo. I will try to his method, to keep her engaged and paying attention to her work at the trot first of all,, then move up to the canter. And you're right, pulling on both reins doesn't work. When I was trying to control her by doing this, she'd throw her head, buck and carry on. She just wanted to go, but like I said, I felt that wasn't an option at that time...
She's now wearing a martingale which is helping to control her head throwing habit, but I always prefer software solutions to hardware solutions!
Hopefully, using this method I'll be able to get her to focus on her work on the trail, instead of all those scary puddles, rocks, shadows etc...
Thanks for making this video, I'll let you know how it all goes...
I think horses act "crazier" in winter because they are not feeling hot and tired and are just more comfortable in winter and generally feel better.
Great video!! Thank you. I have a lazy horse but every once in a while he get nervous about something (winter time blues). I will practice this tomorrow just so I have it in my tool box for good.
The trainers at my barn rely on this technique. I am learning it. I have a green filly that likes to buck when she feels blocked.
One difference between what you said and what my trainer is telling me is position. I am inclined to think because my horse bucks that an upright position is important. My trainer insists that I ride in a very forward position to counter bolting...I worry that I am making it easier for her to send me sailing over her head, but we haven't had any bucking incidents since I adopted the forward position.
I agree with you. Your center of gravity has to be more forward for you to be in equilibrium over the horses center of gravity in those bucking moments. I myself found this out the hard way, and realized that my point of equilibrium definatly was a lot more forward than the classic 'shlouders back' we all ear led me to bellieve. And ever since I accepted that, I am so much harder to throw off! ;)
And if you combine that with the technique so eloquently demonstrated here, which I indeed practice a lot, it's a win win! Thanks for the great video Amelia!
The horse I have been working has been acting very differently since it has gotten cold. She is still just in the ground work stage but I have been trying to tack her up getting ready to ride her. She is a big Friesian girl and yesterday was spooky which is not normally in her character. I never considered that the weather was affecting her to cause this. Noticed several of the other horses at the barn I have her at are the same....very flighty and spook easily....wow. Thank you for the information.
Yes! The weather effects the behavior of the horses A LOT!!
Thank you very much. This helps when my horse is getting a bit hot in the second part of training.
They just get VERY frisky when it's cool or cold, especially in FL, where we don't have typical seasons.. This is why we work them under saddle, with side reins or a German Martingale in the round pen to get to get the friskies outs!!)... Even my dog gets gets that same way with herself when it gets cold😊🐾🐎
Very helpful! I have one that's lazy and one that's more hot so I look forward to trying this exercise on her. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Can’t wait to try, my gelding and mare are purebreds, Arabians and they are young 5 and 6 and fresh and both a handful. And when the ride together because it’s not much fun alone, they get very out of control.
Looking forward to trying out this exercise with my hot TB! I think I take too long to start working my horse at faster trot and a canter b/c I'm trying to put off the strong, nervous results -- maybe if I just get started & use this drifting technique, I'll see a different result! We live in Sarasota, FL -- it is finally our winter season which means 70s & 80s instead of 100s -- our horses & riders are friskier even at 70 degrees in FL! B/c when we ride in the summer, the heat zaps our energy even before we start working but when it's "cooler" we can ride for hours & still have energy!
Yes! Hear it is hot in FL! I am going to try to get down there this winter to watch one of the big shows as GDF!
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage "Watch"! I figured you'd be competing at the Adequan GDF!
Just wanted to update you -- With the holidays over, I have found time to start using the Drifting the Hindquarters technique on Jack, my 17H TB, who was always taking control of the canter from me. It is a miracle! I am now in control of his tempo and rhythm and he isn't trying to speed up or bolt like he was doing. Thanks for sharing!!
This is very helpful and the answer I was looking for! I would not call my QH hot, however, he got hot on two recent occasions (still getting to know this horse
Great video, thank you so much, I have a super hot and extremely alert pace racer mare, that will help me a lot! I did use the technique with the bending of the head with the inside hand a bit higher up, and sit straight with upper-body back, but now I also can add the thrifting of her hind-quarters out to the outside, thank you so much!
Really helpful! Will try after the arena thaws. : ) My lazier one is fantastic in this cold, but the hot one is almost unridable.
Great video and voice over. Soooo hard staying centered when they r moving out. Constantly working to keep weight in inside stirrup so he doesn’t drift more! Seems like supples shoulders too:)
Oh, that is SUCH a helpful video, thank you very much! It's one thing to be told what not to do, but sometimes very little is offered other than the "emergency rein" or just putting them on a smaller and smaller circle, which is just different ways to fight against each other and creating a vicious cycle. I guess before something like this is attempted, it's better to let a very forward horse burn some energy on the lunge in order to be able to practice drifting the hindquarters in a calmer mindset?
One of your most helpful videos.
Hi Amelia
I tried this today on my very hot Australian thoroughbred. It was the best ride I’ve had on him (I’ve owned him for 5 months). I also lunged him in the sand arena before. You have given me a lot of confidence. Thanks 🙏 any more hot horse tips would be appreciated.
Hello Amelia, thankyou for de clear video, my horse is really easy and relaxed in the arena, never spooky or strong. When we are riding in the woods she is the opposite, really spooky , fast in galop , nervous and headshaking. Tried a lot of things and riding few times an week outside. I will try this exercise when I am riding outside, hope you have more tips when riding outside also, thankyou.
So good video!😍 This is how me and my trainer works with my spooky angloarab. He is not really hot, but he is unfocused and can spook, and we ride him like this too keep his focus inside of the arena walls and with me...it works but he really tries to make me straighten him out so he can get a window to spook...😅🐎
Another super helpful video Amelia! I prefer the voice over as well. Thanks!!
Such a great idea and this helped me slot to help my hot horse do better downward transitions thank you Amelia you are amazing
You're so welcome!
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Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴
Excellent video..I have a new Andalusian mare and she is a bit of a wild thing. Very resistant, I'm going to try this with her. Thank you
Excellent!! Helped SO MUCH with my OTTB!
this video was super helpful for my young horses, specially now that they are a bit fresh
It makes alot of sense! Thanks for your video, it will be a big help with my hot horse :)
I love this!! Your explanations are easy to understand and thorough :)
Thank you, thank you. I have two very forward mares. I know not to pull, but as an inexperienced dressage rider, knowing how to control their enthusiasm is so frustrating. I'm going to try this technique.
Good ideas, and very well explained. When I ride one of the horses that is a 8 year old little TB mare, she is sometimes thinking that going quick and straight forward or up in the air may be the best answer to all of my questions as a rider to her... I try to come back/lower the tempo in the gait and go on a circle, and not to get too much weight on my reins but more to direct it from my seat. It is important to be in contact with her (leg and weight aids) and not to let her do "her thing" alone. She is one of these horses that you must not "surprise" with the leg aids, and she has to learn to relax with them and answer in a confident way ...
Yes! I am familiar with this type of horse and I think this exercise would be helpful!
Very helpful as always. Love your videos.
Thanks again, This is exactly what I needed to be doing in my last ride. My horse gets tense after cantering, seems to be anticipating? Frustrating so shoulder in on a small figure 8 will hopefully do the trick.
Yes! Thank you. I ride a hot horse and this is so helpful.
I use the circling on my OTTB. Pulling on the reins signals her to run a race.
Great! Glad it is helpful!
I am going to try this. I have a very sensitive horse. he is afraid of being afraid. If I am not 110 percent focused on his every move he spooks. He plants his front feet and spins and sometimes bolts. He needs lots of exercises to keep his mind engaged. thanks for the tips.
Vety interesting all the información. I follow you from Argentina and love your channel!
Thank you Diego! So glad you're enjoying the content.
Great video. Please could you post the link that shows how you introduce to yielding the hindquarters on the ground. Thanks.
Can't wait to use this! Maybe tonight!!
Very helpfull video! When my mare got really hot i tried to keep her “thinking” and ridinr exercises when she cant really go fast. So simular to this! Tight cirkels, riding figure 8. And walk trot transitions on the cirkle worked for her because she had to slow down and bend so she couldnt go fast.
Hi, I have a hot horse. I hope this helps me in the canter. Will work on it in the trot first of course. Locking up creates all the things that make him impossible to ride. I definitely need to try this.
This helped ne so much to understand how to assist my "hot" boy
I had to revisit this video because I finally have a hot horse! However, I have a question/predicament. I started doing the drifting the HQ in the trot and my mare has found a way to completely use it against me after the canter work. She's a complete angel if we do it before the canter stuff but afterwards all bets are off. The first few times I used this technique to slow her down after the canter were wonderful and we actually had a productive ride after cantering, but the second ride after doing this she would overreact to the inside leg and fly sideways across the arena (through my outside rein and outside leg) and if I would ask her to go straight she would slam on the brakes and go backwards. So I'm a little lost on what to do to get her to relax at the trot after we canter.
It sounds like you’re missing the bend when drifting the hindquarters. Check in with your position and hips as well as flexion to the inside. If you’re a member of Strides, feel free to send me a video for office hours!
This is my first winter with my 6 year old Andalusian mare, and she has been very tense, spooky and distracted ever since it got colder. She ignores my bending aids and locks her back, and it's very difficult to get her supple and listening. I think this technique will help her focus and get supple. I will try it tomorrow!
Yes my horse is super hot - maybe comes with the territory of Arab mare! Great tips here Amelia, thankyou ❤
Thank you very much for this video! This helped me enormously with my energetic mare!
By the time I learned about this my horse was more capable and able to do shoulder ins which engages not only her body but her mind. It's been so long I can barely remember what we used at the beginning thankfully she's never been one to run though your hands despite being hot.
Extremely constructive demonstration; thank you:)
Awesomeness! Great explanation! Well done !
This is excellent. Can't wait to try it!
Your channel is helpful .. THANK YOU Ali from KUWAIT
Yay!! Glad to hear this!!
is this kind of like a one-rein stop - only you never stop - just keep moving????
Your trouble shooting hints are SO helpful!!!!! THANKS for ALL you do for us learners!!!
I have been living the comment 'pulling back on both reins' - duh..... I feel retarded ....it sounds SO obvious when you state it (that it will never help) its like arguing with a child - you NEVER win - it just makes everything worse....I have a Gypsy mare that is FORWARD.....(everyone thinks they are tubby and sluggish - NO way!!) She loves to work! I cannot wait to get on her back and USE this.....THANK you - eternally grateful
Yes! The drifting hindquarters really helps!!
Good luck with your hot mare!! 🔥🔥
This was such an important video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Nicely done!
Thank you!!
Great ! Thank you !.... My horse looks like this one. He is very hot. I only give him 2 qts of grain a day. It is low carb low sugar. I will try this thanks !
Thank you for sharing your great tips👍
Huh, I actually use this as warm up and loosening. Essentially shoulder-fore/-in on a circle, as you said. I may vary it later in the session to travers/renvers on a circle. Funnily enough it actually tends to wake my boy up when he's a bit sluggish and doesn't feel like working or flexing or bending or listening to my leg or listening to me period. :D
What is this technique that you are referring to May I have a link to the video please
@@bbuzzard8002 I was responding to Amelia's video, so that would be the one right there. As I said, I used a similar approach not to deal with spookiness but for loosening and throughness.