HOW TO GET YOUR HORSE ON THE BIT - (Thoroughbred Horses) OTTB Series
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Today we are riding Mowgley! We've discovered that he is explosive but also a bit lazy! So join us today where we show you what to do with a horse like this.
We show you what to do with a horse that avoids the contact. He either sticks his head in the air like a giraffe, or tucks his neck in. We are going to show you how to fix this. You'll learn what things matter, and what things don't on this journey to contact.
All will be answered in this video!
We hope you enjoy this and learn heaps from this episode. Be sure to leave us a comment on your thoughts of this horse in the description below this video!!!
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HOW TO GET YOUR HORSE ON THE BIT - (Thoroughbred Horses) OTTB Series
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This is brilliant! I wish more people would demonstrate these things on uneducated horses ... It's so helpful to actually see the process rather than the finished product and a brief 'how I did it' showing the shiny nice looking bits. Love love love this channel! X
Thank you 🙏🏻
@@YourRidingSuccess No THANK YOU! 🧡
@@YourRidingSuccess it's interesting to watch. Does it feel like he's "dogging it" in the trot at the start? If so, once you're able to get some suppleness, does that feeling diminish somewhat?
“He’s not lazy, he’s blocked” this blew my mind. So helpful!!!
It's amazing when it all makes sense isn't it!
Another great video giving a clear explanation. So nice to see someone explaining that his lazy is down to not being supple so you don't get into that kick along frame of mind with him which would in turn create an explosive response as he can't do what you ask. It's nice to see you use the circle to help him find his go. How refreshing is it to see no sawing on his mouth for 'contact'
Letting him find his own way and not worrying about the look which will come later when he's stronger. Mowgley is such a super little horse
Super comment! It is really clear when reading this that you have a great understanding of what Alicia was explaining in the video and what is important so go you!!! ✨
I've learned more in these last 4 episodes than I have in the past year that I've been researching all the "problems" I'm having with my OTTB. Thank you so much for being so clear and explaining why you do each and every little thing and why it helps/works. ❤
Great to hear! This makes it all worthwhile x
Absolutely agree!!!
I agree! Today I had my best ride yet in WALK! All because of the banana analogy. Everything just fell into place. So excited for my progress! Thank you so much Natasha and Alicia!
I just love the way you teach. I’ve been riding for over 40 years and still so under-confident, but your approach and the way you describe what to focus on and what not is is so very helpful. You are very inspiring I just want to get out there and try it. Thank you x
Wow what a lovely comment to read! So glad you are loving the videos x
Update from yesterday. I tried this way of working with my green OTTB today. Was delighted! From being very stressed by any contact on her mouth, she was soon taking contact herself. Yes she was hiding from it and over bending, but I could feel her relaxing as she starts to realise that contact is a safe and soft place. And every time she got to fast or spooky, we did a little circle and brought back the light control.
Thankyou so much for this wonderful instructive video.
I am a rusty intermediate rider & thus has given me such confidence
Yay!! This is amazing!! Great work, Eva!! x
It was never explained to me that leg yields can be used in such an important manner to support suppleness and ultimately developing in an inexperienced horse contact and unblocking the horse in this manner.
Fantastic explanation and valued steps. Thank you.
I thought when me young horse did this she was preparing to pigroot but clearly I did not use the steps. 👍😝
Glad you are finding the videos so helpful!!! 💕
OMG, that baby leg yeild when he gets distracted is EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. My mare, i love her but she's a bit derpy... we have MORE THAN ONCE nearly fallen because she gets distracted by something (usually a baby animal which i totally understand) but then she forgets where her legs are and literally trips over her own legs! And i don't want to give out to her because who doesn't get distracted by puppies? but i also don't want to die xD
Let us know how you find using some leg yield to keep your horse connected into the bridle! Good luck!
@@YourRidingSuccess well she's pretty sassy so i hoping it will help with that too! connemara x thoroughbred. Weird mix but she's very talented... me on the other hand.... no so much xD
Hoping you have success with both!!! x
The baby leg yield is towards the inside of the circle to reduce the circle, right? As in right leg back when riding on left rein? Thanks
This is exactly where my horse is and I didn’t even know that other people struggle with this. Thank you so much Alicia
My pleasure ✨
Oh my gosh, and to see the beginnings of Mowgley neck being developed (his top line where it starts by the saddle going up to his head). It's coming along so nicely
Thank you for the lovely comments, he is doing such a great job and you are right, you can see some beginnings of correct muscle development 🤩
I can see why Tash was so comfortable asking you to take on such a big role for the channel. All of the new content has been thorough, easy to understand, and incredibly helpful. You always demonstrate what you're talking about and explain how it works. And it's easy to see that you have so much respect and love for these incredible animals. It wasn't so long ago that I was learning at a "back him up and hit him with the crop when he's bad" school. As an adult, I've learned that that way of thinking and training is an absolute failure of empathy and horsemanship. Horses need only to be treated with intelligence and respect, and they will give you the moon. I so deeply appreciate the way you always talk about HELPING the horse to do what you ask, not punishing them for not understanding--and never blaming the horse but asking "how can I make this easier for him?"
Really enjoying the new content, I'm so happy you decided to take the channel on.
Great comment and its amazing how we can learn and grow as riders as well as the horses!! 🦄
I’ve been a long time viewer, but THiS video was so packed with insightful instruction I finally hit the Subscribe button. Mowglie was a superstar teacher to be able to see how he responded to all the things you were talking us through. You are really nailing how to explain concepts that are all about feel! This video and the Banana one are my FAVs as far as practical tips I can easily visually remember. Well done!!
Love this so much!!!!! x
I completely agree with the above. Same!
Alicia, I am absolutely loving the way you teach and break everything down into understandable and achievable steps. Thank you, I’m learning so much. Tho I don’t have an OTTB, your principles are applicable to all! This is fantastic , thank you!!
Thank you Helen and you are right, they are good basics for all horses 💕
I need this video on a loop in my head when I ride. My horse isn’t uneducated, but he hides behind the contact and makes his short, thick, neck even shorter! My struggle is getting him through, but when I do it’s so lovely. I can’t wait to ride tomorrow to try this concept out. Thank you!!
Sooo exciting! Can't wait to hear how it goes for you once you try this technque x
I have learned so much from you, it's funny we're never done learning in life. I've been riding 30 year's on and off, but I can never get a coherent answer on "how to" move the hind quarters & shoulders - everyone has a different way and it drives me crazy - do you have an easy how to? I'm a volunteer for the RDA in Scotland so helping these ponies is very important to me, they're amazing with their disabled riders, and those of us who ride them, but they need variety and we have an Irish draught cross Irish sports horse that I think would be amazing at dressage! I really value your opinion! Much love, Laura x
Thank you for your lovely comment! This is a good question - your reins move the shoulders and your legs (and seat) bend the ribcage. Hope this helps x
Loving this series. Just bought a green OTTB and I feel like I have a program to follow with realistic goals at each level. This is my next goal now that the lingering is going well. My lovely girl gets very stressed when there is any pressure on her mouth so the wide reins has been fantastic for keeping a contact without backward pressure. Not that I can do it well but we are trying together
You can do it! That is a huge step!
Thank you once again for this great training video. I always look forward to seeing you and Mowgley work. I beleive you are inspiring so many with these wonderful basics. 💗
Such a lovely message - thank you! We do hope its helpful and inspiring to lots of people ✨
I am working on EXACTLY this thing with my lovely kind new horse, but he also is blocked as he is accustomed to being put into contact with the riders hands instead of taking the contact. He also giraffes, blocks by not stepping under from behind and I found the way to get him to move forward and start to take contact, is to put my hands wide and i thought maybe i was doing the wrong thing- but then i found this video- After watching this video 5 times in a row, I’m excited to get back to the barn and try to use your bend and suppleness to continue to improve this- great tip of putting the weight away from where i want him to go and turn him into the trot to let him get there. Pls be kind others when you see this video- as this is very hard to ride as his rhythm is not there and it is hard to stay balanced. th-cam.com/video/YfTvIH21VHs/w-d-xo.html
So glad you have enjoyed this video!! We can't wait to hear how it goes for you once you try it on your next ride! xx
Horses are smart little buggers when you ride through things and keep your own consistency the horse figures out eventually to be on the right lead and right head position because its more comfortable for them to move.
The horses are very clever aren't they! ✨
I so love what you share, but your voice is a little harsh when you have to talk louder. Maybe a body mic would help provide volume without you having to force yourself to be louder.
Thank you for the feedback, we have been working hard to get the microphone working better for you, check out this video and see if you think it is better th-cam.com/video/4StQrKsygkA/w-d-xo.html ✨
Love this so much and I'm learning a ton ❤️🐴❤️. Thank you! Mowgley is looking so good 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the lovely comment x
The more I see these videos the more I realise how much Mowgli is like my mare :D lazy and explosive and hiding from the contact are very much her as well. I love to see the training scale in use, especially for re-backing! Such helpful content. Thank you Alicia :)
Our pleasure, hopefully seeing the videos is helping with your horse and continues to do so 💕
@@YourRidingSuccess they certainly do :) thank you so much
Even though I ride western I enjoy watching your videos. They have helped me so much with my confidence. I have been working on suppleness and contact. Bubba and I have come a long way in the short 5 months that I have owned him. Thank you for the way you break things down and explain everything. You are amazing.
Super useful, many thanks. Please could you explain how you change the weight in your seat, when in rising trot, as here in the video. Eg, when you are asking M for a baby leg yield, the weight of the rider is more in the inside. I’m unsure how to do this when thinking silt bones as opposed to extra weight in the inside stirrup- which I believe you DON’T mean. Thanks
Hi there, when helping the horse to turn or leg yield think of aligning yourself with where the horses spine should be going, so if you stay upright on top of the spine, when the horse turns or leg yields the spine would be moving either contracted left or right, so to stay on top of it you need to move your body to match where the spine is OR where you want it to be. Hope this helps 🤩
Fascinating seeing the rapid changes in how Mowgley is going in such a short amount of time with the clear and positive way you ride. He's transforming and blossoming with your skill and principles. I've learnt so much, thank you!
Thank you so much! 🤩
This video is helping me so much. I would just like to also know how long do I do this exercise before transitioning to canter, as my tb is also explosive but lazy and then also doesn’t want to take the right hand lead when cantering and goed in to an explosive canter.
Hi Sherene! Thanks so much for your question. Have a watch of this video where Alicia talks specifically about cantering on the correct lead th-cam.com/video/gDRAIzxcB3Q/w-d-xo.html
@@YourRidingSuccess thank you soo much yes this is going to help me a lot ! ❤️
When I was here with jay, my coach made me realise that the crossing the back legs releases their tummy and back and they have to lift their core, you can see here the second he does he floats forward, can only maintain it for shorts amount of steps, a bit like us starting sit ups, doing it gradually, or trying to hit a world record. so it takes a lot for them to do this so this is awesome.
I now have the issue where he is sucking back at the poll and not taking the contract down and out, so I am now trying to go back to this and show him. using poles and lots of lateral work, do you have any advice here for that
Thank you for your question! The hiding in the contact means the horse is not taking and reaching for the contact, so you use the same Training Scale (Rhythm plus Suppleness equals Connection). Did you catch the videos on this th-cam.com/video/Wzz9f1Qs8I0/w-d-xo.html
This is perfect, just what I need this week, thanks guys!
How do you put the shoulders over with reins like that?
Thanks for everything you’re doing 😊
Super question! When moving the shoulders, think of always "pushing" the shoulders not pulling. Also keep your reins even and hands even then take the horses shoulders with you where you want to go, you will be surprised that the horse will come with you! With a young horse like Mowgley you can assist the horse to get the idea as Alicia is doing with her body position. Hope this helps!
@@YourRidingSuccess thank you so much!
Off to try it later with my baby girl who’s rooting badly ☺️
Love this! Could you explain a bit more what you mean about riding faster than him to keep him going. I feel that perhaps I may have been trying to match my OTTB tempo to keep him positive and that may have been adding to his explosiveness. What I mean...he gets blocked and gets really hopey and negative and sometimes he works out of it and sometimes not. And it's where I feel left out in the big wide ocean with no life raft...I've got nothing to help him through it.
Hi Julie, yes rising faster or out of the horses tempo helps the horse to keep the correct tempo, you can use the same method for a horse that is forward, so your up and down speed of your rise trot is like a metronome for the horses tempo - either faster to encourage a quicker tempo or slower to encourage a slower one. Good luck 🤩
Thanks, this was really interesting! A question I have, a lot of people suggest lots of walk trot walk transitions to create suppleness. But here you seem to be aiming more for consistency and acceptance in the trot using the bend and mini leg yield to achieve it. Is that because he is young and green and you would use transitions more later on? Or would you continue to use this technique? I will try this out next ride but my boys trot is inconsistent like Mowgli's but with added downward pulling, taking the reins out of my hands. Would lots of transitions be telling him he's doing the wrong thing because sometimes walk is seen as a reward? Should I brace against his pulling down or is this him taking the bit and stretching and therefore I should allow it? Should he be allowed to go only so far or all the way down because he's stretching down and that's good? Or should I be like a wall and he can never go past the point of vertical (I think he will feel claustrophobic in this instance and might cause more resistance and looking for new ways out ie pig roots etc but that might be my fear of confrontation lol) I tend to have a loose and more giving contact rather than consistent (working on it) and I think my confusion over what he's allowed to do is just making things worse! Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
How many rides did you have between last weeks video and this one? Would be interested to know when you first began to trot.
Have those same questions!
From my experience, a horse wanting to stretch down and reach for the bit is a very positive sign that shows that he is being trained correctly. In fact, I have heard many high level dressage trainers say that the vast way to see if your horse is on the bit vs "setting his head" is to slowly give the reins and see if he follows the contact. Its a great sign if he does! Now obviously its not so good if he is hauling down on you/yanking on the bit, but maybe its his way of saying he wants to stretch. All my horses have their very own unique way of letting me know when they want to stretch, and usually after I give into them on my terms they give in and continue to work happily for the rest of our session. It could be a sign that he's tired and needs a break, so maybe walk on a long rein for a few minutes before trying again. If he is doing it to evade work, I would say walk/trot transitions. I understand how you might think that walking is rewarding the bad behaviour, but not if you do it like walk 3 strides and then trot again, trot 5 strides then walk, walk 3 strides and back to trot. In reality, these kinds of transitions are not only hard work, they get the horse to stop rooting at the bit and pay better attention to you.
Just speaking from experience, I hope this helps. Have a great ride!
@@roseschaefer5079 thanks for your in depth reply, I really appreciate it! I didn't think of doing the transitions for just a few strides, I'll see how that goes. He doesn't do a sudden pull on the reins it's more of a slow stretch but then he picks up his head and I've got no contact, I'll try and not let him go right to the ground and see if we can find a happy medium. Rainy weekend here so no riding sadly.
Hi Heather, lots of questions in here and I really believe if you watch the OTTB videos this week you will see the next step in the riding and it will answer these questions. With transitions you want to use them in your training to improve something, and the main thing transitions improve is balance in the horse. Mowgley is not yet at the point of improving balance, he is still working on the basics of being connected into the bridle (you will see in this weeks videos the answer to your question about the horse going behind the vertical). So when you are deciding if you should focus on transitions or not, think about the goal. Hope this helps ✨
Excellent explanation in all your videos, thanks alot all the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿 ❤
Our pleasure!
You explain things so well that I think even someone that has little experience with riding could understand and follow your tips!
Glad to help! So nice to hear you find the videos helpful x
I NEED THIS VIDEO my polo mare has her head in the air always and now she is comfatable with the with her being with me for a year but still working on geeting her on the bit
Glad you loved the video! Keep up the good work with your horse and let us know if you have more questions 💕
as a 16yo trying to teach a 21yo off the track harness horse (racing in a fast trot with a cart) this is helpfull. he needs alot of muscle in his gallop (only able to go as fast as he can, not collected) bc he leans in and rushes it. and he never lowers his head. he hates riding arenas and wont walk, he will suddenly stop and there is nothing i can do to make him walk. UNLESS we head home to the stale (ugh, super annoying,30 seconds and he is already done). so i need these tips that i can try to use on rides!
Good luck with your horse, it sounds like you are trying to do your best but the horse has known another way of going for so long it takes a lot of time and patience to re train him. 💕
@@YourRidingSuccess yes, he knows that there is nothing i can do to keep going so we have to do it his way. but it helps having a friend walk besides me. so she can guide him. its slowly getting better. we have worked for a year and he has becomless agressive and dangerous to work with (from ground). thank you for always responding
Keep it up! xx
The trick of spreading the hands if the horse comes above the bridle is amazing! Why isn’t it taught everywhere?? I’ve just had my best solo session with my 4 yo! Thanks so much!
You're welcome! x
This is so helpful! What if you have a very speedy horse that avoids contact? Do you use the same wide hand principle? or is there anything else you add to keep them from racing off? My mare goes from blocked to racy and back to blocked. It is very frustrating.
I have the same problem, he races or braces! I
Hi Hannah, some horses are relaxed by nature and when they are blocked they slow down and some get faster! The same system applies, suppleness is the key but also you need to use your position to set the horses tempo, so rise trot bigger and slower to make the trot slower, have a look at Alicia doing it in this video th-cam.com/video/-Wi71i_uKsI/w-d-xo.html
@@YourRidingSuccess Wonderful! Thank you so much! I will try this! Thanks for the great videos!
It’s tough riding my green ottb. We just started trotting since she’s been off the track and we BOTH look terrible while working. It makes me insecure even if we are “getting it done right”. So I’m happy to hear it’s okay not to be pretty doing it. Lol
You've got this, Julianna! 💪🏻
How can I help my horse and I when she constantly wants to trot? I use a low port correction bit, which she seems to understand a bit more than her previous d-ring bit (that I had to snatch her face with to get the tiniest reaction) but she still wants to do what SHE wants to do and turn when she wants to turn. It’s ruining my confidence of riding and I want to just enjoy walking with her in the arena and trail rides.
Thank you so much for reaching out! Is she like this as soon as you get on?
@@YourRidingSuccess it depends on the day. Right when I swing my leg over she either walks a bit and then gets trotty when I get comfortable or right when I get on she trots.
Fantastic explanations. Really enjoying your videos. Could you do something on half halts please?
Thanks Julia! Great suggestion will add it to the list ✨
Love that you can see his tail relax, too! So fussy and swishy in the beginning until he started to reach for the contact and it relaxed
Great observation! xx
great tips. having retrained a couple of OTTBs in the past, what do you recommend for a horse that hangs on the bit, really heavily?? which in turn makes him unbalanced (weight up front) and means he;s not stepping under from behind? I have found this tricky to fix without being wrenched out of the saddle :)
HI there, when the horse is heavy it is not a bad thing at all, it means the horse is reaching into the bridle, as you have said it just means the horse is leaning also more weight on the forehand. Best way to work on the horses balance is to first ensure you are the most balanced you can be (have you seen our pilates videos th-cam.com/video/BR0qkZy0sbQ/w-d-xo.html) then to think of riding exercises where the horse is required to make the shoulder closer to the hind leg - easiest starting point is a circle!!!
Alicia this video is a Godsend! I am starting a young Arabian mare I raised and I am at the stage that this method of yours will be awesome to employ! I can’t wait to ride her again now! I have been sharing and telling all my horse friends to subscribe to your channel! I love your philosophy and consistent easy to remember and understand concepts like the banana, that is a huge help!! I wish I could come and take lessons from you but I am in the US. Thank you so much for all these videos! ❤️
Lovely message to read!! This makes it all worthwhile xx
Amazing!! So glad I looked at this; good timing as I am about to begin with my green horse now.
Wonderful! I am so happy you've seen this. I hope this helps!
This is what I’m struggling with my OTTB.
I’m trying to get my boy to really stretch down and use his back & hind end more to help build top line & not hollow out in the middle when he becalmed a giraffe.
I will try use this technique!
Any other tips ?
Great work! Yes keep following the system (training scale) and remember it can take time for both of you to learn something new.
Loved this. Just a question: when you say put your weight to the inside, Alicia, what are you ACTUALLY doing? More weight in inside stirrup? Hips shifted slightly to the inside? I'm asking because whenever I'm asked to shift my weight to the inside my inside shoulder goes down too, and that's a disaster!
Great question Lesley, try to think of staying upright in your upper body when you move your weight and think of staying always "on top of the spine" and always "standing on the ground" in your balance and this will help you x
The mini leg yield has helped me, We eVan feel more upright and on two tracks than ever before. Rytham is still an issue but I’m not feeling so frustrated now after your videos, so it’s helping me to keep going massive,thank you Alisha. You are inspiring thank you for the OTTB. You are Keeping my ROR Dream in sight for us xx love what you and Tash are doing.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for posting this information. You are helping so many people and their horses !!
My pleasure x
Can't thank you enough for this - just tried it after weeks of frustration where my horse and I were not on the same page. He's not young (not got that excuse!) ..and I'm not young either (probably doesn't help matters)...he can go really well but every so often everything just goes out the window and we have to work and work to try and get back on track. This exercise relaxed us both and within 10 minutes he was flowing and moving so nicely and I think I almost heard him muttering 'At last!! Thank God for that'. THANKS!
Great comment! Thanks for sharing and super that it is working x
Terrific video. I have always wondered if “wide hands” still works with a nose band on. Apparently yes! 👏🏻. Also his body condition looks rounder to me already.
Yes! Thank you! ✨
Being the proud momma of an OTTB with the contact struggle a HUGE thank you. My boy does pretty good with trying to accept and understand the contact, however he has a bad habit of seeing if he can pull me out of the saddle. Being a pretty beginner rider myself I did not know how to help him fix this. Thank you!! Question, with true contact will he then have more consistent thoroughness?
Hi Lisa, super questions! when you find your position gets loose in the saddle it is a good reminder to keep working on both your own stability in the saddle (pilates) and also keeping the horse on the "train tracks" with their shoulders and this will help with the horses balance. When the horse is connected it is important to keep working on the training scale as this is what will work you towards thoroughness, ie you might have enough suppleness to be connected but don't stop there - keep with the suppleness. Watch this video as it will help you a lot th-cam.com/video/NpZ5K0_fap4/w-d-xo.html
This is awesome 😎👍 thank you riding superstar ❤️ 🐎 I love it the basics taught
You are so welcome!
your vids are interesting but having worked with on and off track racers I do find some of the comments viewers make disturbing and it makes me wonder how many folk have OTTB that shouldn't have!! It would be instructive if you let him have a buck so that some of your viewers could see how "twangy" and quick these OTTS are and how to deal with it. Fact is at some point a lot of them will bronc and part of good horsemanship is knowing how to position bum legs and hands when it occurs. (I learnt the hard way many years ago)
Hi Emma, you are right that many OTTB are quick and sensitive and this is what makes them great but also what can be challenging for many riders. Alicia has tried to make these videos as "real" as possible and if you saw the early lunging videos (th-cam.com/video/iD7FqZTYJ7U/w-d-xo.html) you will see him not being perfect, it is important to show the whole journey. If you keep watching the videos I am sure you will see many more "warts and all" in the future as Alicia is passionate about showing the whole story!
Hi, I am soneone who is really struggling at the moment to get my 7-year-old mare on the bit. I suspect it is something to do with my balance. You say "if you understand where to sit you can get your horse to do anything". Can you explain what you mean by that? I suspect that I am too far forward rather than sit behind the imaginary vertical center line. Can that be it?
Thank you so much for your question! We will get back to you on this one x
wow. you have to ride faster than him for him to keep up. Jay is extremely explosive and will stop spin or run backwards if something over stresses him, usually when you are starting something new. This makes so much sense
Glad the videos are making sense!
I know I'm late to the party, but if you don't have a round yard or arena, or only have an area like a paddock is this still possible? How do you approach it?
I can't wait to try this with my fella, he's finally ready to take contact!
Hi Rebecca! The best way is to try and make a safe area that is not too large and open in the beginning. To make it safe you could use some poles on the ground to make a smaller arena and encourage your OTTB to stay within a smaller area x
I loved the details on how you actually used your aids.
Most people just call out half halt, etc without explaining the how or why to use it.
What kind of half pad is that?
Love it
So glad you enjoyed the video Julie! It is an acavallo gel pad x
What do you mean when you say you “put your weight to the inside “ or “put my weight in the direction I don’t want t him to go”. What exactly are you doing then? Like, is one butt cheek off to the side ?
Great question! On a young horse like Mowgley that is only learning you can make it quite obvious and lean (so put some butt cheek and weight to that side) but as the horse gets more balanced and established so does your aid/balance. Watch the videos this week and you will see this even more 👍
I absolutely love these videosand series, will you be able to do another series like this again but on a different young horse as every horse has different habits and road blocks?????
Yes, watch this space!!
My OTTB is lazy and explosive too! He’s hard work to ride but we have moments of greatness and he is lovely! I have an inclination of what you must be feeling. He looks amazing though. I love seeing the progress, not just a finished product 😍
Thanks for sharing, Nikki! And glad you enjoyed the video!!
I was in a school called Talland, it was actually call Talland two, in Texas. I love you guys, hve a package for a vaca?
Hi Joanna! Thanks so much for tuning in! Are you asking if we offer vacation packages?
When you say you put your weight on the inside. Is that when you move your left hip up towards the right, so your weight/bum is more on the inside?
Hi Mary! Yes that is correct x
My horse and I struggle with this still and he's 6. Been under saddle for 3 years in dressage 🤯🤯🤯
Hopefully some of the tips from the video will help!!
Thanks Alicia for walk trot to walk transition ideas without trauma. Very good.👍 Hope you both have a wonderful massage and a great week. Massage is a great way to gain trust and release any contracted body areas. Found this works to reduce triggers.
Stay safe and well.🌹 xox
Thank you so much x
This is so helpful. I've never known what to do if my horse goes too deep and falls behind the vertical to avoid the contact. Thank you!
Glad you find it soo helpful!
In this, you pushed him forward in the rythame. I’m confused, I thought this had to be the same
Hi Samantha, let me know if this helps - the rhythm should be the same, this is the horse taking even steps always. You can change the tempo which is the speed the horse is going. So when you ride forward you are changing the tempo if you changing the speed.
Amazing explanation! Will deff use this in the future 🙂
Thank you x
I was already making such progress with my youngster after your last few videos, this is going to help with me knowing when to introduce the leg yeilds even more now. I had a horse that was heavy and wanted to lean on me. She looked on the bit and through, but really wasn't as if I tried to give with my reins she chucked her head up. I thought she wanted a more stable bit, but now I know differently.
Question: do I use the same process in canter to get her to relax and take the contact forward? She is finding that super hard. X
Thanks again for all your hard work and help
Great feedback, and super job working out the horse was not really connected through testing if she took the reins forward and down!! Yes exactly the same process, if the horse is struggling a little with the balance in the canter to really work on more suppleness exercises in order to get her connected, then you can also work on canter - trot - canter transitions until she is more balanced. Hope this helps? xx
This has been so fabulous to watch again. Every time I watch it I learn something every time. Thank you so much for sharing again.
YAY!! Thanks, Jane x
Wow it is like you are riding my horse. At this stage, do you keep trotting until more strength has become for the canter?
So glad this is helping you! A good way to decide about cantering under saddle is to see if the horse is balanced enough on the lunge to canter without getting disunited and struggling with the balance and then start under saddle. However something important to remember is that cantering on a circle is harder on the horse than cantering in a straight line, so often it is easier for the horse when you canter under saddle and can use the long sides of the arena to help the horse find its balance. Hope this helps!
This video has helped me hugely! Been struggling with my mare for a while now, tried this today both on a walk out and then in the school at a trot and she was absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for going on this journey for all of us! Can’t wait to see how my girl improves and how mr mowgley gets on as well.
Glad it helped!
After watching this the first time, I've implemented the tools you demonstrate on Mowgley & I found it really helpful for my horse in her retraining & trying to establish contact. She does alot of the head bobbing & dipping behind the vertical, just like this. Very helpful to hear - pick yr battles, just keep moving forward. I love yr high praise. I have often felt guilty about trying to "push" her into a frame, & establish contact when her natural response is resistance! I'm learning that better methodology will help her comfortability & acceptance in the long run. "He's doing it himself" is a clear example of this! Thankyou. Great to see his progress now & how your mutual trust has grown together! 👏👏👏❤🐴🙏
So glad you loved the video so much and found it so helpful with your own horse!
My horse throws her back high every so often in trot ( chucks me upwards ) what is that all about, she feels out of my league . So many questions Elisha and thank you for all this info it’s mind blowing and everything we have all been waiting for., forever. Can not thank you enough.
Thank you for your lovely words, hearing feedback like this makes it all worthwhile! If you feel the horse put its back quite high and it throws you forward it sounds like she could be getting "croup high" which means her hindlegs at that moment are higher than her shoulder (where-as normally we want the horse to take the shoulder higher than the hind legs), sometimes horses do this to try and make it easier for themselves instead of putting the weight more on the hind legs, it could be loss of balance or a stiffness in the horse. Hope this helps xx
This is one of the most amazing videos I’ve ever seen on this!!! I love that you showed how achieve this on an inexperienced horse! ❤️ Thank you!!!
You are welcome, anytime!
Brilliant, this has given me some really good information to use on my horse next time I use him. Thanks so much.
So glad it is making sense to you and let us know how you go next time you ride!
Every time I watch these videos with Mowgley, I see my horse! I get so excited to get on and try what you've taught ... and every time it works! 😁😁😁😍😍😍
This is great to read! So glad you are loving the content and make sure you tell us if there is something you would like answered in the future x
Wonderful info! I love how you took a basically unbroke horse and showed how us how to teach them to use their bodies correctly while listening to our aids. I will certainly be putting this to good use!
So glad you enjoyed this video, Dana! We can't wait to hear how it goes for you once you try this technique on your next ride!! x
Really enjoy watching you... eureka!!
Awesome! Thank you!
Loved this and this is something I can work on with a friends mare who doesn't want to accept the contact and either rushes or backs off the leg. I can't wait to get on her tomorrow and give his exercise a go. Thank you.
Super! Tell us how you go! x
Interesting to see, I have a trotter who used to race as well, the contact part is very difficult. I am also using this technique to get him to "pick up the phone" as I call it, but it is very nice to see someone more experienced that is also using this, it feels like an extra conformation that I am on the right track.
Love this video! I don’t ride ottbs, but the horses I ride don’t have a lot of experience and/or muscle in dressage so this helped a lot.
Very glad you enjoyed it and it is helping you with your riding!
Thank you for showing the work with a _green_ horse =D. Mowgli is saying 'I don't wanna!' And you say 'please buddy'. You have such a gentle touch. Can you please explain why 'shorter' stirrups are safer?
Thank you 🙏🏻 shorter stirrups are safer because the rider is in a better balance on the horse so if the horse does something unexpected the rider can stay in balance.
What bit would you say is a good one for an ex race horse. My boy keeps chewing on his
Super question! The best place to start with bits is with a loose ring 3 join snaffle, this is a bit that moves in the mouth and is also kind for the horse. From there you can change the thickness if needed. Hope this helps ✨
Thanks for explaining this so well as you demonstrated it! Been stuck in same place with a lazy horse
Happy to help xx
When you were trotting what were you doing with your legs? Were they just wrapped around him squeezing him on or were your legs more active ge the kicking keeping him going forward?
Good question! When Mowgley slows down Alicia bumps him with her leg and she also uses the speed of her rise to set his speed. If you watch this weeks videos you will see Alicia chooses to wear some blunt type rowel spurs as she feels she is nagging Mowgley too much instead of being able to give him one aid and leave him alone 🤩
Wow this is awesome! I never understood what it meant to get the horse on the bit until now! And it seems much than i thought
Thank you!! :)
My horse doesn't want to go forward, I can't quite get here yet! Even moving the shoulder downt work yet
Just take one step at a time and watch the previous videos to this one to see the first steps with moving the shoulders th-cam.com/video/JeJS2n7D5e8/w-d-xo.html
Great video! This is one I will be coming back to again and again. You are a gifted trainer!
Nice to see this!! Thanks for always tuning in xx
Watched this video again today before riding. Helped me relax my very spooky gelding. He was relaxed, and when uptight, I put him in a mini leg yield and got him on my outside rein again. It was like magic!
AMAZING!! So glad the tips from the video helped so much!
Gee so much like my TB! And I'm trying this with my boy as he still struggles with contact! Thank you!! 😘
You're so welcome!
Wonderful work! I agree most horses that aren't forward need suppleness but I wasn't sure how to do fix it!! great video!!
So great that this video has helped you!
I really enjoyed this video! I just started riding an 18h horse who won’t take the bit. While everyone else is riding their beautiful elegant horses, I ride around with my hands all over the place, on a huge “camel” just trying to get him to find his rhythm. It really hurt my self-confidence 🤣 Thank you for showing a learning horse and giving me some concrete tips!
That is awesome!
Just like a toddler...pick your battles!
Thats right!
thank you so much for this!! BRAVO
Glad you enjoyed it! xx
I love this video so much. I’ve watched it over and over again..
I tried it today on my OTTB. Our fourth ride.. and it was great!
However, in the arena, in the corner he ignores the leg and pokes his nose the the outside and refuses to bend for me. And then in another corner her over bends and almost side steps into the wall..
can you help with them two issues I’m having?
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for tuning in! We have passed your question along to Alicia and the team to help with x
Hi Sarah! Update for you - Biggest issue here is that you are trying to steer the horse with your leg rather than your rein. Remember you steer the shoulders and everything else will follow and that it is your reins that move the shoulder. Also with your steering you need to push, not pull and make sure the horse stays on the train tracks ( even weight in all four foot steps). If you ensure the horse is on the train tracks and that you can properly steer the shoulders that will help x
@@YourRidingSuccess how to you push, but continue to hold a steady contact? I just feel like I literally push my hands forward and release all contact in the rein.
I definitely am trying to steer with my legs!
Hi Sarah! When we say push you aren't pushing the rein forward but against the neck to apply pressure which tells the horse to move the shoulder over x
@@YourRidingSuccess oooohhhhhh!!!!! Thank you!
Again I have gotten so much out of these past OTTB series. Because I get to see warts and all, and he is exactly where my OTTB is at this early stage and its helping incredibly. Thank thank thank you so much
So glad you are loving it xx
Omg could Jeff be any cute'r!!
I know!! 😂
Great video as always - Alicia in the video you mention that you keep your stirrups short because it's safer. I always thought with a green/ inexperienced horse longer would have been better.
Really good question Christina! Shorter stirrups mean you have more balance in the saddle for a few reasons, the first is that you have some bend in your knee even when standing up in stirrups (having some bend in your knee = most balanced) as soon as you have a straight leg you are less balanced. Also think of the "standing on the ground" position, this is where you are most stable and balanced as a rider, and for this you need some bend in your knee so shorter stirrups. Hopefully this make sense? x
@@YourRidingSuccess Thank you for taking the time to answer my question! I am currently schooling a couple of horses at the moment and tended to have my stirrups pretty long mistakenly believing I was better balanced. Tomorrow I am putting them up a couple of holes! Thanks again!
Learned a lot, thank you! 🧡🧡🧡
Wow! Love it!! What was your biggest takeaway?
you are a genius - sooooooo the best teacher ever (i do find the shouting alittle scarey but i love your enthusiasm and i am trying to get over it) xxx
So glad you enjoyed the video even with the shouting! 🤣🤣🤣
Oh My Gosh! So Good! You are helping me so much with my young horse! Thank you!
Glad it was soo helpful for you xx
Your just FAB. I have OTT who are super sensitive with mouth contact. I feel I make it worse by holding through my shoulders & Im blocked. & I let the reins slip !!!!!!! I want to cry with frustration. ....Keeping the rhythm, tempo and pace is so hard to maintain, so we can get relaxation ,,, any tips?
Thanks Tracy! We have passed your message along to Alicia and the team to give some advice! Watch this space for an update! x
Hi Tracy! Update for you! So the answer to this one is simple but made not so easy. The horse isn't connected. It might seem like the horse is really fussy in the mouth but overall the issue is the horse is not taking the contact. Have a look at the training scale videos and use the training scale. You can watch the Mowgley series to see this put into action and see how he goes from not accepting the contact, to accepting the contact, to taking the contact, to being connected. You'll find that applying the training scale will help the issues you are having go away. Hope that helps! x