Drastic? too fast/too slow?

Question

I'm currently leasing a 12 year old quarter horse (or quarter horse/thoroughbred) gelding. When we are cantering, he is either going very very fast, or, when i try to slow him, either taking a long time to slow, then trotting, or just trotting right away. how can i slow him, he wont listen to half-halting.

Answer 1

Well in my experiences i have done lots of one rein stops. I have trained about 4 english horse and they respond to this method well.

To practice the one rein stop start at the walk.

One rein stop to the left:

1. Give him loose rein.

2. Slide your left hand down the reins and pull toward your hip.

3. When he stops and creates slack in the rein release the pressure and praise him. Do this both ways hundres of times.

He might keep walking in a circle for anywhere between 1minute to 1 hour just be paitend. then when he learns in he will slow down better, This has worked in many occations.

if you use this method email me at [e-mail] for more details and with questions.

Hope this helsp!

Answer 2

get him in a frame and this will allow for impulsion to devlop and thus you can proplery do a half halt and get him really listening to you

Answer 3

You have to keep your leg on to keep him forward, even though you want him to slow down.  Sit up in the saddle and relax, take a few deep breaths and talk to him (comforting things).  When he starts to relax himself and begins to slow down, pat him and tell him good good boy.  If this doesn't work, try doing a lot of trot canter, canter trot transitions.  Think as though you are going to trot, but don't.  That exercise helps a lot to think something as if you were to do it.  I have a pony that took a long time how to train to trot slowly, as he would run like a bat out of h**l most of the time.  If all else fails, try to work him on a very loose rein (so you can't feel his mouth) and use your seat to stop him.  You must be very relaxed in order for this to work.  Do all your transitions like this.  Don't be nervose if he starts going faster, sit up as strait a possible and be confident about your riding.  It might take time, but you should be able to slow his canter. Good luck.