'Right to Ride' Legislation Passed
from information emailed by various Back Country Horsemen of Michigan members
"What a great day at our State Capitol! December 17, 2009"
"A GIANT STEP WAS TAKEN", as our lobbyist Kevin Korpi stated to us, in getting the process of our "Right to Ride" legislation passed yesterday. It is far from over but, what a great way to end the year! With an ALMOST unanimous decision to pass this bill sends a clear message to the Governor and to the people of this state. The final vote was 35 yes to 2 no votes-with one absent! Grassroots can work-and they are listening to We The People! We will continue to stay focused till our mission is accomplished! A huge thank you goes out to everyone who wrote or called their legislators! It does work-we are proving it one day and one step at a time! Real Teamwork!
Now this bill will be sent back to the House. HB 4610 will remain, at this time, on the floor of the Senate for a few adjustments...both bills will need to pass both House and Senate before our bill will become law... We will soon give a step by step update with what will happen next so everyone can understand the process. Please-we must remember to stay tuned and stay focused-good things are happening for the state of Michigan for the Equine Industry!!!
The legislation above mostly affects trail riding in the Pigeon River Area of the northern lower peninsula. However, this legislation is important to ALL horsemen and trail riders as it will most certainly have an effect on future attempts to limit or stop horse from entering state and national forest lands, parks, and preserves. If you would like more information on the group who was the grass roots effort behind the above legislation, visit Back Country Horsemen of Michigan at: http://www.bchmi.org/
Northwoods Sleigh and Cutter Rally Scheduled
The Northwoods Harness Club will hold their annual Sleigh and Cutter Rally at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wisconsin on January 9th. Hook up begins at 11 AM Central Time and a narrated parade will be held at 1 PM.
This popular rally has been held northern Wisconsin for many years. It features all kinds of different sleighs and cutters, pulled by single horses or teams of many different breeds. Some of the drivers and owners go all out for the parade, wearing costumes and clothing from the era of their sleigh’s origins.
This is a free event, open to the public. Sleigh rides are often available. Don’t miss this unique event.
Timber Trails Riding Club Suggests Possible 2010 Rule Changes
The Timber Trails Riding club annual January meeting will be January 9th, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (US 41, Chassell) at 2pm. We will be electing officers, setting our show dates, changing or adding to the rules, and dropping and adding classes.
Some of the changes we are looking at making are:
•
Everyone 18 years old and younger must wear a helmet (both speed and pleasure)
•Rewording the walk trot class rules
•Drop Jack Benny classes (speed day)
•Add Leadline classes (speed day)
•We have a disciplined rail class for both English and Western – make it to where there is class for each English Disciplined rail and
Western Disciplined rail.
•Add a walk/trot trail class
•Add a in-cart class
•Do a cap on the entry fees for each day and /or both days
•Make a note that the rules for speed and pleasure are affective only for that day(so speed rules would not interfere with the pleasure
day’s rules)
•Add a Tobiano/overo class as it’s own color class
This are just some of what we will need to cover at the meeting. The best way for TTRC members to make TTRC a better club is by being at the meeting and voicing your opinion! Being there and voting for the changes you want to see made or the things you want to stay the same. There is always a lot to cover! You do need to be a TTRC member to vote on the changes made. If you are not a member we will give you time to let us know what you think we need to do to make things better!
For info on the meeting please call Paulette at 523-4589. I hope to see all our members there! Hopefully we will get some sun shine, to make the roads easier to travel on!
Upper Peninsula Horsemen's Association General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 21st, 2009 2:00 PM E.S.T. Wahlstroms Restaurant, Marquette, MI
The meeting was called to order by President Judy Nelson at 2:13 P.M. There were 36 members in attendance.
Everyone present received an agenda, an official voting ballot and a spreadsheet with the list of classes and overall attendance in each class.
First item on the agenda was the addition or deletion of classes.
1. STALLIONS HALTER CLASS
Discussion on deleting the stallions halter class as the attendance has been very low for quite some time. The possibility was brought up of putting the stallions in with the geldings, majority felt this was not a good idea. Robynne Woodaz made a motion to Grandfather the Stallions halter class and make it an option to each individual club to hold the class or not, no year end award being offered but any stallions previously shown in the class will accumulate points still, second by Madeleine, motion carried.
2. POLE ROLL BACK
It was asked as to why delete this class? Discussion was then held as to the set up time, purchasing flour vs. deleting the class to add another? Decided to keep the class as already is.
3. Adding a COLOR HALTER CLASS
Much discussion followed to what the qualifications would be for this class and how would it be judged. Some members present suggested 80% color and 20% conformation and any horse that can be registered in a color association also ie: Buckskin, Paint, Palomino etc. Robynne made a motion to add the color halter class, second by Jackie Hurley, motion carried. Decided that the directors can decide the final qualifying rules for the class.
4. Adding DICIPLINED RAIL CLASS
There was question from many members present as to exactly what a disciplined rail class is? Lisa Anderson explained to everyone that it is basically rail work but the judge can ask for side passing, counter cantering etc. Members present felt that at this time it would not be a beneficial addition, no motion made to add the class.
5. Adding WORKING HUNTER OR HUNTER HACK
The question was brought up by some members that would we be adding the class just to make it easier for people to qualify for the U.P Equifest Championship Show in September? Decided to leave it as is as our current rule already states that Hunter Hack is a Grand fathered class and any individual club can add it to their show bill, no year end award given. No motion made to add the class.
6. Adding SPEED & ACTION CLASS
Judy & Robynne explained to members present what the class is and after some discussion, majority of members decided not to add at this time, no motion made.
7. Adding a SURPRISE CLASS
Discussion followed as to what the class would be and when to add it to the show bill. Both Cindy Johnson & Andi agreed that it could be a nice addition for both pleasure & speed people and just to bring fun back to the show ring. Some members asked what kind of classes could be held and Cindy explained that we could leave it up to each individual club to pick their surprise class from a list of approved classes such as Egg & Spoon, Catalog Race, Dollar Race etc.etc.. It was suggested to add it immediately after the last pleasure class (trail) and right before speed classes. Karen Hendrickson made a motion to add the class, second by Ray Meyer, motion carried. Decided that the directors can combine a list of approved classes.
8. PUTTING A CAP ON PLEASURE & SPEED CLASSES OR YOUTH CLASSES
Much discussion followed regarding clubs being able to make enough money to cover trophy & ribbon costs by putting a cap on the classes. Judy added that in the UPHA rule book it only states that the class fee cannot exceed $5.00 and that if any individual club wants to put a cap on them or make the fees less they can. It was suggested that when the secretary mails out show packets, to make sure it is outlined they can use their discretion for entry fees. No motion made.
9. VERSATILITY AWARD VS. HI POINT AWARD / YEAR END
Lisa Anderson suggested having one (1) overall Hi Point Award for horse & rider combo. Most members felt that it would not be fair if one person goes in many classes and that generally, youth would not have a chance. Karen pointed out that the versatility class encourages riders to go in classes they generally would not go in and thus giving the club hosting the show extra money. Terrie Clark suggested if a hi point is added, can it be sponsored just like the versatility is but for maybe $25.00 each. Robynne Woodaz made a motion to keep the Versatility Award as is and adding a High Point award to each age division, second by Lisa Anderson, motion carried.
10. UPHA MONTHLY MEETING DATES & TIMES
Terri Clarke started the discussion asking can we please keep at least one monthly meeting in Escanaba as it is easier for her to make it. Robynne asked is it necessary to have a meeting every month during the winter? After much discussion, it was decided to keep the meeting schedule as is starting in January until April, may optional as stated in our current rule book. Show dates & judges must still be submitted BY the March meeting. Discussion then followed regarding the rotating of meeting places between Marquette and Escanaba and possibly Houghton. Karen stated that she did not want to travel to Houghton for meetings and both Lisa Anderson & Taana stated that they do not mind traveling to Marquette & Escanaba for meetings. Decided to leave the meeting places as is; first meeting in January in Marquette, either Wahlstroms or Bonanza, February in Escanaba at The Great Northern Buffet, March in Marquette again and April in Escanaba. May will be decided upon closer to the time. Andi will check with Wahlstroms & Bonanza and Terrie Clark will check with Great Northern Buffet.
Meeting date was discussed next. After much discussion, it was felt that Sundays worked better for most people and that 2:00 would be easier for people who travel. Joyce Meyer made a motion to change the meetings to the 1st Sunday of the month at 2:00 P.M., E.S.T. second by Jackie Hurley, motion carried.
11. UPHA WEBSITE
Karen relayed a message from Brandi Rolling ( who has been involved in the managing of the current website) that she has not received the information in the correct format to update the website. Andi then added that the directors & alternates haven’t been corrected in 2 years and our UPHA website should possibly have our registration forms available and possibly UPECS qualifying forms to make it easier for people to sign up for classes. Both Amanda and Carissa Schwemin volunteered to design and manage a new UPHA website or update & maintain the current website. After some more discussion regarding whether or not the “ UPHA” name would be taken already or if we could do a Yahoo or Facebook website, it was decided to cancel the current website and both Carissa and Amanda will check into the cost and/or availability of the UPHA name and report back at the next meeting. Karen will let Brandi know to cancel the current UPHA website. Motion was made by Joyce to cancel the current website, second by Andi, motion carried.
12. HELMET RULE
Montana Lotterman commented that she’d like to see the helmet rule dropped and leave it optional for the rider. Discussion followed regarding insurance liability issues and the importance of wearing a helmet for overall safety reasons. Decided to leave the helmet rule as is: Mandatory for riders 18 & under.
That concluded the agenda items up for discussion/voting. The floor was then opened up for any members who had any other suggestions or additions or deletions.
Madeleine suggested deleting the Lead Line Trail class as it takes time to set up and get every rider through the class. Cameron Calderwood commented that she started out in lead line and lead line trail and she felt it was easier for the young kids. It was decided to leave it as is but to try to make it as similar to mini trail as we can for ease up set up time.
Andi commented that she received letters from 2 different judges from the 2009 show season stating they felt we should re-think our rule for the Horsemanship & Equitation classes to shorten up the day. Currently, we require a pattern and both ways of rail work; it was suggested we require a pattern and one way of rail work. Andi made a motion to change the rule, require a pattern and one way of rail work, judges discretion as to pattern first or last, second by Ray Meyer, motion carried.
Andi relayed a suggestion from a non-present member of possibly changing the age groups. Janece felt that we’ve changed the age groups too many times and should leave as is. Robyyne suggested we try to keep the age groups as consistent with local fair age groups and Terri Clark agreed. After lengthy discussion, it was decided to leave as is for now.
Cindy brought up the suggestion of having Trail class held in a different location and possibly appointing someone to judge the class to try and shorten up the day also. Judy felt that we’ve tried this before and some show grounds don’t have adequate space to set up in a different location. Decided that if it can be set up in a different location without any one practicing, that will work but will be judged by the hired judge. No motion made.
Terri Clark asked if individual classes can be sponsored and Laurie Samppala explained that it is up to the individual club to seek their own sponsors to cover costs for award.
Robynne pointed out that if we are having a UPHA Members Show, I should be voted on. Motion made by Terrie Clark to have a Members Show, second by Norm, motion carried.
President Judy Nelson, then asked if anyone had anything else up for discussion. General voting done. (4:15 p.m.)
Before the voting for officers will proceed, Judy explained that Joyce Hoskins, on the ballot for an alternate, will not be able to fulfill the obligation and to please remove her from the ballot. Judy also asked everyone to please remove her name from the ballot as she will not be able to make Sunday afternoon meetings. Janece also then explained that we need 7 Directors for tax purposes and for our non exempt status. It was suggested by Judy that of the alternates on the ballot, to pick the highest votes as the 7th director, all agreed. Jackie Hurley made a motion to change the ruling to 7 directors, second by Norm, motion carried. Judy also reminded everyone present that you MUST be a paid UPHA member and 18 years and older to vote. The ballots will be turned in to one person chosen by the president for tallying .
VOTING FOR UPHA 2010 DIRECTORS & ALTERNATES
President – Lisa Anderson
Vice President – Karen Hendrickson
Secretary – Andi Goriesky
Treasurer – Taana Kallinen
Point Secretary – Jackie Hurley
Assistant Point Secretary – Robyyne Woodaz
Alternates are as follows:
Cindy Johnson
Bobbi Meyer
Joyce Meyer
Norm Johnson
Madeleine Zimmerman
Tammy Carello
The 7th Director will be Cindy Johnson.
Joyce Meyer made a motion to destroy the ballots, second by Karen, motion carried.
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Karen Hendrickson, second by Terri Clark, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:40 P.M.
The next UPHA meeting will be January 3rd, 2010 at Wahlstroms Restaurant in Marquette at 2:00 pm E.S.T.
Respectfully submitted,
Andi Goriesky
UPHA Secretary
The Upper Peninsula Horsemen’s Assocaiton is dedicated to creating positive experiences within the horse community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and neighboring states. We organize shows, rides, and competitions in the local area and welcome entrants that are ages 3 and up.
January UPHA Meeting Minutes
January 3rd, 2010 2:00 PM E.S.T.
Wahlstroms Restaurant in Marquette
The attendance sheet was passed around and there were 28 people in attendance.
The meeting was called to order by President Lisa Anderson at 2:01 pm. Introductions were made of the 2010 UPHA officers and alternates followed by the general attendance.
Minutes from the previous meeting were read by the secretary; motion to approve the minutes as read by Karen Hendrickson, second by Bobbi Meyer, motion carried.
A detailed list was then handed out by the 2009 Treasurer Janece showing the 2009 expenditures and intake. Motion to approve treasurers report by Karen, second by Norm, motion carried. Karen then added that she has not been reimbursed for the award that was purchased for Judy at the banquet; motion made by Andi to reimburse Karen $23.00, second by Lisa Anderson, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Qualifications for the color class. Both Joyce Meyer and Lisa Anderson brought some literature regarding color / multi color classes. Discussion followed regarding color vs. conformation and the majority felt that conformation must play a fair amount in the judging of the class since it is a halter class. It was then brought up by Cindy that if we add a color class, in all fairness, we should add a solid class as well. Bobbi then suggested and reminded everyone that we are an open association and should make all efforts to accommodate all breeds and registries. Norm then added that we make sure we have all the qualifications form and understandable for all participants. Andi made a motion to add the 2 classes; solid halter class and color halter class, second by Cindy, motion carried. The qualifications will be judged on 60% color and 40% conformation. We will try it this year and fine tune next year if need be. These will be immediately following the halter classes and before the showmanship classes.
Next we discussed the list of approved classes for the surprise class. Many suggestions were made by the general membership and this list was compiled:
1.Egg & Spoon
2.Ride A Buck Bareback 50% payback
3.Catalog Race
4.Boot race
5.Speed & Action
6.Bubble Gum Race
7.Soap Race
8.Diciplined Rail
9.Musical Buckets
10.Tennis Ball Race
Reminder that the hosting club or group may pick the class but must provide the items for the race and that no year end will be awarded. Motion to approve these classes Madeleine, second by Karen, motion carried.
Next on the agenda was the rebuilding of the UPHA website. Both Carissa and Amanda showed the membership their websites they built and discussion followed regarding price, availability and information available. We then discussed having classified ads for a price as a means to help pay for the website. Both websites were quite impressive and informative and the general membership decided to go with website #1 for $39.99. Motion was made by Bobbi, second by Karen, motion carried. The UPHA website will be UPHA.net and will be added to show bills, rule books etc..
Versatility and Hi Point awards for the end of the year. Terri Clark has sponsored two of the Hi Point awards and Lisa Anderson of SR Performance Horse has volunteered to sponsor the remaining award at $25.00. Karen Hendrickson of Performance Plus Stables will sponsor the Juvenile Versatility Award; the remaining 2 still need to be sponsored and paid for. It is asked that all members please try to obtain these sponsors. Robynne suggested that we reiterate that the awards are for horse and rider combinations and must make ¾ of the shows.
Next we discussed the UPHA Members show. Andi brought up of possibly re-naming the show “ UPHA Open Show, sponsored by the UPHA Directors & Members” so the general public does not think they must be a member to show. Robynne also then added that this is UPHA 45th year. Discussion followed of where to have the show and some of the attendance felt that the Escanaba area draws more people in and we have use of the indoor arena, while others felt that the expense was too great and the majority, if not all, of the people to work the show is from the Marquette area. Karen made a motion to have the show in Escanaba on the dates of July 10th and 11th, second by Norm, motion carried. Janece will contact the grounds for reservations. Cindy Johnson will contact Dave Moran regarding co-sponsorship of the show as well as the concession stand.
We also then discussed the various jobs that need to be commited to by members for the UPHA Open Show to be successful. Andi also brought up of having it be “ B.Y.O.S.” = bring your own shavings, meaning we would not have the expense of buying them and then hauling then and storing them throughout the weekend. Explained that we would need to make it perfectly clear to all that it is bring your own bedding in all advertisements and that when Karen takes stall reservations, she let everyone know also. Other duties included:
Andi – hire judges
Karen – Stall reservations
Karen will also contact Judy regarding the youth groups from last year to clean stalls.
Lisa A – awards for the weekend, Taana will do pics for 45th anniversary show and some other award for the following day.
Discussion followed regarding having a one day show over two days; pleasure one day and speed the next, possibly over the Memorial Day Weekend. It was questioned if any club or organization had requested those dates yet; no one has come forward as of yet.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Marquette County Horse Club is still discussing show dates and report back at the next meeting.
It was then brought up that the April meeting falls on Easter Sunday. Andi made a motion to change the April meeting to the following Sunday, April 11th 2:00 pm in Escanaba at the Great Northern Buffet.
Andi made a motion to appoint Jackie Hurley as the 2010 Rule Book chairman and make any necessary changes to the new rule book, second by Lisa, motion carried. Andi has the existing rule book in CD form and will assist Jackie with this job.
Andi then let everyone know that she has the appropriate forms for PAC approval and will fill in and send for the 2010 show season and this can be added to the website also. Lisa Anderson will check with OCAP and Arabian associations as well and report at the next meeting.
Karen made a motion to adjourn, second by norm, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:04 pm
The next meeting is Sunday February 7th at 2:00 pm in Escanaba at the Great Northern Buffet (confirmed).
Respectfully submitted,
Andi Goriesky
U.P. Equifest Shows Nice Profit for 2009
Due to the last minute work of the new U.P. Equifest Committee along with numerous clinicians and demonstrators who donated their time and talents, the 2009 U.P. Equifest, held September 26th and 27th at the U.P. State Fairgrounds is Escanaba was a great success and committee chairperson Donna Buechler has released the latest income and expense figures from the event.
Total income for the event stands at $5571.00. Total expenses were $2197.82. leaving a profit of 3373.18 for the 2009 event.
By far the largest expenses were the rental of the grounds and clean-up. To off-set this however, stall fees and shavings fees also made up a large part of the income. Vendor rentals and Equifest sponsorships were limited due to the late date the new board was formed. However, both of these areas are expected to increase for the 2010 event.
The U.P. Championship Show, which is held during the U.P. Equifest, has run it own account for 2008 & 2009. The Championship show committee obtains its own sponsorships for awards, collects entry fees for classes and stall fees, pays judges, and sends out cash payments to winners after the show.. The Show committee then turns over the profits from the show to the U.P. Equifest after the show.The profits for 2009 were approximately $1200, which is included in the total figure above for the total 2009 U.P. Equifest income.
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™
Be the Rider Your Horse Deserves
“Communicating with Your Aids—Keys to Success, Part 6”
By Lynn Palm
In the last article, I shared the simple exercise of circles within a circle to help you improve the use of your seat, legs, and hand aids. I suggested that you practice the pattern on a well-schooled horse so you could focus completely on learning to use these aids. In this article, we will incorporate into the pattern the transitions of going from a jog/trot to a halt and from a halt to a jog/trot. I will explain the aids the rider should use to keep her horse “straight” on the circles. I will conclude with some tips on how to improve communication with a horse that does not have complete knowledge of the rider’s aids.
We will use the same circles-within-a-circle pattern that I described last month. For a diagram of this pattern and a more complete explanation on effectively using the natural aids, please see my “Dressage Principles for the English and Western Horse and Rider,” available at my website listed at the end of this article.
Using the Aids to Position the Horse on a Turn
With the horse properly tacked and warmed up, ask him for a nice natural walk on a large circle to the left. Remember to communicate your request to move forward by using the aids together in the proper sequence—seat-legs-hands. As you approach either the three o’clock or the nine o’clock position, turn your horse onto the smaller circle within the larger circle.
As you do this, keep your inside or left leg “on.” By this I mean the leg is in light contact on the horse’s barrel at the girth. Lightly turn the horse using the outside (right) leg and rein. The horse’s head should be lightly positioned toward the direction he is moving on the circle. His head and neck should neither be over bent towards the inside nor cocked to the outside. Allow the horse to carry his head in a natural position, and do not worry about a headset at this point!
When the horse is properly positioned on the circle, prepare for an upward transition. Increase the weight in your seat. While following the horse’s movement with the hips, give a light squeeze with the legs and open the fingers. You should get a nice smooth transition to the jog/trot. If you do not, check to make sure the horse is properly positioned and that you have used the aids correctly.
Increasing/Decreasing Speed within the Jog/Trot
Continue on the large circle at an easy jog/trot. As you approach the nine o’clock position, turn the horse onto the smaller circle. Use the smaller circle to prepare for an extended jog/trot because it will help you organize the aid sequence. Try to time the aids sequence so that the horse will be doing an extended jog/trot as you close the smaller circle and resume the pattern on the larger circle.
As you complete the first half of the small circle, put more weight in your seat and follow the horse’s movement with your hips. Relax, breathe, and get looser in your body because this will allow you to follow your horse’s motion. Apply slightly more pressure with you legs and open the fingers slightly to allow the horse to go forward. Continue on the larger circle at the extended job/trot.
When you are ready to decrease speed, turn off the larger circle onto the smaller one. Put more weight in your seat and slow the motion of your hips. Keep your legs in contact to maintain some forward movement so that your horse does not stop in response to your seat aid. There should be little to no closing of the fingers—just use them to keep the horse lightly positioned on the circle. The horse should give you a smooth downward transition.
Transitions from Jog/Trot to Halt
Establish a jog/trot on the larger circle. When you are ready to practice the halt, start by bringing the horse onto one of the smaller circles. To communicate the downward transition, put more weight in your seat. Keep both legs on contact with a light pressure, but do not squeeze him forward. With seat and leg aids active, close your fingers and the horse should halt. Try timing your aids sequence so that the horse halts at the point where the smaller circle meets the larger one.
The opposite transition, from halt to jog/trot, presents a greater challenge since you will be asking the horse to go from a stopped position to a much more forward gait. This transition requires a lot of energy. To initiate the transition, put more weight in your seat and be ready to move your hips to support his forward movement. Avoid excessive squeezing or kicking to get a reaction. Instead, use a “cluck” to ask him to move forward. When he does, move your hips with his movement. Open the fingers to allow him to go forward. If he gives you a few steps at the walk before trotting, do not make a big deal about it. Use the pattern I have given you to improve the transitions until your horse understands what you are trying to communicate to him with your aids.
If the Horse is Unschooled to the Natural Aids
What if your horse does not have any knowledge of how to respond to the rider’s natural aids? In that case, you should use your voice as an aid instead of the seat, legs, and hands.
I always start my horses with ground training. I incorporate voice aids into this training so that my horses have a basic knowledge of the commands I will give them under saddle. Horses do not understand words, but they recognize tones. A deep tone means “respect me” or “respond to me.” A mellow tone of voice is a reward or it will relax the horse. If a horse has no knowledge of the natural aids, I will use voice instead to help the horse achieve an understanding of them.
Here is an exercise I use to help young or inexperienced horses understand my aids. It is done on a medium-sized circle with the horse standing on the circle. To teach him the concept of walking forward in response to my aids, I give him a command in a deep voice to “walk” or “walk on,” and I reinforce it with a “cluck,” if needed. I do not use any leg aids, but I do support his willingness to obey my request by following his motion with my seat and hips and allowing him the freedom to move forward with my hands. I use very little to no rein aids to slow him and only use them to guide him on the circle.
After he walks on for a few steps, I ask him to slow down. To do this, I use a lighter, soothing voice command of “easy.” I reinforce my request by stopping the movement of my seat and hips. As he slows and shows me he understands, I once again give him the command to “walk on” and increase movement in my seat and hips to follow his forward movement on the larger circle.
To ask the horse for an upward transition from walk to trot, I follow the same procedure. I ask him to “walk on” in response to my voice command, reinforced with my seat aids. When I am ready to trot, I use a deep tone of voice to say “trot,” use my seat to support his forward motion, and use very little rein aid except to keep him on the circle. I trot around the circle several times, and then I prepare for a downward transition to the walk. I do this without pulling back on the reins, but by using a deep voice to say “walk” while I sit deeper in the saddle and stop following his motion with my hips. When he makes the downward transition to the walk, I allow him a few steps at the walk and then ask him to jog/trot again. I bring him onto the smaller circle and ask him to halt using the voice command “whoa.” I praise him when he does. Whenever you get a good response from your horse, remember to reward him. Also remember to practice these exercises in both directions.
Continue working this exercise using your voice aids, reinforced with your seat, until you get good responses. When your horse shows that he understands what you are asking him to do, gradually add the leg and hand aids and eliminate the voice. By starting with simple, easy-to-understand voice aids, you will build a foundation for him to want to learn more in the future.
Learn more about Palm Partnership Training™ by going to www.lynnpalm.com or calling 800-503-2824.
