QT is on her way....

[CaddoCinnamon]

I have been putting my saddle on QT. And working her in it. I have her on the lead rope inside the barn. She has never bucked with the saddle pad or saddle on her. I put the saddle on her about twice a week for about 10 minutes per session. Today though we worked on disengaging her hindquarters with the saddle on. She is catching on pretty good there. I am having a lot of fun training her and getting her ready for a rider this winter.

[CaddoCinnamon]

I have a question though. When dis engaging her hind quarters she wants to move her front end. How exactly do I keep her front end still? I do tilt her head slightly in my direction and push with my thumb and she steps away but she moves her whole body. Any suggestions on keeping her front end still?

[Fjords <3]

How old is she?

[CaddoCinnamon]

She is 15 months. I am doing this from the ground. I am not on her. My saddle only weighs 15 lbs.

[Fjords <3]

Ok, I didn't think she was that old. I know you've trained young horses before, but I just get scared if they're started too early.

Unfortunately, I won't be much help. The horses I train I basically just refresh and refine(: they know the basics. Good luck with her!

[CaddoCinnamon]

No I completely understand that Fjords.

[CaddoCinnamon]

Does anyone know if I am doing this right or not. I am doing more stuff with her because Cutter lacked a lot in her early training. I don't want that for QT. I have learned a lot since having horses.

With QT I only put my saddle on her twice a week for 10 minutes. The rest of the week I don't mess with her except to groom her and work on her leading mainly for Halter.

Tell me if I am asking her right for disengaging her hind quarters. I am standing at her rib cage and turn her head just slightly towards me. I then press on her ribcage where my heel will eventually be at. I press until she moves. She moves her hind quarters but at the same time her whole body is moving away from me.

How do I keep her front from moving?

I am working on her hind quarters first because for me it is easier of the two. I am not sure at all where to begin to just move her forehand. So since I know what I am looking for with the hind quarters that is why I started there first.

Thanks for any help.

[natisha]

They will move the front too at first. That's OK, as long as she makes some effort to move away from pressure.
Some hints: Have her stand facing a wall or fence so moving forward is not an option. Say to move her hip to the right. Stand on her left , at her shoulder, facing her rear. Tip her nose slightly towards you, hold it there while you tap her butt over. Using a stick or whip is easier so you can reach. Reward even 1 step. Her left hind should cross in front of her right hind.
If she ties well you can also ask her to move her butt from side to side. Being tied will keep her front in one area.
Remember the butt will want to go the opposite way of the head

[CaddoCinnamon]

ok Thanks Natisha. Yeah she ties really well. So I will try it that way. Thanks.