I recently purchased a 13 yr TB mare. She was originally on the track, then had a few babies, and has been worked on barrels for the last 4 years. He works the barrels great, but when I’m at home just straight riding her or trail riding she doesn’t want to walk. When I want her to walk, she wants to trot, and when I want her to trot, she wants to lope. I’ve tried just breaking her back down, stop her, and stopping and backing. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I’m getting frustrated, nothing seems to work. My dad tells me not to hold her back all the time because it might take the speed out of her. In addition, I ride with my leg a lot, but she wants to go faster instead of move away from my leg. I’ve been doing circles.
Do I just need to be more patient?
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you
Diane
Yes, patience is the key ingredient when working with a horse that has been to the track. I suggest loping circles until she wants to slow down and each time she slows down or wants to break to a trot or walk, really praise your mare and let her know she did well. When riding on the trail, each time she wants to speed up, turn her in a small circle. You will probably be turning more small circles than going forward at first, but just stay calm, keep you legs off of her and keep your hands soft.
Martha Wright
