Forum


Monty Roberts Equus Online University
Horse Training Video Instruction Program

Learn all about Equus • Dually Halter • Shy Boy Mustang • Jumping Horses
• Story of a Horse Whisperer • Riding Horsemanship • Dressage Horses • Willing Partners
• Horse Training • Round Pen Lessons • Performance Horses • Join-Up

← back

To Make the World a Better Place for Horses

Riding School Horses. how can i avoid whips?

Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

Hi,
Where I ride they have a lot of the typical 'riding school horses' they are a bit lazy and not at all forward going. you have to continually use your legs to get them to move forward and you cant think about doing anything else while you have to keep them moving because it is such hard work! My instructor says give them a smack with the whip to get them to pay attention and listen to you and it works! but I know monty would not even carry a whip. is there something else that I can do to avoid using a whip?
Thanks
EquiAbi

EquiAbi (UK)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

I use a dressage whip:) and i dont use it really hhard just a small slap:) But i dont know what else i could do:(
Equi

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

I'm afraid it is all too common for horses who are ridden by many different - and novice - riders, to become desensitized to the riders' aids.
(Mind you, riding school horses shouldn't be too responsive either, or beginners will get in trouble since they aren't capable to give more refined aids.)
.
I'm thinking maybe the horses needs to be re-trained or ridden more often by really experienced riders.
.
The Uni has a great lesson on how to make balking horses move forward by using a "giddy up rope", but that is more for changing horses behaviour, and during a lesson maybe you could try instead to ride more with your seat. Imagine you're sitting on the hindlegs and need to propel them forward.
Use 2 or 3 very swift "taps" at a time with your legs - rather than continuous kicks and bumps - and then pause for reaction before you try again.
If the horse does change its tempo, then stop driving it or it won't understand what you wanted it to do. Praise every attempt in the right direction.
You'll need to be consistent and patient, and find the rhythm so that you move together with your horse.
Also make sure you don't hang on to the reins, holding the horse back when it tries to speed up.
.
You could also ask your instructor politely for another solution than using the whip.

Kicki -- Sweden
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

Adding, because I pressed "Add comment" by mistake. :)
.
Please don't feel bad because of a light tap with a dressage whip. All things considered that is actually better than lots of hard kicks in the ribs. ;)
.
Here's another tip - pertaining somewhat to the giddy up-rope!
Use a short whip instead and smack it against your thigh or jacket lapel to make a good "whacking" noise. That works quite well on most horses and you don't even have to touch them. ;)
Just remember to be steady in your seat when you do and allow the horse to move forward!

EquiAbi (UK)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

ok thanks Kicki:)
That helps alot:) i was starting to feel a bit guilty about the fact that i used whips and monty would never use one:)
Equi

star
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed

Don't laugh too hard.
When I'm at a stable, my horse is not ready yet (too young). The trainer wants me to use a crop and I tell her no!!!
Some of the horses are quite old and a bit on the slow side but can be motivated to give you thier best.
What works for me is a lot of movement on my part. Example, for some I have to move my feet as if I were on a bicycle, back and forth.
Sounds silly but works for some. It works like a driving aid on the ground.
Sometimes moving my arms, as if swinging when you do power walking, works on some.
These are really old tricks you learn with the slow moving horse and it's non-invasive.
Eventually you do not have to do this, your body will know what to do, to motivate the horse.
Any movement on the riders part will usually get a horse moving, keep a good seat, light hands, forward movement and your eyes pointed to where you want the horse to go.
Usually where your eyes are is where your body is pointed and the horse will go!!
Let me know if this works for you.
Ronda

Dennis
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed

EquiAb
One of the most misunderstood tool to signal a horse is pair of spurs. I have a work pair that the rowels are in the shape of a cloverleaf. You only touch the horse lightly to signal. NEVER jab a horse with spurs.That is just plain cruel. The other thing that Monty uses is the giddy up rope. I have never used on but I understand the concept. The movement and the sound of the rope hitting your leg gets his attention. If the horse knows that you are not playing and not a pushover, he is more likely to pay attention. You also must make sure your request are short, positive and quiet. Yelling heha or giddy up just ticks everyone off. If you ride the same horse you begun to establish an understanding if you are patient, quite and in charge.

Cheers

EquiAbi (UK)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

hi,
Thanks all:)
I would love to see the reaction that my instructor might give me if i refused to use the whip:) but i will try the body movement thing and let you know if it works:) Thanks Ronda:)
I would Never use metal spurs i would use softer rubber ones:) I believe that spurs should only be used as an aid to make your signals more invisible:) I will look into the giddy up rope:) Thanks Dennis:)
Equi

star
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed

Hi equi,
What I suggested looks absolutely ridiculus, like something in a circus but a long time ago I was taught to do just that with the slow moving horse, just at the beginning until he realized when I move I want you to move.
Eventually even the slightest movement on my part signaled the horse.
I can't wait for your response. What will the trainer think!!! This girl has gone mad...
Ronda