Stacy’s Video Diary: Jac- Episode 23- Spurs, backing up, shoulder control and natural horsemanship

Training time 33 hours 40 minutes

I did end up taking Jac to the vet just to be on the safe side. I had given him time off and Jac was pretty much better so the vet couldn’t find anything. The vet told me to give him a couple more weeks off and then start slow. He thought that it had likely been some kind of soft tissue; maybe he landed funny. Whatever it was it was minor enough that the exam didn’t reveal anything. I am still glad I gave him time off, he is only two, better safe than sorry.

Two new ideas that I have introduced to Jac before this video are spurs and the back up. When Jac felt lazy before this I would use the end of my rein or a dressage whip to reinforce my requests. Even though I am now wearing spurs I will still use the end of the reins or dressage whip if he is resistant to going forward. The spurs are just an added step after the request.

Jac learning spiral out

Jac learning spiral out

The new concept I am introducing in this video to Jac is ‘spiral out’ or moving the shoulder. Controlling a horses shoulder is important for advancing steering and eventually for neck reining, spinning and lead changes.

At 7:40 I show an example of what I consider ‘natural horsemanship’ which is using something that the horse is already doing to set up for something I want to accomplish. In this case, Jac wanted to move towards horses in the pasture, so I asked him to move that direction; he wanted to go there-I asked him to go there-then he got a reward.

11 Comments

  1. […] sound cheesy but often it comes down to trusting your gut. Back in Episode 19 and Episode 22 & 23 when Jac had issues I wasn’t afraid to have him looked at and give him time off. If you […]

  2. […] week earlier, in Episode 23,  I showed the first time I asked Jac to spiral out or move his […]

  3. Stacey Shelton on February 18, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    Can you explain how spiraling out leads to proper neck reining? I don’t follow that at all.ABSOLUTELY LOVE your videos by the way!! Have already learned so much. I’m trying to teach my 5 year old TWH to neck rein and I want to really understand what you were talking about, please and thank you!

    • Stacy on February 19, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      Stacey-Episode 24 contains more info on it as will 26, 27, etc. Another great resource is my Basic Body Control DVD available on our website

      The biggest thought to tackle in your head is the concept that the more complex thought the horse can handle…the smoother the transition to higher level maneuvers will be. I know that is kind of vague but I think it will become more clear as the videos continue.

      • Stacey Shelton on February 22, 2014 at 7:48 pm

        Thank you so much for your reply. About to watch 24!

  4. Giselle on February 13, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Keep an eye on his left fore seems a teeny bit off on that leg. Ur so lucky he is a gorgeous horse:)
    Have u tried soaking his hoof in a tub of Epsom salts hot water and bran? If it is a bruise or abscess that pulls it out fast. I always have mine shod all 4 cause of the rocky footing and sand ( acts like sand paper and doesn’t let the feet harden up enough ) where we ride I don’t want to take a chance with my fella:) when I bought him his feet were horrible and now they look terrific but I still won’t let him go unshod. Love ur videos!

    • Stacy on February 14, 2014 at 11:50 pm

      Did you get a chance to watch Episode 22 and the farrier footage?

  5. Cindy on February 13, 2014 at 11:11 am

    Love this will have a go of it with my mare!! Thanks!!

  6. Jennifer Geulen on February 13, 2014 at 9:15 am

    That is one unhappy horse..tail swishing like crazy..he wants to be lazy!lol

    • Stacy on February 13, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      There were actually huge horse flies attacking us, that is why is tail is going while I am standing still.

  7. Terri Anderson on February 12, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Looking great! I remember doing this in your clinic! It really helped my mare:) How big is the outdoor arena you are in? It looks huge! What would you recommend for an outdoor size?

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