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Posted by Nanci on August 21, 2004 at 16:10:37:
In Reply to: cantering and backing posted by cailin on August 17, 2004 at 17:39:42:
: i have a two year old mare i broke out myself. i can walk, trot, and neck reign with absolutely no problem. but i cannot get her to back up. i taught her on the ground first then tried it on her back, but that didnt work. then i had someone stand in front of her with the whip while i pulled on the reign. i even tried putting the halter on under the bridle and attempted to back her up that way but it didnt work. how in the world can i get her to back up??? i have also been trying to canter her. i have been trying to get her to canter on the end of a lunge line but she would just canter only a few strides and then start trotting really fast. what should i do?? please help me.
This filly is really very young to be doing all the work you are describing. She needs more time to develop and learn - don't burn her out by putting too much on her at this age. When you start her on backing, ask her for one step at a time - and praise her for doing it when she does. Same with cantering - she can't sustain this for very long at this age, and shouldn't be asked to as it's hard on her joints. Slow down and take your time with her - remember that horses aren't physically and emotionally mature until they are 6-8 years old.