Teach Your Horse to Neck Rein
Monday February 25, 2008
With the snow still thick on the ground here we are stuck riding in the arena for a few more weeks at least. I have to admit I am getting a bit anxious to ride out on trail. On Saturday we set up a few small jumps and Trillium and I went over some teeny tiny cross rails. I haven't jumped in a very long time and think I probably need to have some lessons and start back at the beginning with trotting poles. But it was fun to break the monotony of riding on the flat.
There are lots of ways to avoid riding in circles all the time in an arena or ring. If you are arena bound why not spend some time teaching a new skill? I think neck reining is something a horse should be able to do whether you ride English or western. Neck reining leaves one hand free to work gates, carry something or swish flies. It's easy and fun to teach too. Here's a how-to describing the steps for training your horse to neck rein.
Read More Ideas for Riding in an Arena
Comments
Hi, this is a very nice intro. I am an amatur and work primarily with reining horses. Just to add one thought: when you apply the neck rein, it’s good to move your direct rein with it (your hands stay the same distance apart while you’re cueing your horse). Otherwise, he could learn to drop his shoulder or otherwise develop bad habits.
Please check out a number of reining-related training articles on my website, www.herbertshorses.com. Thanks!!