POSEIDON (2) Riding Reset: Exploring A More Relaxed Walk With A Horse That Jigs/Runs

Описание: This is the second video installment of my work with Poseidon. This lovely six-year-old Lusitano gelding may, due to a condition called ‘side bone,’* occasionally present some mild irregularities in the gait and has a tendency to jig or run off into a jog/trot when asked to walk on the long rein. My impression was that it was more of a habit than an expression of mental or physical distress. He would only walk when allowed to plunge down into a heavy rein contact and without accepting even the slightest leg aids.

At the time of this and the following videos, Poseidon, having come from a barn in Arizona, had been vet-checked and approved for mild training unless soundness issues were to occur. His tack was well-fitted, there were no other health issues and he had had time to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. Poseidon’s owner brought him to me to explore his general rideability and soundness while starting to ride him herself as long as things were going smoothly.

So, this video shows my ongoing conversations with Poseidon to see if we can find ways to gently reshape his jigging/running behavior under saddle. The added difficulty: I had to find ways to engage with him without using any type of smaller circles, corners or tight turns which could have caused Poseidon pain/discomfort or worsened his sidebone condition.

The following questions will be addressed in this video:
1. How can I address my horse’s habitual jigging/running behavior without making him/her feel too restrained?
2. How can counting our steps help me stay present while I’m slowing down my jigging/running horse?
3. What role does the concept of ‘time and timing’ play in the reshaping of my horse’s jigging/running behavior?

You may also like to watch the previous video of this series:

POSEIDON (1) Riding Reset: Examining A Horse’s Jigging/Running Behavior —    • POSEIDON (1) Riding Reset: Examining A Hor...  

Thank you for watching! :)

*Note: Sidebone in horses is a condition where the lateral cartilages of the foot's coffin bone ossify, or turn into bone. The cartilages are located on either side of the coffin bone and are flexible shock absorbers that support the hoof wall and cushion the heel. When the cartilages ossify, they become less flexible and can cause pain. Sidebone is often an incidental finding, and most horses with sidebone don't show lameness and can continue to perform well. However, in advanced cases, sidebone can cause mild lameness, pain when turning, tenderness, and fracture. Recovery from sidebone depends on the severity of the condition and can involve rest, proper shoeing, and medical oversight. 


PS: Get your free Arena Pattern Guide at https://www.katjaelk.com/youtube-channel.

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Horse: Poseidon, 6-year-old gelding, Lusitano; Background: Bred and raised by breeder in AZ; ongoing health/soundness issues, some of them severe, due to sidetone and incorrect farrier work; in exploratory, minimal training with me due to health and behavioral problems (jigging) and to create a basic Dressage foundation; Temperament (0 being extremely calm/laid-back, 10 being highly excitable/hot): 6. Personality: Kind, highly sensitive, intelligent, introverted, good-natured, very willing despite soundness issues.

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Note: Viewers should consult a professional before adopting any of the training techniques shown in this video. Any activity you do with your horse is at your own risk and may produce varied results.

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California-based Dressage trainer, instructor, clinician and life coach, Katja Elk, provides gentle training solutions for riders and horses of all backgrounds.

“Being a kind rider and trainer, to me, means learning how to ride with reasonable expectations according to where we find ourselves and our horses on our developmental journey. It also means that we need to continue to refine our technical riding skills so we can support our horses with more finely tuned aids as we are moving more joyfully and more in sync with one another.”

Katja applies the concept of a friendly, trust-based, two-way communication system to riding Dressage, work-in-hand as well as groundwork such as halter-work, longeing/lungeing and longlining.

Additionally, Katja, a Martha Beck certified master life coach, works with people who are looking for relief from anxiety, depression and/or other challenges in their lives.

www.katjaelk.com

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