| If you want to have more control over your horse, | | | | simply needs to learn that when you say he can |
| here's a rule you should follow at all times. Say you're | | | | speed up or slow down...then he does. Otherwise, he |
| riding in the arena or round pen. You're simply moving | | | | doesn't do it. |
| at a slow trot. Then suddenly your horse speeds up. | | | | So why is this so important? First, your horse has AT |
| What would you do? Would you let him? Does it | | | | LEAST ten times your strength. Second, your horse's |
| matter if he speeds up when you didn't ask? Should | | | | reflexes are five times faster than a professional |
| you slow him back down? What would you do? | | | | boxer's reflexes. So when you combine your horse's |
| Any horse trainer worth his salt will tell you that | | | | strength with his reflexes, don't you think you need to |
| allowing a horse to speed up or slow down is | | | | have control over him? Absolutely. In fact, with his |
| something you should never allow. In fact, they would | | | | strength and quickness, having control over him is vital |
| (and should) tell you to take the horse back to the gait | | | | for your safety. Far too many horse owners will ride |
| he was in before he sped up (or slowed down). So if | | | | as a passenger instead of piloting their horse. Riding as |
| he speeds up to a lope after trotting, then you must | | | | a passenger is a sure fire way to let your horse |
| immediately bring him back down to the trot he was in. | | | | dictate what he wants to do instead of looking to you |
| Remember not to get angry about it or upset. This is | | | | for what to do. Ultimately, you want your horse looking |
| part of the learning process for your horse and he | | | | to you for what to do next. |