To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Screws
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:55:25 -0700
Well Irv- all of those are good reasons to TEACH your mounts to give to
pressure. Whether it be feet caught in a rope or wire, a head under a
rope, or a spooky situation you have to give your mount the necessary
training to react in a safe manner. Mine aren't perfect with the tied
feet yet but they are getting there- and a spook is in place. The first
time my gelding got hooked on a trailer he hooked the lead under the
spare which was mounted on the side. When I heard the commotion and
arrived I found him pulled back as far as he could safely go, eyes wide,
but standing his ground and waiting for me to rescue him! Since that
time he's hooked himself on other things (not trailers- I'm careful
about spares now) and just calmly stood, head still, for a rescuer.
So I agree- a horse will get tangled in anything and then some. But they
don't have to react with pulling back if you've replaced that instinct
with specific training.