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PLEASE
MOVE OVER
By SUSAN DUDASIK
Everyone enjoys
a horse that is responsive and can handily be positioned anywhere
its handler or rider asks. In the arena, on the trail, in the
barn and even the trailer, there are times when a horse needs
to know the command "get over." It's also the basis
for the turn on the forehand, on the haunches and the sidepass.
Teaching this command is easy and can be done from the ground.
You don't need any fancy equipment, just a halter, leadrope,
short crop and some treats. When training, you should follow
a set pattern, like building blocks. Don't advance until your
horse is proficient at each step. Start by getting your horse
to respond with one step before asking him to go ten.
To begin teaching
your horse to "get over," start by positioning his
head so he is facing some type of high barrier like a tall fence
or wall. This will prevent him from moving forward. While training,
never tie-up your horse, no matter how well broke he is, because
he may pull back and you will be creating a bad habit. When
you start, if he steps back, go with him. Don't try to hold
him in place. He will be confused at first since he doesn't
know just what you want him to do.
Now, standing at
his left side, hold the halter with your left hand, let the
excess leadrope drape over your arm, off the ground. Place your
right hand on his side slightly behind where your heel would
reach. With your left hand, tip his head toward you. Push with
your right hand and say "Get over." Most likely your
horse will just stand there or even lean into your hand. This
is not unusual. Most horses tend to lean into pressure until
they are taught to move away from it. So, at first you may have
to physically push your horse away. Don't be afraid to really
lean into him and shove. If he takes just one stumbling step
away, stop and praise him. When he does this three times on
one side, go to the other and repeat the process. He should
learn to "get over" from both sides. Until he gets
the hang of it, try for just one or two steps each time. Don't
get upset or rush your horse. You are trying to build trust
and he needs time to learn new things.
If he's really
reluctant to move away, try tipping his head more toward you
to off balance him. If that doesn't work, you may, as a last
resort, need to use the crop. When using the crop, hold your
halter and place yourself tightly near his shoulder. This is
a safety zone. Try using your hand and say "get over."
If he doesn't react, give him a swift hard pop with your crop,
say "get over" and pull his head toward you. Demand
that he move his rump away from you, but help him by pulling
his head to unbalance him. Be alert! He may cowkick, jump back
or pull forward. Try again. The instant he moves sideways from
you, praise him. If he kicks at you, stop and get professional
help to cure his kicking habit. Yes, habit! If he kicks at you
once he will kick again!
In most cases,
it only takes one or two good quick hard pops from a crop (more
noise than anything else) to get your message across. Get rid
of the crop as quickly as possible. Remember, when using a crop,
one or two quick, hard pops is correction, anything more is
useless beating.
Once your horse
is moving away with little hand pressure try using just the
end of your leadrope. Gently swing the rope towards his side
and say, "get over.' If he doesn't move, swing the lead
hard one time very close to his side and demand he move. You
might try pulling his head toward you and taking a step toward
his side to help him move.
When your horse
has mastered moving away from you, from both sides with slight
pressure from the leadrope, the next step is on voice alone.
If you have been insisting that he move each time you say "get
over," it shouldn't take long before he'll move on voice
alone. But to help him, continue pointing your hand toward his
side.
The foundation
of a "get over" will make it easier for you to work
on turns on the haunches, turns on the forehand and pivots for
showmanship as well as help him maneuver obstacles in a trail
class and help with his trailer loading skills. It also installs
the respect and good ground manners expected of a well trained
horse.
Teaching basic
ground maneuvers to your horse will give you the opportunity
to learn more about him. By spending time on the ground, you'll
have a better understanding of each other and will be well on
the way to developing a true partnership.
Susan Dudasik
Shadow Rider Equine News
srider@salmoninternet.com
Member: Idaho Press Club
North American Saddle Mule Association
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