Just a few weeks ago, Max couldn't be led across the school without him pulling away and running off with the lead rein. With a few sessions under her belt, and lots of practice on her own, Max was ready for long reining in an open field and then a long confidence walk in the Forest.
If a horse is worried about an obstacle it helps to wait and let them have a good look before asking them to move forward.
Even better, you can back them up a couple of strides to help them to lower their head and their adrenalin and then ask them to go forward again.
It's important to notice if something might be too much to ask so that a second person can guide them and show them that the obstacle is safe.
A change is as good as a rest during a double lesson. A walk out on the Forest is great for a horse's confidence. We wouldn't have been able to do this a few weeks ago. Going for a walk with your horse should be like a walk with your best friend. You shouldn't have to pull on them and you should be able to have your arms relaxed and to allow them to swing normally to your stride.
Once again Max needs the opportunity to have a look at what he is being asked to do and to pluck up the courage to do it. Like a lot of Welsh cobs, he is not that keen on getting his feet wet.
The log and the bridge are a doddle.
And we finally walk through, if not on, water.
