| For crossing obstacles it is best to start teaching your | | | | forward which could simply mean he does not go |
| horse at home in a controlled area. I will teach horses, | | | | backward. |
| either from the ground or the saddle, to place their feet | | | | You will counter aid all other movements. He backs |
| where I ask. You should start with an easy obstacle | | | | you apply go forward, he goes left you turn him right, |
| and for simplicity we will discuss it from the saddle. | | | | he goes right you turn him left. As long as he has both |
| You have to understand the horse wants to be left | | | | eyes on the spot you want to cross you leave his |
| alone and no better time for that then when he is | | | | head alone. Try to apply the 'go forward' cue when he |
| doing what you want. We have to know our cues and | | | | is thinking about going forward. He shows this by |
| release the horse from them as soon as they respond | | | | lowering his head or perhaps pawing. Reward all |
| correctly, otherwise we become nags and the horse | | | | correct responses with words and/or rubs. |
| will decide he can either move and be nagged or | | | | When the horse actually touches the object, allow him |
| stand still and be nagged. He will usually pick stand still, | | | | to inspect it. For water, let him paw; crossovers, let him |
| unless he chooses the third option which is to remove | | | | feel it; step ups let him try one foot at a time. An |
| the nag. | | | | important thing to know is the first 'step' may be big. If |
| So, to start this lesson you need to decide exactly | | | | it is and he clears the obstacle, turn him back and start |
| where you want your horse to cross your obstacle. | | | | from the other side. If you can it is best to work with |
| The more specific you are the easier it is for the horse | | | | an obstacle the horse will not feel he can jump across |
| to figure it out. You will keep both his eyes facing that | | | | and an area large enough to allow you to be safe in |
| spot no matter what. You apply your 'go forward' cue | | | | maneuvering your horse. Repeat the procedure from |
| and release that cue as soon as the horse takes at | | | | the other side and continue to turn back until the horse |
| least one step forward. The longer it takes the less | | | | crosses quietly. |
| you look for, you may need to release on his thought | | | | |