[amanda07]

I’m going to suggest a walk in the woods to my girls:)

[amanda07]

As Ira says, the overcheck will emphasise pressure on the poll (atlas) and enourage the horse to ‘bring in’ the nose. Sidechecks, like antigrazing reins, inhibit downward flexion to the same end i.e. ‘don’t lower the head’ but with less incitement to put chin to chest. A

[amanda07]

Agreed! they are just so good for the eyes!! The young man that helps out with the heavy stuff around here is a ‘poitivin’ mule; 175 cm of velvet and bearskin. Poitivins here (we’re in France) are rare now, though there is an increasing interest in preserving the race. This mule is the only one I’ve seen working in the south east.

[amanda07]

@Gulo 5024 wrote:

Which do you like better, personally? We only have so much room for animals here. If you’re really attracted to an animal, and it will work well for the job, pick that animal over one that may work better but has no appeal to you.

If this is important to you. I realize that to some people it is not. My personal preference, having to pay for and feed and care for everything regardless, is to have a crew of critters that beautifies the place (in my mind) as well as does the job. That i can look out at over my coffee and think, “Man, that is a sight!” Once you’ve filled your stomach, what fills the spirit? Beauty feeds the soul.

You’re thinking mules then

[amanda07]

Hi, I’ve used both check and overcheck reins with saddle horses. I’ve not found any benefit for one over the other, their use being dictated by availability and/or the presence/interference of other gadgetry. May I ask why you would wish to use them? I’ve heard of them being used on carriage horses and riding horses but not otherwise. Amanda

[amanda07]

At just three years, with all that bone growing still to do! Personally, and I’m feeling a little lonely here, I wouldn’t be asking for heavy work until five or six. physical and mental/attitude problems arise when we ask for too much too soon, just ask my mule!

[amanda07]

Ah, the woes of negative reinforcement! Not actually tried it myself though ‘my horse.com’ has an interesting article in their training section that sets out the fundimentals of clicker training.

[amanda07]

You must understand your mule. I agree that a mule is just about impossible to force but they may be coerced. Sensitive and intelligent, mules are forgiving when they have someone they can trust in; just get it right and be prepared to negotiate.

[Author]

Posts