Problem-Solving: More Help with Preventing and Solving Common Horse Problems: 2 - Tapa blanda

Problem Solving, Volume 2 is a continuation of Marty Marten's popular first book on solving common horse behavior problems both in the saddle and on the ground. Chapters address such issues as: halter-breaking; hoof and leg handling; cinchy and difficult-to-saddle horses; mounting problems; head-shy, ear-shy, hard to bridle horses; problems riding one-handed, neck-reigning; trail-riding problems and distractions; good trail-riding habits and techniques; developing trust and confidence through cattle work.
Like Problem Solving, Volume 1, this book stresses the theme that no problem is a singular event. Instead, it is part of a common thread throughout a rider's interaction with his or her horse. All horse difficulties, therefore, lead back to building or rebuilding a stronger foundation, both on the ground and in the saddle. This book, along with Volume 1, gives specific guidelines for attaining a higher level of horsemanship and understanding of equine behavior. As a result, the horse owner will be safer and derive more enjoyment from his or her horse.

Taken from chapter titled "Mounting Problems"

Years ago, at a much younger, impressionable age, many of us watched as Silver Screen heroes, such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Randolph Scott, with six-shooters blazing, put their left foot in the stirrup as their horse galloped off, swinging their right leg over the saddle, chasing the bad guys out of Dodge. Little did we know these were highly skilled, acrobatic stunt doubles standing in for our heroes.

Few of us possess such skills, and, even so, it's dangerous to mount a moving horse. A horse that moves only a step or two while you mount creates a hazard. This, then, becomes a very bad habit.

The objective is to get your horse to stand perfectly still while you mount, then wait for your signal before moving forward. If you're consistent, your horse will anticipate walking off and do so before you can mount safely, or immediately after you mount. Never swing your leg over a moving horse. It's very dangerous and just encourages the problem. This situation usually gets worse and quickly creates an unsafe, difficult-to-mount horse.

As with all problems, fixing this will also have a positive carryover throughout your other handling and riding activities. Mounting, just like catching, leading, saddling and bridling, can establish the tone for the day's ride.

This chapter offers suggestions to prevent and solve your mounting problems. I'll discuss what to do and what not to do. I'll recommend solutions to make it more convenient for your horse to have you mount from the ground. I'll also explain how to get your horse to pick you up off the fence or from every imaginable mounting block, wherever you ride.