Expert Jill Hassler

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

Our quarter horse will not stand still while saddling or mounting. We believe he was previously used for timed events. How can we "reteach" him?

I have a 16 H horse and I want to know how many steps I would have to count off on my own legs to equal one of his strides?

I have a 16 year old Quarter horse. He was used mostly for show and then let run in a pasture for several years. I have been mostly trail riding him for 4-5 years and he has just started balking on the trail and trying to turn back. When trying to get him to go forward, he will try to turn or will back off to the side of the trail. Recently he did this and got his feet tangled in some vines and fell. What is the best way to prevent this type of thing from happening? On the ground, the horse is very easy to work with.

I'm having trouble backing an 11 year old Appaloosa mare, who is a 4 or 5 time state champion. She throws her head up and refuses to do task.

I am 9 years old and have a 5 year old, 1/2 arabian, 1/2 saddlebred mare. She is very good natured and I am training her to show in 4-H at our local fair. I have been having a problem with her tossing her head. One of my advisers suggested using a bosal on her. I have done this and she handles pretty well, but when she gets excited or anxious, she still throws her head up. What would you suggest doing to stop this bad habit?

What is western pleasure riding? Do the horses have special gaits? How is it different from "other" western riding?

What is the difference between hunt seat and balance seat?

My horse will not stay in the walking gate. What can I do to get her to stay walking and not trotting?

I have a 5 year old appendix that jigs every time that you put your leg on him when legs yielding. What can I do to correct this as I would like to show him this year?

I am having trouble keeping my weight in my heels when riding. Do you have any suggestions?

Could you recommend some books or videos on how to show in halter class?

I've noticed that the stirrups have worn more into the right side of my saddle than the left. Does this mean I'm gripping more with my right leg, and if so, how can I fix this?

Questions and Answers

Q: I am having trouble keeping my weight in my heels when riding. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Practice your jumping or 1/2 seat position, without letting your upper body get forward or your legs grip. Keep thigh, knee, and calf light and elastic and your leg will stretch and your weight will go down in your heel. Try this for short periods of time and increase the length of time you stand and stretch as you get stronger. Then practice this a few strides, sit a few strides, and post a few strides.  

Q: Could you recommend some books or videos on how to show in halter class?

A: Check out the Equerry Bookstore on this site (equerry.com).  You will find some very helpful books listed in the Breeding and Horsemanship sections.  You can order these books from Amazon Press by going through the Equerry Bookstore.  Look for "Foal to Full Grown" and "Foal To Five Years" in Breeding, and "Natural Horsemanship" and "The Natural Horse" in Horsemanship.  

Q: I've noticed that the stirrups have worn more into the right side of my saddle than the left. Does this mean I'm gripping more with my right leg, and if so, how can I fix this?

A: Could be gripping or swinging more. Try to examine your balance - close your eyes and feel your weight going down inside of both legs and out the heels - is it equal? If not, where does it feel tighter or looser. Once your uncover the problem, try exercises to equalize. A good instructor can help you with exercise ideas, or you can create them. Uncovering the source of the problem is the most important thing.  

Q: I have a 5 year old appendix that jigs every time that you put your leg on him when legs yielding. What can I do to correct this as I would like to show him this year?

A: He needs to accept your leg, which should be on him all the time. If you have your leg on side of horse, like a boot fits your leg, he will accept your leg and then be able to respond correctly to the aids. 

Q: My horse will not stay in the walking gate. What can I do to get her to stay walking and not trotting?

A: First, make certain you are relaxed throughout your body with your leg softly on horse and have a following hand with light contact. Breathe - when horse jigs, take a deep breath and relax instead of reacting. A horse needs to accept rider's aids and the bit and then listen instead of worrying. Hope this helps. 

Q: What is the difference between hunt seat and balance seat?

A: Hunt seat is used for hunter and jumpers, balanced seat for dressage.

Q: What is western pleasure riding? Do the horses have special gaits? How is it different from "other" western riding?

A: It simply means that the horse is quiet, relaxed, and a pleasure to ride. It does not need any special skills like a reining or barrel horse.

Q: I am 9 years old and have a 5 year old, 1/2 arabian, 1/2 saddlebred mare. She is very good natured and I am training her to show in 4-H at our local fair. I have been having a problem with her tossing her head. One of my advisers suggested using a bosal on her. I have done this and she handles pretty well, but when she gets excited or anxious, she still throws her head up. What would you suggest doing to stop this bad habit?

A: First check her teeth, sounds like she has tooth or bit problems. Second, make certain your bit fits correctly and lastly, work on your hands and seat. Horses of this breed are very sensitive and require soft, supportive, relaxed riders.

Q: I'm having trouble backing an 11 year old Appaloosa mare, who is a 4 or 5 time state champion. She throws her head up and refuses to do task.

A: She must have a physical problem. I suggest a thorough vet exam. If that reveals nothing, trace her behavior to something that she might be frightened of - a poorly fitting saddle or a bad experience.

Q: I have a 16 year old Quarter horse. He was used mostly for show and then let run in a pasture for several years. I have been mostly trail riding him for 4-5 years and he has just started balking on the trail and trying to turn back. When trying to get him to go forward, he will try to turn or will back off to the side of the trail. Recently he did this and got his feet tangled in some vines and fell. What is the best way to prevent this type of thing from happening? On the ground, the horse is very easy to work with.

A: As I understand your question this is a recent development.  Since this is abnormal behavior for your horse, I would examine what has suddenly changed that would account for the change in your horse's willingness to go out on the trails.  Have his buddies at the barn changed where he could be "barn sour" and not wanting to leave one?  Are you trail riding alone when you used to always go out with someone?  Does his tack fit comfortably and is he sound and in good health?  Is he being ridden more or less than he is used to?  Are you riding in a different area?  Finding the answers to these questions may allow you to pinpoint what the problem may be.  If possible, taking another horse with you may help encourage your horse go out for one or two rides.  After he is happy going out with company, then ask him to go out alone again. Good luck.

Q: I have a 16 H horse and I want to know how many steps I would have to count off on my own legs to equal one of his strides?

A: I recommend that you ride your horse in a freshly drug or raked arena. See his foot falls and then step off your own.

Q: Our quarter horse will not stand still while saddling or mounting. We believe he was previously used for timed events. How can we "reteach" him?

A: It takes patience and slow regular work. One reference source for retraining techniques is John Lyons or Pat Parelli. They have detailed retraining methods. Also, look at our book reviews in the Equerry Bookstore. There are a couple of books about retraining techniques.