Corto, largo, trot, & canter?

[SharonP]

Maybe I've already asked this question, but is it possible to find a PF that can corto, largo, trot, & canter (and walk, of course ;-) )? This is what I would like.

[PASOFAN]

They all can do this. My boys do it all except the Fino, my boys arent trained to fino...

[PasoPerson38]

My trainer has a gelding who she just retired from show but uses for lessons that can walk, trot, corto, largo, canter, gallop (extreamly fast),
and he was Reserve National champion in fino geldings.
So they can do it, you just have to find a versatile one.

[Pasogirlz]

Tell us more about what you are looking for in this horse. :D
Ya just never know who migh have exactly what you are looking for... ;-)

[Boyd R]

Yes they all can do it. A show trained horse may not want to because of his training, if not allowed to. My first paso took us a few months to get him to break into any gait above a largo. And when he finally did he would duck as if he was expecting to get hit upside the head. But he soon realized that we wanted him to canter and you could see him smile. Now he could catch up with the others.

[Carol Nelson]

Got the perfect little mare for ya...see her here...third one down...

http://www.americanpasofinos.com/info.php?id=312

and here...

www.lazyidhpasofinos.com

Click on the photo of the horses at the pond...that will take you to our salepage...

if you are a smaller sized person...she's not a very large mare.
She can do it all...and produces very nice babies! ;-)

[SharonP]

Carol, I like Red! Wish I still lived in Austin -- you'd never get me off your farm!!

[PasoPerson38]

lol we ALL like Rojo!
But Carol won't give him away! She will only "share" him, if yea know what I mean ;-)

[SharonP]

Yes, I could tell from the Web site! He is just beautiful.

[lisa l aka marci]

Marci will do it all at liberty, but will trot consistently only if I put the 'right' (Or WRONG) bit in her mouth.....I found with a low port curb she would go right into a trot instead of gait.

I think if it is explained in advance, a show may accept the Corto instead of a trot - when my younger sister showed my mare Rosie in 4H she did so successfully.......

[CarolU]

Zar does all those, both at Liberty in the round pen and under saddle. I am starting her in dressage and she does a postable or sitable trot, nice corto, good largo and smooth canter. (she's not for sale...LOL)

I agree there are many horses that can do it all...some better then others. But, I have three horses with no largos, one has a trot, one paces, and the other is either cortoing or cantering. Sooooo, they are ALL different. I also have one I've never seen trot.

Shop carefully!

[SharonP]

The longer I ride PFs, the harder it is for me to find the right horse! It could take a long time...

[CarolU]

Sharon, what all do you want in a horse?

Size? Color? Sex? Temperament? Age? Training?

Obviously a good range of gait.

Anything else?

[SharonP]

Carol,
This decision is getting more and more difficult for me. I just read your post about the Paso Fino Sport Horse, and it's really making my head spin. It's very exciting.

I don't care whether the horse is a mare or a gelding. I do want a horse b/w 5 - 10 y.o. who is trained, horse and people-friendly, and stands more than 14hh.

It is critical to me that the horse has very good conformation and can be versatile. I am looking to do gaited dressage, as well as some of the activities you itemized in the PFSH. A good amount of brio is good, but not too much, because I probably can't handle it.

Appearance is at the bottom of the list but, like most people, I do have strong preferences. For example, I love fiery chestnuts (with same color mane) and buckskin bays. Long manes are nice, too.

[jodiTowne]

Sharon will end up like many of you and the diection I'm headed.....many pasos to fit all our "needs". IE--I need another paso like I need a hole in my head!

[SharonP]

Sharon will end up like many of you and the diection I'm headed.....many pasos to fit all our "needs". IE--I need another paso like I need a hole in my head!
LOL! I was thinking this very thing myself. It's becoming an obsession, and I can't help it. I need professional help -- maybe I should see a trainer?

[CarolU]

LOL! I was thinking this very thing myself. It's becoming an obsession, and I can't help it. I need professional help -- maybe I should see a trainer?

ROFL...yes, you'll end up with several that way! LOL Actually, I can't imagine that there aren't quite a few horses in the NE that would fit your needs. Have you talked to Brenda Hall or Nola? Your region should have a list of horses for sale in the area. My recomendation is to leave your checkbook home, take someone like Lisa with you, and go try several. See what they are like and then weigh the pros/cons of each.

[SharonP]

I ride at a PF breeding farm here in MA, and they are AWESOME! I have complete faith in the owners/trainers, and I trust them implicitly. I am very grateful I found them. They are the best.

[paintedhorizon]

Malvado would be perfect for you! Except, he's 15, even though he doesn't act it! Or look it!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/jklawitter/Paso%20Fino/000_0125a.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/jklawitter/Paso%20Fino/000_0125.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/jklawitter/Paso%20Fino/000_0126.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/jklawitter/Paso%20Fino/000_0132.jpg

Here's a link to him playing with Solazo. Solazo is the dark bay.

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=133f5b0eb25dd68fbcd593&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

[SharonP]

Stop! You're torturing me!!! :D

[GeorgeGuns]

Weeeellllllllll... I've got Medias here, and yeah he can do it all. WHEN he is in condition, he has a nice tight corto, can even do a non-show fino, has a largo that will make your eyes bleed, and yes, he canters although he hasn't done it often enough to convince himself that he isn't breaking any rules, lol. His trot is actually beautiful - he frames up most beautifully, floats, and minimal up and down (its a "why post?" trot, but true trot). He's also had lots of in hand dressage and some under saddle.. Been thinking about selling him... PM me if ya want more.

[paintedhorizon]

Hey Sharon, Malvado has the SMOOTHEST canter! Wonderful corto and largo! Nice, long walk. He has a HUGE stride, so his walk can keep up with some pasos cortos. AND, he has largo blood!

[SharonP]

Okay, I'm ignoring these taunts!!

[paintedhorizon]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

They're not taunts! He's yours for $2800! :D

[SharonP]

sigh... :roll:

[paintedhorizon]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[ErinC]

Sharon when will you buy?
or should I say when will you shop.

whats you projected plan of attack?

[SharonP]

Sharon when will you buy?
or should I say when will you shop.

whats you projected plan of attack?
Erin, I plan to start looking as soon as I get my next job, which should be within two or three months. Then I can more comfortably cope with the board, farrier, vet, insurance, etc. without suffering panic attacks every night.

At that point, I tell Bobby and Michael, and I begin a super serious search. I completely trust them to help me find the right horse.

I am so excited, I feel like a mother-to-be! I can't wait to shopping for horsey accessories. You know, like for halters, blankets, fly masks, the perfect jaquima, and on and on....

[ErinC]

O I know, it is fun.....

;-)

[motorgypsy]

the shopping is soooo much fun. But the right ones for us just jumped right out and said "LOOK AT ME!"

Luckily we did have some criteria like the horse had to stand for mounting, be 5 or older, gait correctly, no weird conformation problems, good feet, tractable and so on. But then it was the WOW factor that took over.

[ErinC]

shop lots before you buy

there are lots of great pasos for sale in the NE area all the time.

and lots of us that are willing to help you out.

right guys?

[Terri]

Oh I don't know Sharon, Erin "hates" to horse shop, she gets real grumpy. Um how many stalls do you want to fill anyway. When I 1st started shopping for horses with Erin I had ONE stall. I now have 5 horses in the barn with Erin's finger prints all over them. Yes, yes, I am equally addicted. But she does have the uncanny ability to find lots of good horses that are hard to say no to. :D

[ErinC]

wow me :shock:

[TrueStepPaso]

I'm happy to help... :D

[Centauress]

Yes - I agree, there are a lot of people right here in MA. that are quite knowledgable about the breed regarding conformation, bloodlines and PRICE. We would be happy to help you out - and have you join us on our fabulous rides once you find him! 8-)

Be careful you don't overpay for one!! There are a lot of good buys out there right now. It's a buyers market!! ;-)

[SharonP]

Please...$$ is no object! :roll: NOT!

[Terri]

Please...$$ is no object!

REALLY?????? ALLLLLLL RIGHT! , lets go shopping!!!!!

Erin did you see this???

[Centauress]

WOOHOO!

[SharonP]

Very funny... ;-)

[ErinC]

hummmmmmm, I know few now I could round up for less then 5K...
already been out , seasoned trail horses.
8-)

Sharon you have have only been on the show ( ring ) trained pasos at the farm right?
I know you said you have gone trail riding, but only on thoses horses right?

Girls we need to get her out.

before the snow flies.

[SharonP]

Correct -- only on those horses.

[TrueStepPaso]

She can ride Poco, but we'd have to keep Kira in the back of the line... :lol: :roll:

[ErinC]

they are great horses . I am not saying it in a bad way.
but you should see both sides of the world.
I think everyone here can back me up on how different a stalled trained in the ring horse is over a horse that is turned out 24/7 and used in the open.
we all flex, circle, back ,and round / collect our horses, its the same like that,
but its just different,,,,,,,,, too.

help me out folks.


you should see both ways before you buy.
thats all I mean.

[SharonP]

Erin, you're kind of scaring me! I'd like to avoid my 20-something experience of riding a rearing horse. At 48, I don't know whether I could stay on like I did back then!

BTW, Erin, I've been admiring your petgallery. Awesome pics. But I can't believe you put Incendio through this:

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/77608puppy_incendio.jpg

What a good natured boy!

[Terri]

Oh goody, when do we go for a ride!

Keep talking Erin, you are doing fine. :lol: I know what you are saying, horses that live outside with their herd, are different (IMO) than horses that live most of their lives in their stalls and only come out for work. They seem more confident and more "unflappable". But that is a generalization, I am sure everybody can think of examples that go against this.

So, lets go Riding with Sharon, she can try everybody's horse.

[Terri]

Sharon said
But I can't believe you put Incendio through this:

Oh you wouldn't believe all the humilating things she does to her poor horses. :lol:

[ErinC]

oooo no rear on them , sorry if I said it so it sounded that way, I mean they are just more relaxed, not collected at all times, a good trail/endurance horse needs his head so that he can pick and collect at his option, all of them are different,

I am sorry I scared you I did not mean it the way you took it.

no rear. differnt kind of brio, but a good brio, a been there done that brio.

you have to see a "trail trash paso" and a trained for the show paso, and an endurance paso, and a family paso before you buy.

thats what I was trying to say.
our trail/family pasos are not stalled.
they live free, and are very "chilled" some times too chilled :roll:

ask Bobby one time at the barn my Incendio would do nothing but walk, he was just not in the mood, he walked down the fino board.
:roll:

[SharonP]

Wanna go this weekend? I can come down and meet you.

[Centauress]

After riding around a show barn for 10 years I am just now truly enjoying my horse TRAIL RIDING!! I feel really lucky to have the best group of horse friends I have ever had in my life right now. Erin, Terri, Abbie, (and sometimes Gunta!) are the best! Sharon you have to come down - you will have the BEST time!! :smile:

[ErinC]

sure, what can we work out girls.
she can ride incendio if I can borrow Mikka. ( a 1/2 paso )
and she can try every ones.

if she has been riding the pasos at the farm I am sure she will be fine.

I have both days free, ( sunday after church ) if we want to meet some place easy so we can take turns.

ideas??????????

[Terri]

Saturday would be best for me (let me check with Mikka). I promised to take the kids to the riding club Christmas party on Sunday afternoon.

[TrueStepPaso]

I think everyone here can back me up on how different a stalled trained in the ring horse is over a horse that is turned out 24/7 and used in the open.

I can back this up 200%....twice! My Morgan was in a stall till she was four years old...taken out only for driving training....and she was more than a handful. Yup, best descriptive word for her then would be dangerous....now, she's fine. Because of the fact that I let her be a horse - in a herd environment, in a large pasture, living outside 24/7.

My other horse was taken out of a knee deep mud pit with craters every five feet, and now he's in that same herd/10 acre pasture, and has calmed down considerably....I also continue to ride him in very relaxed manner, ignoring his BS that he still throws my way every so often.

I try to ride them as often as possible, and expose them to EVERYTHING to keep them fresh, too.

It all makes a difference...

However, stalled/show trained horses can unwind after being put in a more natural situation...it may be instantaneous, or it may take a year or two with the proper riding/relaxation techniques...

Ya just never know.... ;-)


Sharon.....We could meet up on the trail with you, or possibly trailer over to Del Fuego...

[TrueStepPaso]

Terri....a riding club Christmas party! That sounds so cute...and FUN! I'll bet there will be some really yummy cookies there....mmmm, cookies...




I can do Saturday! Could we go to the State Forest??? I can drive another pony in my trailer.....
The State Forest has THE BEST TRAILS IN THE UNIVERSE!!!!

[Terri]

I agree the state forest is wonder, but, it is shot gun season and from what I understand, they only allow riding there during shot gun season on Sundays.

[ErinC]

""The State Forest has THE BEST TRAILS IN THE UNIVERSE!!!!""

geeeeeeeeeeeeeee , you guys think Abbie loves the Forest.

we did have a nice 3 hr ride there Sunday .... ya,,, that was nice.


now out to the mud I go.....
:roll:

[ErinC]

yup no riding in the forest , only Sunday :roll:

[TrueStepPaso]

http://www.messengerfreak.com/emoticons/other/2514.gif No! Noooo! Stop it.....I don't want to hear anymore!

[ErinC]

Abester why are you still at work?

[SharonP]

Saturday is fine for me. Where do you want to meet? Erin, I can drive to Halifax. I am coming from Framingham, and I don't think it is much farther than Middleboro. Maybe I'm wrong, but a quick Google map search looks about the same.

[SharonP]

I think everyone here can back me up on how different a stalled trained in the ring horse is over a horse that is turned out 24/7 and used in the open.

I can back this up 200%....twice! My Morgan was in a stall till she was four years old...taken out only for driving training....and she was more than a handful. Yup, best descriptive word for her then would be dangerous....now, she's fine. Because of the fact that I let her be a horse - in a herd environment, in a large pasture, living outside 24/7.

My other horse was taken out of a knee deep mud pit with craters every five feet, and now he's in that same herd/10 acre pasture, and has calmed down considerably....I also continue to ride him in very relaxed manner, ignoring his BS that he still throws my way every so often.

I try to ride them as often as possible, and expose them to EVERYTHING to keep them fresh, too.

It all makes a difference...

However, stalled/show trained horses can unwind after being put in a more natural situation...it may be instantaneous, or it may take a year or two with the proper riding/relaxation techniques...

Ya just never know.... ;-)


Sharon.....We could meet up on the trail with you, or possibly trailer over to Del Fuego...

I've ridden Serena & Brisa (and, of course, Mistico), and they are all pretty docile to me. They are stalled, so they are probably the exceptions.

[TrueStepPaso]

Okay, I admit it, I'm a loser. Its so sad....



I came back because I forgot to shut off some lights, and then I got sucked in to APF....D*mn it...happens everytime.

All right, all right...I'm leaving. Gotta go take care of the horses, pigs, cows, chickens, and kitties...thank gawd no more turkeys...those suckers got eaten for Thanksgiving....no more T-birds till next September...wooohoo!

[Centauress]

Hey - what about Massasoitt?? Or Terri's trails...

Hey Abbie - The place where you got your second horse sounds awesome!! :twisted:

[TrueStepPaso]

I've ridden Serena & Brisa (and, of course, Mistico), and they are all pretty docile to me. They are stalled, so they are probably the exceptions.

Yup, they are cool. They are also not for sale though....which sucks, because I know you really liked Serena :(

Hey, what about that chestnut colt Juan is still training...he says he's an awesome trail horse & pretty sweet, and he'd probably be ready by the time you're more serious.....

[SharonP]

Yup, they are cool. They are also not for sale though....which sucks, because I know you really liked Serena :(

Hey, what about that chestnut colt Juan is still training...he says he's an awesome trail horse & pretty sweet, and he'd probably be ready by the time you're more serious.....

You know, I prefer Brisa to Serena, believe it or not. She's got a little more brio.

I'll have to take ask Juan about that colt. I don't think I've seen it -- or maybe I have. Hmmmmm...

[Centauress]

You know Lise Wood has an AMAZING gelding named Algazaro that is bomb proof, and one of the smoothest gaited pasos I've ever ridden. He's adorable too!! I'm sure she'd let you go "test ride" him whenever you want. Her farm is not too far either.

[ErinC]

ooooo ya , I will drive! ;-)

[Centauress]

Road trip!! :D

[ErinC]

http://www.pasonortheast.com/wildwood.htm


he is handsome


http://www.pasonortheast.com/Algazaro%20del%20Fuego.jpg2.jpg

O and check this out too,

http://www.pedlar.com/stories/080106/fea_08010603.shtml

[TrueStepPaso]

Algazaro is WAAAAAYYY more handsome in person than that...here he is this past summer...
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/KIRAgirl22/NicoleonAl.jpg



So....are we all going to meet up this weekend?! :D

[ErinC]

:shock:
I did not know that was HIM...

I LOVE HIM

[SharonP]

Algazaro is WAAAAAYYY more handsome in person than that...here he is this past summer...
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/KIRAgirl22/NicoleonAl.jpg
So....are we all going to meet up this weekend?! :D

Yep, we're gonna meet up on Saturday, I think. Erin, should I drive to your villa and meet you there? If you have a better idea, I'm all for it.

Al is SUPER handsome -- but he's 16!! I want a younger man...

[TrueStepPaso]

Saturday....sounds good to me! What time, everyone?

Are we going to ride the bogs, or got to Massasoitt.....either way, it'll be a great ride! :D

Yay! I can't wait!!!http://www.messengerfreak.com/emoticons/funny/horray.gif

[SharonP]

Waiting to hear from Erin...

I'M SCARED! What if I mess up? I'll be the only one wearing a helmet! I'll look like a dork! WAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TrueStepPaso]

NO...Erin and Terri (the smart ones) wear helmets, and Kim & I (the idiots) don't....so Kim and I will be out numbered.

You won't mess up! You'll only have FUN! And you can try out all the Pasos there (at Erins) that are going on the ride, individually....I'm sure no one would mind! :D

Someday, we'll have to get you to Myles Standish State Forest to ride the best trails...EVER. But the trails that we'll probably ride are great, too!

[SharonP]

Can I ride the fattest horse? I love "wide bodies"!

[SharonP]

By the way, do these trails we're going to ride have a lot of low branches? Should I bring pruning shears?

A tree attacked my friend on last week's trail ride and nearly cut her head off! It's that awful visor on the helmet. Can't remove it.

[ErinC]

OK SAT sounds good to me, seeing as it works for every one else.

lets meet at Terris first we can all ride around her yard, to get warmed up, see who Sharon is more comfortable on ,,,,then we can hit the woods. if all goes well ,,we will go out on the bogs.


OK?

[ErinC]

OK

fattest is Incendio, he looks like a QH...
LOL

Trails are clean.... we ride them all the time...

[SharonP]

Erin, I don't know where to show up? At your house or Terri's? I'm all confused. Help!

[SharonP]

Do you use a bit on Incendio?

[ErinC]

you can come to my house ,and drive over with me and kim.

I can use a bit or not. he is easy both ways. you tell me what you feel more comfortable with.

now all we need to do is pick a time...

[SharonP]

Okay. I need time to get down there. According to Google, it'll take me 1 hour and 17 minutes.

Is it too late if I get there at 11:30?

[ErinC]

I am OK with an Afternoon ride...

how about everyone else??

[SharonP]

If morning is better for everyone else, I'll just leave the house earlier.

I'm so psyched.

[TrueStepPaso]

fattest is Incendio, he looks like a QH...
LOL



HA! I didn't want to be the one to "say" it!!! He's not fat, he's just big boned....

Terri's is fine with me...and so is time! Don't matter to me.... :D

[Terri]

Afternoon is fine. I can do morning too if you want, but if we do afternoon then I supervise the kids riding in the morning. Just let me know what time and I'll adjust.

[SharonP]

So should we all just agree on 11:30am as I originally mentioned?

(Why do I have to sit here at work when I just wanna go now! I don't want to wait til Saturday!)

[TrueStepPaso]

I hear ya sister!

11:30 am is smooth sailing for this pup.

[SharonP]

Do you guys think everyone else on this BB is getting annoyed that we are planning our own private trail ride, courtesty of APF?

[ErinC]

we can start an e-mail chain if you want to,
send me your e-mail address in the PM,
and I will set it up.
k?

[Barbwire]

Do you guys think everyone else on this BB is getting annoyed that we are planning our own private trail ride, courtesty of APF?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/bonk.gif

Now, let's all talk about dog farts.

[Pasogirlz]

Perhaps we should change the name of the thread toMA get-together. :lol: ;-)

[ErinC]

well BARB come on down and join us.
=)
and anyone else that is close.
;-)

I took it to e-mails, we will stop! 8-)

[SharonP]

Do you guys think everyone else on this BB is getting annoyed that we are planning our own private trail ride, courtesty of APF?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/bonk.gif


ROFL! Barb, you are slaying me! I really wish you wouldn't sugarcoat your true feelings!

[Pasogirlz]

Now, if you could all go make comments on Barb's dog fart thread, she would greatly appreciate it. :lol:

[TrueStepPaso]

Now, let's all talk about dog farts.


Yes...let's. How's your lil' bean scarfin' pooch doing anyhow? :twisted:

[SharonP]

What kind of dog? There IS a difference, depending upon breed.

[Pasogirlz]

What kind of dog? There IS a difference, depending upon breed.

Does it depend what kind of beans they ate? :lol:
http://www.americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10940&highlight=

[SharonP]

What kind of dog? There IS a difference, depending upon breed.

Does it depend what kind of beans they ate? :lol:
http://www.americanpasofinos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10940&highlight=

Yes, it does! Very insightful of you to remind me of that. We should take a poll of which beans produce the most "bang" for the buck.

[Pasogirlz]

Yes, it does! Very insightful of you to remind me of that. We should take a poll of which beans produce the most "bang" for the buck.

:shock: I'm very afraid of that thread. :lol:

[Terri]

Geeeze, I spend the day taking care of my poor sick colicy horse and you guys are getting us into trouble. :-? Can't leave you alone for a minute!!!

Now excuse me whilst I mix a bran mash.

[ErinC]

for all that missed this tread because it has been "un-active" "inactive"
we had a GREAT ride today
Abbie, Terrie, Kim , Sharon and poor hung over Erin :oops:

[jodiTowne]

We need pics and details. So who sold their horse to Sharon. HaHa

[dana]

and poor hung over Erin :oops:

and is there a story that goes with this, Erin?

[SharonP]

OMG -- we had a blast! Those trails are great, with tons of open space to do all kinds of things.

Erin's horse Incendio is awesome! He has a great disposition, a nice, big body, and he's a beautiful color. But for some reason, I think Erin wants him! Can you believe that? ;-)

[Terri]

snicker, snort, hehehehehe. pooooooor Erin, had to ride the kids pony, but managed to stay on.

Only kidding, she did great, I was the one that was to chicken to run up the sand hill (but did it in the end). She ended up on Mikka cause she generously lent Incendio to Sharon.

[SharonP]

Oh no -- now I feel guilty. :( I would've ridden Mikka -- I would've ridden
anything!

Terri, that sand hill is driving me crazy. I need to take your advice and just DO it -- NO FEAR.

[Terri]

LOL!!! You are taking your "no fear" example for ME????? :lol:

Don't worry about Erin riding Mikka, she likes to ride Mikka. Mikka is a nice horse and you too are welcome to come ride her if you want.

[ErinC]

I picked Mikka,( made my friend buy her. so she is fine for me. I love her , ;-)

Sharon I was very pleased with how well you rode Incendio.
he is a good boy and I can put just about anyone on him, but he knows if the person can ride or not, and will just be a "follow along" pony if a non rider is on him, YOU RODE HIM, and he listened to you.
I love him to death but I might need to sell him at some point, so lets do as planned, come and ride with us see how things go, and we can talk later. ;-)

OK!!!!!!

[Centauress]

Yes Sharon - you did a great job on Incendio. You guys are a good match! We'll have to do it again soon. Centauro heads to Buttermilk for training next month... :(

[SharonP]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Now I have a question about going up that sand hill.

Remember Abby said to hold the reins apart to keep the horse's head straight (kind of like cross ties in the barn)? When I hold the reins like that, should I keep very slight pressure on the bit? Any pressure at all sounds as if it might hold him back, but no pressure means no control.

Can you explain what I should do? I know I'm making this way more complicated than it is, but I want to understand this.

Tx.

[ErinC]

I held them UP and OUT,,, but up near his ears, I leaned forward so he could work off his butt, and if he thought about moving left or right, he would BUMP INTO the bit, causing him to stay straight. I never had to pull or steer..
but no rein pressure is best and Lean forward as much as you can. give the horse 100% of his own ability, Yes I had to kick him and yell to him, he did not want to do it, but I gave him no other option. I set him up not to fail.