What questions do you have about Paso Fino training

[LynnG]

I am working on a ASK THE TRAINER Q&A article for each month for the Paso Fino Horse World. Many members of the Profesiional Paso Fino Trainers have already agreed to help with answers. I need real bonafied questions of what you the PFHA member would like to know regarding training Paso Finos.

For each month, the PFHW has subject themes. For example, "April" is Classic Fino, Performance and Show. That issue's deadline is mid- this month. So need those specific questions right away (please PM or email me) or post.

Overall, questions can be targeted around training specialties: Bellas Formas, Fino, Performance, Pleasure, Recreational Trail, Endurance, CTR, A/O, youth, Versatility, Western Pleasure, Trail Obstacle, Driving, Special needs riding, etc. Q&A's will be then published in the month of that subject's themes. Eventually, there will be questions coming in from members from reading the Q&A article in the magazine.

For training subjects like endurance, CTR, and Special Needs... Trainers who specialize in these areas will be desired... let me know if you have that specific experience and would like to participate.

The Ask A Trainer Q&A is part of the PFHA Communications Committee 2007 goal for developing an "PFHW Article Bank", from which written articles can be used for different theme months in the PFHW. Each region will designate their regional reporter(s) who will be gathering info for writing articles from members in their region. The PFHA Communications Committee has PFHW News Correspondents who are coordinating and working with the different regions... Carol Nudell (CarolU), Lori West (echo), and Elizabeth Arledge, for help and guidance in getting the articles together. If you would like to know our subject categories for the Article Bank, you can contact Carol, Lori, Elizabeth or me.

So for now, let me hear from members on training questions you may have, specifically Fino and performance ... schooling or in the showring, to help meet the first PFHW deadline for April.

Lynn Gallup
PFHA Communications Committee Chairperson

[LynnG]

Nine members/trainers of the PPFTA have agreed to participate so far, and I just sent the request out yesterday afternoon. There is a PFHA Judges Clinic this weekend, so some are involved with that.

Pro Trainers so far who are participating in the PFHW Q&A are from FL, NC, SC, TN, GA, and Ontario Canada. Many are very well known trainers! here's your chance to ask those questions.

[dana]

Dang, Lynn! you're gonna make me renew my subscription, aren't you?

[LynnG]

Now Dana, you don't want to miss out do you?! Ha, yes renew your subscription if you aren't already a PFHA member.

Most of these pro trainers who have signed on are well-known easily by just their first names in the Paso Fino world!

The Communications Committee members, regional reporters, and pro trainers are doing all the legwork for these features as PFHA member volunteers and because of their devotion to the Paso Fino breed.

So Dana, do you have a question to add?

[CarolU]

I know one I'd like is to describe the function and use of the Colombian spade bit. The difference in poll pressure, chin pressure, port pressure, etc. and what each accomplishes OR what problems you'll see when applying the wrong kind of pressure.

[LynnG]

Carol, thank you. very good tack question.

[Red Ryder]

How train a horse to stand still for mounting and what to do when they start to drift away from that training.

How to teach leg cues

how to teach a horse to back

How to teach side pass

[motorgypsy]

I second Carol's question and would like to see a picture of a horse with a particular problem and a picture of the different bits or bosals that could be used to cue the horse to correct the problem. For example - head too low, head too high, nose out too far, nose in too far, heavy on the forehand and so on.

I would also like to hear more about the constant flexing you see at shows. I also watched a Puerto Rican paso fino trainer constantly moving the horses head from left to right. I can only speculate that it helps build the neck muscles so the horse will self collect.

I'd also like to see an explanation and perhaps some pictures of exercises that can be done to build the strength of the muscles the paso fino uses to gait.

I'd like to see descriptions with pictures of different techniquest that are used to teach the paso fino to stand for mounting.

I'd like to hear and see the different cues that trainers from different cultures and backgrounds teach paso finos. I know that some are taught seat cues, some leg cues and others just respond to body movement. It would be very interesting to see articles showing how each is taught and the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

I'd like to see discussions from trainers on how to deal with a nervous horse in the show ring or on the trail and one who refuses to move forward because of fear of an object. What techniques have they come up with that would be helpful. Obviously the turing the head back and forth is one because it is done constantly but there have to be many others we don't see.

I'd also like to know exactly what trainers look for when they evaluate a horse for the show ring and determine what classes to enter them in besides that special "something" that makes a winner.

[pnalley]

I would like information on starting a horse in bella forma on two lines. Actually starting the horse, not on how to work a trained one.

I have seen several people ask this question, and never seen it answered.

[Pam M]

I'd like to read some tips on "attitude adjustments". I'm never sure how to best respond to temper tantrums from the saddle.

I'd also be interested in anything that would be helpful in endurance and trail riding, including learning more about tack.

[AprilH]

I'm so glad they are bringing the training Q/A back to the magazine. I remember when they used to have it and it was always so informative and interesting.

[Laura S]

I would like to add that whatever training questions they are answering that they do not be too vague or general. Lots of details with pictures are helpful. Also, give examples of how the horse may behave during different training sessions, and how you may need to adjust things for your type of horse......sort of like what Clinton Anderson does.

[LynnG]

I will be planning for a minimal of 2 to 3 trainers to respond per each question with answers in their own words. The more specific the question, will result in most likely a more specific answer. Also as the Q&A gets underway and printed, can lead to more specific questions in response to an answer(s).

So keep those questions coming. Please post in the form of a question if possible? So what are some pleasure riding questions (show and trail)?

thanks.
Lynn

[Camilla]

Here is my question specifically for training the Fino horse to show (for curiosity's sake...):

How much time (percentage-wise) would each trainer spend in each gait when training a horse they plan to show in fino? ie. in a given session... how much time percentage-wise in fino, corto, walk, trocha, canter, largo?
thanks...

[pasolovr]

I have a question about how to teach a horse to "spook in place". My horse does a complete 180 degree wheel around turn if something scares him. What can I do about such a bad habit? :(

[LynnG]

Congrats to the 14 trainers who have signed aboard as of this morning.

Let's keep those training questions coming.

How about training questions on Endurance, Competitive trail riding?

Any interest on Cowboy shooting training questions?

Driving for cart?

Training horses for challenged riders?

thanks...
Lynn

[Kerry W]

What is the most common rider error/problem they see, when the owners come to test ride their horses?

[Moniece Dickerson]

I don't have the problem now like I used to but I would like to see the trainers address
1)Teaching a youngster that they are not aloud to kick at a human under ANY circumstances.
2)I'd also like training tips for respect when you have no round pen.
3)Teaching collection starting at the begining,step by step,and how to address resistance that may arise.
4)Teaching a paso fino to "bump up" back into gait.
5)How to bring the brio out of your very calm very relaxed paso fino without installing fear or nervousness.

Thank you for bringing back the training section.Your friend,Moniece

[Serendipity]

Training questions I would like answers to are:

Starting the bella forma horse,how do you get them gaiting consitancly, babies tend to have a mind of their own and gait when they want .

starting under saddle same question how do you get them gaiting consistanly,I have been luck that mine gait right out under saddle but some day I'll get one that does not.

saddle fitting could be another and how bits and other paso tack work.some looks so scary!

Show tack and attire what is correct and proper

My biggest question is head set how do you get that after when you start them you keep the head bumped up.

[LynnG]

Thanks all.

I am working on training questions specifically now for: pleasure, trail, CTR and endurance. keep them coming!

[moonrize]

Specifically, I would like to know which type of bit shank is made for exactly what. For instance, the frog leg vs the "s" vs table leg, etc.

Also, how hoof angles affect way of going.

[Serendipity]

Country pleasure -the proper way to mount from the wrong side and how to make it easier on you and the horse.

trail backing patterns and sidepassing these were hard for me we could do but they just took longer to teach.

The only real trouble i had with Trail class is my horse hated to stop and start corto to next abstical then do something else.but never really going forward,my girl is just impastent but how do you keep your horse calm.

and another thing trainers take for granted is how do you train your horse for the arena with out one or what steps to do at the show for the horse to get used to riding the rail and not being afaid of it,i know it sounds silly but i dont have an arena to work in everything i do is outside so going to the show the first time was really hard on my horse because he had never been inside and riding the fence rail is not like riding the arena rail