Shorts on Shorty - Independent Seat

[@melissawalker2793]

What a lovely, beautiful horse

[@dalefredricks6546]

Yep, he's a good 'un. Thank you!

[@sketchalater4656]

I would die for a horse that light, oml. I've been working with my new 15 year old mare. She has made good progress since I got her in July. Not sure she will ever get as light as Shorty though, considering she's an older horse with old habits. But I wouldn't trade her for any other horse. She has been a great teacher for me. She's got the calmness and experience due to her age, yet she's very healthy, athletic, and a fast learner. I'll be ready for when I get next horse, hopefully an impressionable 2 yr old that I can teach to be soft and responsive from the get go

[@dalefredricks6546]

Glad to hear you're enjoying your mare. There are many advantages to riding an older horse, especially for someone just starting out. It seems like most beginners want to get a young horse that they can "learn together" with. Exactly the wrong thing to do for a novice or anybody with some time or health restrictions. The world would be a better, safer place if people would start out with older, been there, done that kind of horses!

[@melissawalker2793]

He is one fine tuned horse, you have done excellent with him

[@dalefredricks6546]

Thank you Melissa- We appreciate it!

[@onegoodturngetsmostofthebl7499]

Dale... as always an informative video. The challenge here is Shorty’s been highly sensitized to your specific ques, whereas Jim is an inexperienced rider. Shorty’s anticipating your personal que, and getting mixed messages from Jim. In addition in your training videos you use verbal ques like whoa both from the ground, and in the saddle - but not mention the verbal que(s) to Jim. Jim likely needs to learn more from Shorty in the first few lessons, as it evident you’ve done a great job in your training g with him.

[@dalefredricks6546]

I probably threw a little too much at Jim for a first lesson. I shouldn't have even mentioned upper leg pressure which I only use for backing and stopping from a walk or trot. Jim did much better the 2nd day. We switched to a less sophisticated bridle with split reins which he was more comfortable with. Jim is a very smart guy and it won't take him long to figure it out. As for verbal cues, Shorty will stop from a rein, body, or verbal cue or any combination of those three. The verbal cue doesn't work though if the horse is receiving conflicting signals elsewhere. Thank you for your input!

[@krystaldaniels7940]

That comment confirms my suspicions with my new 16yr old mare. Shes an angel on the ground but when i get on her back she fights me tooth and nail. I truely believe its something IM doing, not her. Im used to riding my old quarter horse and havent had much experience at all on other horses. New mare is gaited so that alone is a big adjustment for me! Hoping to have a trainer out this week to work with me and her together.

[@krystaldaniels7940]

I LOVE Dales accent, could listen to his training all day long lol. That aside, im hoping to find someone to come work with me and my horse on my property bc i believe shes had a good bit of training, its me that needs improvement lol. Most trainers ive found just want the owners to leave the horse with them for a month at a time. I just want someone to come work with me JUST like this. This video really confirms it for me. IM the problem, not my horse! Guess thats a good thing, at least i know i do have a good horse and i can find ways to improve myself!💖

[@joecor3343]

So Nice!!

[@dalefredricks6546]

Thank you Joe!

[@paulanaughton9812]

What aid or que do you with your seat bones

[@dalefredricks6546]

Hi Paula- I do ride primarily on my seat bones, except for stopping when I round my back more and sit a little more on my pockets. When turning or doing any lateral movement, I do shift my inside hip or seat bone slightly ahead. For instance when turning left, my left hip and or seat bone would be slightly ahead. Thanks for your question............Dale