Hi Austen!
Jasmin here. My father and me just watched the currently available parts of "Walter won't go forward" and is was really amazing. My father, who has not much to do with horses, was so amazed, I think he did not know what to say! :) Also that Monty had to use the Giddy-Up Rope only one time, it's ... WOW!
Jasmin Hochfeld

P.S. Do you know if Giddy-Up Ropes are also available in Germany?

Hi
I just tried this technique with my lovely fellow who is quite the sleepy head. It definitely worked! I am going back out tonight to see what happens again in the trot to canter transition!
Cheers
Rainy

Hi Jasmin,
I guess the Giddy-up ropes are hard to get in Germany, so I made my own!
It's not difficult, I bought 6 packages of cotton, the type you normally use to knit.
The bedposts of my double bed are 2 meters apart, I wound the cotton around them.
The ends I cut open, doubled it and made a loop of the middle part.
Then I braided it to a thick braid, fixed the end and the loop with some stitches.
That's all!
Miriam

Hi all,
Just wanted to make a quick comment about "Walter Won't go Forward" and the giddy-up rope. A friend (who is also a member of the uni) was having a lot of trouble with her horse refusing to go forward, so we thought we would give Monty's technique a go. My friend purchased the pacifier from a racing equipment shop, but we didn't have a giddy-up rope (we are in Australia and you can't buy them here, and we didnt have time to make one) so we used a bath towel tied in the middle with some stretchy material as a handle. It worked brilliantly, and immediately! It was amazing! The best part is, we know for sure we haven't caused the horse any pain at all, as it is just a nice, soft towel. Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know about how well it worked. Thanks again Monty!

Hi, I watched the series Walter won't go as well and it was great!
I remember Monty saying it doesn't always work as fast as when he did it but I'm very pleased it has worked as quickly for others, that's encouraging. He suggested we keep uing all three of the pieces of equipment for at least 30 days, I guess to imprint.
Miriam, did you say you used cotton? Hmmm, our cotton here in Canada is very stiff, I crochet with it and thought it would be too stiff for a giddy-up rope.
I too was thinking of making one only with natural wool, it's nice and soft here.
It looks to be about two feet long but I'm not sure.
I was going to braid the center, for around my wrist, then join the two sections and braid them together, leaving the bottom section, about six inches loose and comb it out so it would be soft. Taking a three foot piece of wool and wrapping it continuously around the bottom of the braided part until it is secure and then apply some glue to hold it in place and also comb the ends in with the bottom.
I hope it works and is nice and loose like Monty's.
The idea of the soft towel sounds great but I'm such a clutz I'd probably hurt myself with it, great thinking.
It must be from having such brillant companions (horses) that has taught us all to be so clever and innovative, ah.

Hi My Star. I agree, the towel is a little cumbersome! I think your home made giddy-up rope will be perfect!

I've been looking for a pacifier like Monty showed but couldn't find one. does anyone know an online supplier in the US that I might be able to buy one at? thanks

Hello
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Good on you Ruth :-) Its great to see these things working so well.
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Tiggs4e, if you find somewhere that sells Horse Racing tack, they are the ones who usually sell the pacifier masks.
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See you later,
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Gen

HI everyone

I used a homemade giddyup rope and it worked pretty well to get the lovley, pooky, lazy arab boy I lease to move forward.

The other day I tried to trail ride with him, and he would not go past the road that heads back to the barn. He continued to back up and turn toward the barn. It was dangerous because there are some steep ditches that he was backing up into. I have used the giddyup rope with him in that situation before, but it didn't help: he seemed to have gotten used to it? I knew that I was completely inneffective so I just let him go back to the barn. It was plain obvious to me that I was not skilled enough to sort it out then and there, and I didn't want to get angry with him. So, I let him go back his way. I didn't think it was such a big deal...it didn't bother me and I knew that I didn't know how to handle the situation...so I let him go back...

Did I do the wrong thing?

I mentioned casually to his owner that he wouldn't go down the road and to my horror she told me that she "beat the shit out of him" the next day to "tune him up" so that he would go forward. Oh my gawd: my horse. He is so sweet, and generous with me,even if he is stubborn about that road. My riding is terrible and he totally puts up with me, he nickers when I see him...I was stunned and I feel sick and responsible.

I am just sick about it. It is dangerous to ride him when he backs up like that: there are ditches all around...I don't feel confident about trying to get him moving down there with the giddyup rope now...I dont' want him beaten again so he needs to learn this...I wish I could beg him into it...please Teighan for your own sake...go forward...

I need some encouragement!
Rainy

Rainy
When you say your riding is terrible is that because you are not experienced and do not know how to properly sit a horse? If so then you should concentrate on improving your riding before you try to take on training a horse. This is not a put down so please don't take it as such.
You have the right idea about how to get your horse moving forward, but if you watch Monty's lessons on using the giddy up rope you will see that he is just going a short distance with the horse and just past the point of refusal by the horse. The giddy up rope is being used as a distraction as well as an encouragement tool. Monty repeats the same thing over and over with the horse so that he understands the lesson.
In the case of your last experience with your horse you where correct to let him go back rather than fight him. The only thing that I would have done differently would be to make him walk back the other way and go past the entrance and just stand for a few minutes, perhaps even backing him up and turning him in very small circles. That would take the beans out of him so he would not be as stubborn.
Also remember that the owner of the horse has a separate relationship to the horse so he is going to respond to her differently than you. Most people who "beat the shit" out of their horse are exaggerating what they did to either make themselves feel they are in command. I am sure that the horse was not treated in the proper manner and is more than likely they type of horse because of the poor training and abuse that she has received.

Keep trying to improve your riding every time you get on the horse and keep following the non violent methods that you have learned and you will be successful. Your greatest tools are going to be consistency and patience. It may take longer to get there but you will be a much better rider and your horse will be a much better horse.

Cheers

Aw Rainy,
This is horrible, I wish I had the money I would send it to you so you could buy that sweet horse for yourself.
That's a terrible thing to happen, people are so stupid, ah. Beat a horse that'll teach him, he won't do that again.
I bet your afraid now to open your mouth around that person.
Horses are so patient with us. You're not responsilbe, you did not do this, the owner did so, don't beat yourself up over it.
I guess the owner is not open to Montys' way and wouldn't allow you to train him with all three pieces of equipment needed to get him to go forward without pain. Perhaps you could ask or if you have a portable computer you could show them the serious on, "Walter won't go". Maybe worth a try?
Try not to be dicouraged, you seem to be his only friend, keep showing your love for him, you are his sunshine in the day, I bet.

HI My Star and Dennis
I am getting past the sadness of this experience and I am thinking proactive again. Thanks for your input both of you.

Dennis, I am not much of a technician, but I seem to be able to stay on through bucks, and spooks, even bareback. I tell the kids that I can stay on because I am too fat for Teighan to throw me!hahahha My endurance is poor, but my balance seems to save me: or maybe divine intervention. On Monday I have my first lesson with a real instructor so I hope that will help.

I really feel like I have to try to work this out with Teighan. No one else there will use a gentle method and I can't bear it when he gets cropped. I am going to call the local tack shop and see if they have the rig that will limit his vision behind him, and I will pull out the giddy up rope and rewatch the video as well.

Thanks you two. I feel much more hopeful already and can't wait to get off work to go see my boy!!
Thanks
Rainy

Rainy
I am glad you are taking lessons and that you have good balance. My suggestion of improving your riding is one that I think everyone should strive for no matter how advanced a rider they are. One of the exercises that we use to improve balance and your seat is to ride without stirrups in the arena. We start just at a walk and once you feel comfortable doing that then you go to the next gait be it a trot or just a fast walk. Also at a walk we reach round and touch the different parts of the horse without using the reins or holding on to the saddle. It is a little scary the first couple of times but as you gain confidence doing these excersises your riding will improve dramaticly because you are now being in tune with yourself and the horse at the same time.

good luck and keep us informed on your progress.
Cheers

That's right Dennis, that's what they have me doing with my therepeutic riding to regain my balance.
Another thing that I do is put my hand on the end of the horse's cresent, just before the saddle, and push myself back onto the seat bones instead of the pelvic bones.
That helps me to get my perfect seat, my balance is even and the horse and I can work as a team.
Even though I have been riding for 55 years we can all improve in our skills everyday, so good for you!
Hope this helps, Rainy
Ronda

Hi Rainy
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That's sad that you find yourself in this situation with your horse and its great that you are moving forward and feeling better.
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But I just wanted to add that you have to use a Pacifier Mask in conjunction with the giddy-up rope to encourage forward movement. Hope you are able to get one from your locak tack shop.
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With the pacifier mask taped up on the back side, the horse will not back up because he won't go where he can't see. The same with the horse tht rears. Tape the pacifier mask up on the top and the horse can't see above his head and wont go there.
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Good luck and kind regards,
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Gen

Dennis,
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My aunty used to make me ride with no sturrups and no reins. You are quite right, it really is a great way to achieve a better seat when riding. Very effective.
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Kind regards,
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Gen

Hi everyone
Thanks for all the wonderful advice and tips. I am soo grateful for the support. Haven't been able to get to the barn to ride myself, so I haven't had a chance to try all these new tricks. I'll post when i do!!
Rainy

Thanks for the great videos with the giddy up rope!!
Out of desperation, I used a 10 foot lead rope for a very lazy horse. The only difference was that I used the folded lead on my own back instead of the hoses sides! The noise alone was enough to work wonders. He is a new, enjoyable horse now. Thanks again everyone.

I used a rugby sock with another sock balled up and pushed to the toe of the one I held.Worked miracles on a 26 year old mule...

This is a link to one of the only cheap pacifier available on local market. Can it work as it is? it should be no need to puta any tape as it looks to create a blind spot for the horse.

http://www.tosoniselleriashop.com/public/zoom_30344969_0809740.jpg
please can anyone give me advice? this will help me and my horse to avoid the whip and spurs of the trainer!

thanks

What is your horse doing that requires a pacifier? Is it rearing up or balking? Also, if your trainer is using a whip and spurs on your horse I'd advise you to find a new trainer.
Kleinne

kleinne,
my Horse is doing like "Walter"... don't go..... so I would like to give a try to Monty's method, being three tools to use I do so, maybe not all are required but I do believe there is more than one reason to use the pacifier, closing the backdoor is good to prevent nibbing before Horse try to do it when put under spurs and giddyup rope pressure.
point is of the pacifier I found even of is not exactly the same as the one shown in the lesson will work anyway.
have a nice day and thanks for the answer
Emilio

So your horse is balking, in that case then yes I think the pacifier you showed might work. I would leave out the spurs if possible they just make the horse mad and more resistant to what you're trying to achieve. If you feel a spur is required then try a humane type spur like Monty has.
Good luck,
Kleinne

Kleinne,
of course I was meaning the humane ones... and maybe I can even not use them at all as I usually do not wear them; it was just to perform the same procedure as Monty has shown in the University. I am like that when learning something I just copy the whole procedure as taught... bit by bit.
Thanks and have a nice day
Emilio

If he wont go forward past somthing and goes into reverse, have you tried calmly deliberately reversing/reining back past the offensive object/gate? No whiping, bullying, spuring or shouting - good result though

horsepower365 I agree, I reverse mine past everything if he won't go forwards, been doing this for years even with his mother (I've had her 26 years now), he now takes about 3 strides when I've turned him, turns himself back & just goes on past the offending item!!

Reversing past it is one way, as is if he puts himself into reverse when facing the way you want to go is to say, ok, you want to go backwards, keep going backward till i say stop!
The thing you do need to do is once you've got him past his sticky point, is not to just carry on, but turn round & go back past it, turn again, turn again etc until he is so bored & desensitised to it, he's not reacting anymore.
If you just get them past once & carry on with your ride, they're likely to do the same next time too, repetition is the key to desensitisation & it means he has to work instead of getting out of doing work by refusing to go forward.
Reassure him to start with that there's nothing to be scared of, then set to work.
good luck

I have a 12'3h Dartmoor pony who is my daughters pony we have had her for just over 4 years, we brought her as a lead rein pony (previously she was a riding school pony)on the lead rein she is a star my daughter has aspburgers syndrome and suffers badly with confidence issues so has stayed on the lead for perhaps longer than usual but now she is at the stage to come off we have done loads of ground work over the past year she long reins beautifully and millie (our pony)has really got the hang of this but under saddle is a completely different off the lead she spooks, spins walks backwards or just plants her feet and wont go anywhere ive just watched walter wont go and it seems amazing but millie is 15yrs now and has always been a lead rein pony I did think about selling her as a lead rein pony as this is the role she has only ever known but we couldn't bear as a family to part with her and all the children who came to see her I really didn't like as they had the attitute of kick it beat it, is she to old to re educate ? I feel we are at a real crossroads and not sure which way to turn

Hi. Millie needs a role model. She has had either a horse or a human to follow & needs to increase her confidence. Have you done Join Up? Given that your daughter has health issues perhaps you should ensure that she rides in company, which will encourage Millie too. That would keep them both safe. I bought Apollo in 1981 as a hack having been told this 14 year old would not jump. We worked on his physical problems, we developed a fantastic partnership, we show jumped at local shows & team chased successfully. In 1997, then at the age of 30, we paired up with Alister on Daytona for the riding club cross country pairs - we won. At the age of 37 I made the ridiculous decision to continue our habit of going for a ride on my birthday in early June. By this point he had lost the sight in one eye & had cataracts in the other, arthritis in his knees, COPD and a heart murmur. He was not ridden regularly. We had a quiet walk & trot in the adjacent field. Then he took up the bit and flew along one side of the field - just as we had done so many times before. He pulled up when I asked & then was so pleased with himself he half passed back to the yard, tossing his head wildly as if to say "Still got it"! He died 362 days later, on 05.06.2005. I will always be grateful our last ride gave us both so much joy. Don't give up on Millie, she is just getting to a useful age and your daughter would miss her dreadfully I am sure.