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Horse Behavior and Training
Working at the race track 2
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There is no specific lesson for use in a walkway but if you watch Monty where a horse shows indifference or lack of cooperation to his guidance ( i.e. changes of direction ) he will raise his arms, advance briskly a couple of strides & then slap the lead line against his leg, often throwing the excess line out towards & over the rear end of the horse. In your case these thoroughbreds will not expect a handler to a) square up, b) appear to grow larger & then c) effectively to charge, albeit for two or three steps, especially all in very rapid time. Most disconcerting for a bolshy youngster! Hopefully, sufficiently disconcerting to cause a total habit change. The real trick is for you to halt their backwards retreat & continue to lead them along the walkway in the original direction, calmly, as though nothing had happened but being able & willing to repeat the lesson instantly, if necessary.
Hope this helps. Keep in touch. Cheers, Jo.