TRAINING EVALUATION

GROUND HANDLING

10- Hard to saddle ( 1-3 ) [81]

Continue the training evaluation by standing backand watching for bad manners—both the horse and handlers. If a heavy saddle is flung carelessly up on the horse's back, and he doesn't flinch, fault the rider. If the saddle is eased up, and the horse is plainly not happy about the whole idea, suspect that he might have been cinch bound once too often.

11- Owner uses severe bit ( 5-10 ) [98]

By itself, this entry doesn't tell a complete story. What I want you to observe is what "iron" the horse will be handling to further judge entry number 17.

Severity is measured by long shanks for leverage, and a high port, or spade, that reaches well up into the mouth. A mild bit is a bar straight across.

There are a few expert reinsmen about that use a severe bit so lightly it is hard to catch the movement of their hands. If this is the case, stop worrying about the horse's training, and ask about lessons for yourself.

12- Kicks ( 5-10 )

Watch how the person saddling picks up the cinch from the off side, or how he checks to make sure it isn't twisted. If he seems a bit afraid to reach under the horse's belly, or of walking around the hindquarters, you too should be lust a bit frightened .

When in range of a kneecap shattering kick, keep a hand, arm, elbow, etc., in contact with the animal. Any tensing of the muscles will give warning, or possibly push you clear of what is to follow. Another warning are ears brought back along the head, and a hoof ready to fire.

A horse's mind works very much like that of a small child. A kicker could just be frightened, and strikes out without realizing the damage he can cause. Or, it might be a matter of being thoroughly spoiled.

13- Bites ( 5-10 )

When the latigo is being tightened the horse has a good opportunity to — and maybe a good reason — reach around and fight back by taking a bite. A playful nip is easily corrected. On the other hand — ouch — a hungry, man eating horse, possibly a vicious kicker too, can never be trusted.

14- Nervous ( 5-10 )

If for any reason you are not 100% satisified in your mind that a horse is safe to handle from the ground, ask to be allowed to repeat the saddling by yourself. If you have never tied a latigo knot, use the excuse that you just want to learn how it is done.

This time, take the saddle blanket and after rubbing the horse's sides and legs, draw it up over his head and eyes. If he takes this well, flap it behind his legs. Most Western trained horses receive this "sacking out," in their basic education. If it obviously is a new experience for the horse, see how far you can get by gently talking him into accepting what is happening.

As mentioned before, the ears can talk. Another sign that a horse is suffering from "Human-Phobia," is a tail being "clamped in," or wrung. Also, watch for spooking, shying, while being led, to know what to expect when ridden.