This Month’s Expert Ben Baldus
Raised in Michigan, Ben Baldus has shown horses since he was a young boy. He worked for evangelist Lew Sterrett’s Sermon on the Mount, which uses horses as part of its Christian leadership development programs. He then moved to Electra, Texas, to work with reining trainer Doug Milholland at the historic Waggoner Ranch, starting 2-year-olds and riding reining horses. Baldus now focuses on training and showing horses for versatility and reined cow horse events.
Q: How do I encourage my horse to keep a steady, slow trot? It seems like whenever I ask, he only knows one speed: the extended trot. He is soft in the mouth now, but how do I slow him down without using too much rein?
A: Great work on getting your horse soft and responsive in the face. As you cue through the reins, I would want to be sure that he also slows his gait and doesn’t just give his face and continue on. A great way to practice this is to apply steady rein pressure and increase it until he slows his feet. Ultimately, the release will be to soften your rein pressure in response to him slowing his gait. Another helpful drill is to steer him into a small circle, picking up with your inside rein to elevate his shoulder and shorten his stride. As he slows his feet, stay soft and release the rein pressure. This teaches him to not only slow his gait, but also become more responsive to your neck rein. That way, as you steer him with your neck rein he will slow down and pick up his shoulder while you steer. Good luck and remember that the more you practice, the better it will become!
Q: My 4-year-old mare has only been worked in the arena. While she seems pretty steady inside, I’m nervous about venturing out on the trails. How do I make that transition safely for the both of us?
A: First of all, I commend you for pushing your comfort zone in working with your horse! Trail riding can be a fun and rewarding way to build confidence, trust and obedience with your horse. We often trail ride our horses as a way to give them a break from the arena, as well as to make sure their training is well rounded. Working on different maneuvers outside on the trail can be a great way to show your horse a different situation and enjoy a new experience together.
After working your horse in the arena, use your cooling-down time to ride outside the arena—around barn, pens, etc.—allowing your horse to relax and enjoy her time in a new environment. This also eliminates the opportunity for her to spook at something due to being fresh. As you and your horse get more comfortable with unfamiliar territory, you can continue to push yourself further by having a friend with a seasoned trail horse accompany you outside on trails, thus giving you and your mare an opportunity to relax and gain confidence by following the veteran trail horse in the new obstacles, trails or potentially spooky situations. Best of luck, and most importantly, enjoy the new views with your horse!
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