QHT - Czech Quarter Horse Association

sport
QHT
Of course, each horse is an individual – just like us
humans. Some learn faster than other, want to work
by themselves, others need more time and repetition.
But in one respect both are the same: you have to be
patient. Don’t put on too much pressure and ask for too
much too soon. There are limits you might cross which
do a lot of damage! They are still babies, you know. But
always remember: whether you’ve got a horse for your
backyard or for showing – you need a good and solid
basis.
practise. So try to relax and be as precise as possible.
MC: Do you prefer special methods in training?
R.M. I love to install a really good and solid basis. I
there is a problem, you better take a step back and
return to your basics. The horse must be sensible of
course and willing to cooperate. Sometimes the reason
is not the horse, but the rider, who was not able to
communicate clearly enough. So take it easy and repeat
your training process.
MC: How do you manage older show horses?
R.M. For me it’s very important that all of my show
horses are ridden outside to relax and get something
else to think about. I jog them in the pasture and
woods, do a little uphill climbing etc. You can’t do the
same thing all the time. All my reiners and cowhorses
will do a trail once in a while.
MC: You are teaching beginners in your clinics in
Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Are there any typical
questions?
R.M. I am mostly asked how and when I start a horse.
The about my training methods and of course how
to correct special problems. E.g. somebody asks whether
you can get a hard mouth with a horse by applying
too much or too constant pressure. I say no – a horse
will not get hard in the mouth but in his head. That is
the real problem. Otherwise there would be no way to
correct that problem and ‘soften’ them up again.
MC: Are there any Tips for Rookie and Novice
riders?
R.M. How to show your horse.
Like most judges I prefer a slow but clean and correct
ride to a fast one with penalties. Of course, a beginner
is nervous, but you’ll get more relaxed and secure with
QUARTER HORSE TODAY 15/05 7
JAGFELD Quarter Horses
Herner Weg 46
45772 Marl
Tel: 0170-2977648 Alexandra
Tel: 0171-3322970 Hubertus
Tel: 0171-7106018 Christel
jagfeld@t-online.de
www.jagfeld.de