Hello all
I am now doing exercises with my Belgian/paint horse Lizzie to prepare her for being ridden, things that will teach her to move forward and such on the ground and when I'm on her. She is no stranger to being mounted though, I have sat on her many times since she was three.
I have never before started a horse, so I wanted to ask for some advice. I really don't have anyone experienced to help me in my remote little area. Everyone around where I live is really into dominance, hitting, punishment, etc. and I really don't want that to be Lizzie's start.
I am currently getting her to move in circles around me in both directions. She absolutely loves learning new things and always stares after me when I leave the pasture, which is both sad (because then I don't want to leave) and pleasing (because at least I am not entirely boring
) She is a joy to work with and I love her enthusiasm
I am going to get into ground driving her again, though I was wondering if it would be better to teach her to ground drive from behind or from back and beside her, how best to teach her to turn while continuing to move forward, and what other exercises would be good for me to do with her.
edit: I should also mention, I do not stand passively when I ask Lizzie to circle. I move with in an even smaller circle and then stop when she is to stop.