by Eastern Cowgirl, age 12

Have you ever felt frustrated and stressed out because your horse just is not working with you? Don’t worry. Everybody, and every horse, has off days. Just try some simple, easy techniques that can improve your skills and make a connection with your horse.

One tip for working with a horse that is having an off day is starting with an easy, simple warm-up. Try walking your horse on a lead rope around the area that you will be riding in. Don’t try to persuade him or her to walk over something that has even the slightest chance of spooking them.

The next step is to mount your horse slowly and gently. Then, walk him or her around the same area that you just led your horse around in. After a few minutes, ask your horse to trot. Wait for the horse to fall into a smooth, rounded gait. If your horse is jumpy at this stage, then you might want to make sure the saddle pad you’re riding with does not have an uncomfortable object in the bottom. Also make sure the saddle fits your companion.

Finally, you’re ready to canter if that is what the activity that your trying to achieve requires. I wouldn’t recommend going straight to jumping at this phase. If you need to jump, first walk, trot, and canter your horse around the course to ensure him or her that everything is okay, and you can be trusted.

After your ride, give your horse a treat such as a couple of carrots or an apple. ( I also wouldn’t recommend giving your horse a treat when he or she is put back in the stables. Instead, feed your riding mate a treat while still in the area that you just rode him or her in.)

HAVE FUN ENJOYING THE WIDE WORLD OF HORSES!

SAFETY NOTE: Always work with a professional trainer for advice when your horse is having an off day.