Gate and phases

July 28 Gate and provocative phases while riding issue:

Forum: like the isolate, separate, recombine things that you are doing. Can you start putting the smaller bits together into larger bits?

LOVE that idea--instead of focusing on 'open and shut the gate' as that is something I need before filming L3 freestyle: Instead make the gate a game for me and think of new and different things we can do with the gate i.e. back thru the gate; go all the way thru the opening and do 1/2 a 360 to turn and face, walk the fence/gate both directions and forward and back. We have already been sidepassing lots of different ways. Or how many ways can I play with the chain that has to be fastened around the gate?? hmmmm Or--the gate opens both directions and that could lead to new ideas. hmmm. and if each little segment is simple like that, its so much easier to give treats and rest??? maybe it'll change the whole process into something fun and I won't have to think about upping phases. Also as an LBI it doesn't require much energy and she should love that.

HOT LINE:
did call the hot line and asked about phases when a horse is being bratty. I.e. not stopping and waiting at the gate--suggestion--a firm backup and then stop and wait (its not about the gate) and reward when relaxed. Another example of phase being using the end of the rope to spank myself or my horse. Kristy Madoney?? Firmer backup, she should stand quietly where I place her. Assertive yes ma’am and then reward and think about it. Pin ears at canter—phase 4, shut down zone 1 for bad attitude, spank with end of rope myself then Try phases

forum: Something that's worked for me (I have a dominant LBE) is to make the gate a resting place. In other words, we would do circles or figure 8's in another part of the ring and when it was time to rest and relax we did it by the gate. Pretty soon that gate becomes VERY attractive to the horse. Next step is to pet the gate while continuing to rest next to the gate, the fiddling with the latch while resting next to the gate...you get the idea.