Went to the Washington County fair yesterday and saw many youngsters doing the games. It was disappointing to see how the horses struggled to behave and do their best with riders interfering every step of the way!
When I’ve worked with the 4-Hers I’ve always taught them to develop a balanced seat and not flop around in the canter or gallop, but it still takes a lot of time and development before a horse can really run and then stop and turn, as is required in most games.
This development is really just dressage basics, since quickening the hind legs so they step more under the body and convincing the horse to move forward into the downward transitions and stay under himself in the turns, takes some time. Some horses are more inclined toward this type of balance than others, but here are some basic building blocks for your gaming horse — or any horse.
1. Teach him the turn on the forehand. Be able to control it but be able to do it instantly.
2. Teach him the turn on the haunches –both more slowly and precisely as in dressage, and quicker, as in a rollback.
3. Teach him to canter in a position of haunches-in and make small circles in haunches-in (more advanced) so he learns not to become disunited around the barrels/poles/etc.
4. Practice light transitions up and down with immediate promptness. He can’t lounge around doing anything. His feet have to move.
5. Take frequent breaks from intensely active and changing work and bore him a bit with dressage circles and legyields, so he doesn’t lose his marbles when you take him in the ring!