Ears forward when trotting

[loopylou]

Mags has done a good handful of shows last year spread right across the year. The last couple and particularly the last show she was brill and loved every minute, but when asked to trot, put her ears back and looked very evil.

Now when trotting, cantering out in the field playing she is fine. Walking around and at the show itself, she loves, just when in hand (rope halter used) and asked to trot the ears go back.

We have had a couple of practises at home, but again when asked in hand to trot, ears go back, how can i encourage those ears forward?? Ideas please??

[Anna]

Tic-tacs in your pocket perhaps so she pricks them to listen? Although it does make you rattle all the time!

Someone once lent me a rope halter that had cellotape wrapped on it just where you held it, i asked what it was for and apparently you can "scrunch" it with your nails and its more subtle than tic-tacs?

[loopylou]

Thanks Anna, great idea, will give it ago at home. If it works save the tic-tacs especially for the shows, so it is somethng new and exciting for her.

Might also put some tape on to the halt, might as well have it all there to try ;D

[zeldalithgow]

I wonder could she particularly sensitive where the rope halter lies behind her ears, and when you're trotting the rope is tighter just a thought

[Debbie]

;D Ah, the tricks of the trade! Let us know if she likes either technique.

[Debbie]

I'm dying to know, did you try these techniques yet?? Did they work on Mags?

[loopylou]

Well i saved the TicTacs until the show ring on Sunday and they seem to work, see how long it carries on working for or not