I am currently doing a free lease on an Appy sport horse. Her confirmation is GREAT and she has a great free jump form. She is 4 years old.
She has most of her professional training in western pleasure, which she does not enjoy. This is why she is now in my possession.
She is having a hard time with the communication differences from WP to H/J. My first big problem was getting her to transition up to the trot...which I have done by using my legs, and if she doesn't respond, giving her a light tap with a crop. She seems to be getting better at this.
My other problem seems to be how she carries herself. She wants to carry herself like I want, but it seems she had the WP carriage beaten into her.
I'm working with her lunging with side reins to help her, but under saddle she still tries to drop her nose to her knees. Are draw reins something I should consider? Or is she too young?
Advice please???