Backing Up

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Cayuse

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Can anyone tell me which rein to use when backing the cart to the left or right? Or can you even turn the cart while backing? Say I was backing between two poles as if in a trail class and I want the cart to back to the LEFT, which rein would I use?

We are backing up well between poles but I would like to increase the challenge if I can. I thought I'd better educate myself instead of trying it out on the mini, I do not want to confuse him when I myself is confused :). I can't back up the horse trailer worth a darn, either.
 
There was an obstacle in a Class. We were to back between two poles, then maneuver somehow and back a few inches parallel. I can't even remember what it was exactly or if anyone was even able to accomplish it. Backing into an L is common. Is that what you are talking about?
 
Yes, backing an L. I was not sure if I had seen it in driving obstacle classes or not. Seems like I have. I have seen the straight back up between poles.

I don't want to try it with Peanut until I have the right signals and confuse him as backing up was one of his sticky points.

Once I figure it out I am going to write it on a card and stick it on my cart where I can see it until I can memorize it. I never can cut the wheel right backing up the horse trailer and I have a feeling this is going to be similar
 
You will surely encounter an L in a driving class. I think knowing how to sidepass helps. When sidepassing, be sure he knows how to go around an L. He will learn to keep his hind in position while moving his fore. Then you can use rein pressure and some cues he knows.
 
Thanks Marsha, he does side pass. Not the best, but not the worst either. It has been one of the things we work on occasionally. He tends to anticipate so I have been breaking it down into small steps (literally) for him. I ask him for two or three steps,then have him stop and THINK about what he is doing and wait for the next cue to proceed.

He'd rather hot rod it sideways and be done with it.

I will maybe get out to drive on Saturday, I will try backing a very slight turn and see where we end up.
 
Thanks Marsha, he does side pass. Not the best, but not the worst either. It has been one of the things we work on occasionally. He tends to anticipate so I have been breaking it down into small steps (literally) for him. I ask him for two or three steps,then have him stop and THINK about what he is doing and wait for the next cue to proceed.

He'd rather hot rod it sideways and be done with it.

I will maybe get out to drive on Saturday, I will try backing a very slight turn and see where we end up.
Yes, that what Rowdy does. I have to use my "arm extender" (whip) to cue him back into position and remind him only to move when I do. I need to practice more with him. He does not back well enough in cart yet to think about doing L's.
 

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