Hi Mike, That is a good question. Horses will generally travel forward easier if they are moving around behind the person on the ground. Keeping the flag low and across my body allows the horse the freedom to come around behind me. Most horses, if given the option, would prefer to approach a human from behind or from the side at an oblique angle so I find that posture relaxes MOST horses. Keep in mind, I don't disengage their hindquarters. I prefer to teach them to stop straight and having the flag across my body gives me the added option of unfolding my arms to use the flag as an aid in stopping the horse. It takes some practice, but I find this technique to be helpful. Take care, Richard
Richard Boatwright
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Jan 07 at 07:48 AM
Hi Rob, Good to hear from you. Most of the horses we deal with are young, but the principles are really the same. It's just that the older the habit, the harder it is to break. I'll see if I can find an older one with a bad habit so I can video it. I might just have one!🤠 Have a great day