Question: I've been trail riding for about a year. My 9-year-old Paint Horse gelding does pretty well on the trail. Someone told me that a maneuver called "two-tracking" comes in handy on the trail. What is two-tracking, and does it really help? If so, how do I teach the maneuver to my gelding?
Mary Anne Jenkins
Barstow, California
Answer: Mary Anne, two-tracking can indeed come in handy on the trail. Simply put, two-tracking (also called the two-track) is when your horse moves laterally (to one side) and forward simultaneously at any gait. This movement is helpful on the trail, because it enables you to deftly move your horse away from a potentially dangerous obstacle, such as a barb-wire fence, a low-hanging branch, or a precipice. You don't have to stop your horse, then change direction to move him away from the potential hot spot - you can keep him going forward while moving laterally at the same time.
Before You Begin
Before you teach your horse how to two-track, make sure he's in good physical condition and very supple. He should know how to work well on the ground and under saddle. He should stop, back up, move forward, and flex laterally in both directions on cue.
Tack up with a proper fitting saddle, headstall, and smooth snaffle bit (either full-cheek or O-ring snaffle). Use either a one-piece loop rein or leather split reins. Apply protective boots on your horse's legs to protect them in case he bumps them together while learning the maneuver.
Lead your horse to an enclosed arena with good footing, and mount up.
Step-by-Step Technique
Teach your horse the two-track by executing the following steps.
Step 1: Ask him to flex. Begin by performing lateral flexion exercises under saddle. Essentially, at the stop, you'll gently use direct-rein cues to bring your horse's nose to his shoulder, on both sides. (Your horse will first need to know this maneuver on the ground; for details, see "Flex for Control," Ask the Trainer, May/June '06.)
Step 2: Circle. Walk your horse in several large circles in both directions, then bring him into smaller circles. Next, trot him in several large and small circles in both directions.
Step 3: Take a break. When you're sure your horse is listening to you, stop him, and allow him to stand for about five minutes so he can rest and soak in what he's already done.
