Hi Horseygrl445,

Just want to clarify a few points on comments made earlier.

DON'T keep pushing your horse away until you see all 4 signs. Some horses will only make the circle smaller and lock on an ear, a few will lick and chew and fewer still will bob their head on the ground.

Depending on the size of the area you are working in (lets say you've got a standard round pen) only 15 laps is required. 5 laps one direction, change direction, 5 laps, change direction another 5 laps. Unfortunately a lot of people get this bit wrong which is why those who are anti 'join-up' say "oh, thats where you chase a horse until it's exhausted and gives up isn't it".

When you are ready to invite the horse in then drop shoulder, look down BUT always be aware of where your horse is and what it's doing.

1st time round some horse wont approach you (they aren't too sure whats going to happen next), in this case walk to them (side on) give them a rub and walk away a couple of paces and see if he/she approaches you.

I would be very very warey of doing a 'join-up' with a stallion, a hand reared foal (thats now grown up) or a known very agressive horse.

 Join up is a great way to get a great bound with you horse its essetaily using their instinks to gain your respect as the leader of the heard its a great thing to do to establish trust with your horse

what to do;

get in a circular space or make a circle in your school using jumps and 'send him away' throw the lunge rien behind him keep slightly behind him and keep him moving around the circle like you would free schooling and change direction by getting in front of him and throwing your line in front of him make sure you make it clear when you want him to change direction and give him time to do it.

what you should notice.

ear turned into you, smaller circles, liking and chewing and head dropped and sniffing ground.

when you see this stop drop your shoulder down and become passive inviting him in till he comes to you and and comes behind your back face him but dont make eye contact look down at the floor and stroke his head  youve achived join up !

(if he doesnt come in straight away come closer to him drop your shoulder and walk forward till he follows)

Hope this has helped! x

you could just watch monty roberts on sky chanel 280 or just simply get the horse in a paddock on his own get his attention then turn your back to him and walk away try this a few times until he follows you then when he is behind you stop and turn around slowly but looking at the ground then still looking at the ground reach out and stroke him down his face then walk away

SIMPLE!!!

good luck