4year old Cob napping to gate in school

[BellaStar]

I am Novice rider and have purchased an old head on young shoulder calm steady cob. He has been going great in the school, fab on the lunge etc

He had suddenly started to nap, grab the bit and pull me to the edge of the school or gate.

I have tried anticipating this and using my seat, legs and opening up my rein but he just gets strong and takes control of direction towards the gate.

I tried swapping my whip to outside to tap on shoulder before he starts to take the rein and pull me over.

Had this happend to anyone else? What did you do to try to remedy?

I have had suggestions to get on in a different place in the school which I will do. I almost came off tonight with him making a swift change in direction any thought or advice welcomed

And yes I know I am a novice and have a young horse but I do also have plenty of support and someone more experienced will be riding him also

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Having someone more experienced school him a few times a week will definitely help but having lesson on him will give you the confidence and tools you need.

Are you varying what you do like hacking or even introducing some poles could help keep him a bit more focused on you and give him something else to think about.

 

[AmyMay]

And yes I know I am a novice and have a young horse but I do also have plenty of support and someone more experienced will be riding him also

The best people to advise you are the experienced people you have on the ground with you.

Would echo the thoughts on hacking and varying the work.

 

[Red-1]

Often 4yolds seem quiet as they are naïve and weak. Often they wake up somewhat when more is asked and they get stronger, especially if they move to a less experienced home.

Not that he won't make the horse you want in due course, but I would get regular help until that happens. Once a cob realises its strength, it can be a handful.

Not many real old heads on young shoulders.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Maybe he’s got a bit school sour?

 

[maya2008]

How much schooling do you do, and for how long? 4 year olds have a short attention span so it’s best to keep the sessions fairly short, interesting (not round and round endlessly) and not too frequent. We jump once a week and school once, then do the rest out hacking at that age. How is your school surface also? Check it hasn’t got deep with the dry weather.

In terms of riding through it, if you have checked that your saddle fits, pony isn’t bored of the school or uncomfortable on it, then it’s just a young pony trying it on. For my kids, I eliminate worries about any other reasons, then up the tools and get them to ride through it. First, I put a more experienced rider on until pony is no longer demonstrating the behaviour. Then less experienced rider with help on the ground. Along the way, I might have upped the bit to something with cheeks to help with turning, or got a longer whip if needed. This is under supervision from someone experienced though, so the timing is correct and the aids are applied correctly. Takes a few rides and the behaviour has gone.

You really, really don’t want this to become a habit. Get help now, and it’ll go away very easily.

 

[TheMule]

My 4yr olds hardly ever go in the arena- if they do, it's short, sweet and with a specific learning purpose.
But now you have a problem so it does need solving- I advise expert help asap, crack it, then leave the schooling alone for a bit

 

[Barton Bounty]

Probably mostly baby behaviour but Id stay away from the arena gate and do circles up the other end. I also would be very careful how much schoolwork you do. Get a nice balance and vary it

 

[marmalade76]

Often 4yolds seem quiet as they are naïve and weak. Often they wake up somewhat when more is asked and they get stronger, especially if they move to a less experienced home.

Not that he won't make the horse you want in due course, but I would get regular help until that happens. Once a cob realises its strength, it can be a handful.

Not many real old heads on young shoulders.

Yes, makes me quite cross when I see four year olds (usually cobs) advertised as novice rides because they're so good and never put a foot wrong, 'just you wait!' is the phrase that always passes through my mind when I read these ads. I wouldn't buy a four year old cob and I'm an experienced rider!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Yes, makes me quite cross when I see four year olds (usually cobs) advertised as novice rides because they're so good and never put a foot wrong, 'just you wait!' is the phrase that always passes through my mind when I read these ads. I wouldn't buy a four year old cob and I'm an experienced rider!

I always take 'old head on young shoulders' to mean wily!
That kind of cob won't panic but it will take advantage.

 

[marmalade76]

I always take 'old head on young shoulders' to mean wily!
That kind of cob won't panic but it will take advantage.

Yes! My experience of cobs is that they are indeed wily in a way that I've never seen in a TB, for example.

 

[smolmaus]

I always take 'old head on young shoulders' to mean wily!
That kind of cob won't panic but it will take advantage.

Agreed. I will still take wily over panicky every day though

You've gotten good advice already OP. He could be bored or tired or insecure or any number of things that would cause him to want to nap to the gate. Getting a pro involved will tell you what the actual issue is and how to best solve it for him.

 

[Eventing2022]

When he takes you to the gate then work hard at the gate. Circles, figures of 8, trot. He will soon figure out its not where he wants to be.
Then take him away from the gate and carry on

 

[christine456]

Sounds familar to my loan who knows his strength he takes the p*** with some people who have rode him - because he knows can. If he can walk he will. I don't stop or dismount near the gate when schooling. If he does it again, I'd make him work harder. i always dismount facing away from gate in a random place and he doesn't try this anymore with me. Make sure you're deciding where you're going not them from the start of the warm up.. dont let them cut school corners, lots of transitions to make sure they are actually listening to you. Make sure you don't ask for too much too soon in terms of where they are at (schooling can be harder work for youngsters still establishing balance etc) but also warmed up properly, periods of walking rest and lots of praise too makes all the difference with my boy . Agree with the above tack check etc first to be sure not physical issue and mix it up with going out. Really recommend having an Instructor come to yard for lessons will really help too if not already doing so.
Best of luck!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I only did 10 minutes schooling max on Arabi when he was 4 we mainly did short hacks around the farm or I long reined him or hand walked most days none of it was for long though, at that age just hopping on is an education and more than enough for most horses.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Agreed. I will still take wily over panicky every day though

You've gotten good advice already OP. He could be bored or tired or insecure or any number of things that would cause him to want to nap to the gate. Getting a pro involved will tell you what the actual issue is and how to best solve it for him.

Oh yes, me too! I like a horse that I can trust to look after itself, as it will look after me too

 

[spacefaer]

He.may be telling you he's bored, tired or just generally struggling with the work. He's also being rude! I'd change it up and make sure your experienced help can help you establish that he really understands your aids (and that you're applying them clearly)

Four-year olds should be hacking really - taking advantage of summer weather, good going and long days. Plenty of time to be in an arena in winter when hacking can be limited

 

[BellaStar]

Thanks for all responses. I think I need to get some support to get on top of it. I will do some more groundwork with him too.