Advice Pretty Please !

[Michellehenry]

I really don't know what to do with my boy. I cannot seem to get him moving forward. We have spent such a long time in lessons working on collection and I have noticed for sometime now that he just doesn't want to reach for a contact or move forward. Am I right in saying that he should be forward working through his back and seeking the contact before we then look for collection ? I have been told to keep pushing him forward but taking up my reins and a strong contact. Not sure this is really working.

When I am able to get him moving forward he becomes very heavy in my hand and leans on me. He's a big chap so will take some time to be balanced I think. He's all had checks recently done . Teeth , saddle back etc. I am not hard with my hands so think he's trying to avoid using his core as opposed to my hands. Any tips or suggestions? He's so lovely and calm but I just wish that could be the case with a bit more forward movement and lightness ( don't we all ).

Any tips would be much appreciated. Have even thought of sending him away to be schooled if I'm not helping him but would rather try and do it myself if I can.

Many thanks.

 

[charlie55]

My boy was very heavy on the hand, he leaned and was always on the forehand, lots and lots of transitions and half halts helped him alot and someone on the ground giving advice is brill too (good old mum lol)!

Not quite sure why you have been told to push him forward and then take up a strong contact? You are giving him two different signals.. To get a horse on the contact, it should be self carriage, not the rider forcing it. He should be light in your hand. Very much easier said then done! Blood, sweat and tears but its well worth it!

Maybe you should have another lesson with someone else? Its always better to get a second opinion. Good luck x

 

[Paint it Lucky]

I think you should try working him longer and lower initially whilst you warm up, and work on really gettng him going forward and stretching into the contact then. And only once he is going forwards into the contact, gradually start to ask him to come a bit higher and carry himself more. Don't ask for collection straight away as this will just confuse the horse.