Advice with a novice youngster

[Louey]

Just wondered if anyone could advise on my lovely 6 year old gelding? I have had him for a few months now and he's the most laid back willing lovely lad in all respects however I find when I'm schooling him on his own he's constantly distracted by other horses around him, shouting and getting himself quite agitated. I haven't had him out and about on his own yet as I'm still getting to know him. Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how to build his confidence on his own and to keep his concentration when schooling or if it's just time he needs?

 

[be positive]

Time and variety in his work, sometimes work with another horse in the arena if you can, lots of hacking in company with him going first or last gradually doing a short hack alone.
Work wise I often use poles to get the babies thinking more, they can be on the straight, on a circle or randomly around the school, they give something else for you both to focus on without too much stress. Lots of leg yielding is also useful.