Any advice???

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Marley_

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Okay so the horse i have on loan is very stubborn in the school, i can only get him going forward on his terms as the whip doesn't get me anywhere.

Information:
Has arthritis but this doesn't stop him going forward!
He will happily follow other horses and has done high level dressage ( i'm not sure where up to but he did do piaffes which he likes to show off a lot)
He loves hacking
He remembers me and when he was sold i moved stables with him

Tactics that work:
Spurs
Being 'chased' by instructor
constant praise (conditional)
following

I'm hoping you will have advice for me as i try and be light with my hands and to squeeze him forward. It's embarrassing as he only does it sometimes and rarely ever with other people.
 
Marley_ said:
Okay so the horse i have on loan is very stubborn in the school, i can only get him going forward on his terms as the whip doesn't get me anywhere.

Information:
Has arthritis but this doesn't stop him going forward!
He will happily follow other horses and has done high level dressage ( i'm not sure where up to but he did do piaffes which he likes to show off a lot)
He loves hacking
He remembers me and when he was sold i moved stables with him

Tactics that work:
Spurs
Being 'chased' by instructor
constant praise (conditional)
following

I'm hoping you will have advice for me as i try and be light with my hands and to squeeze him forward. It's embarrassing as he only does it sometimes and rarely ever with other people.
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Have you had all the necessary physical checks done? Back, teeth, tack etc..?
 
Yes, just had him seen by the chiropractor, dentist and the vet. His old owner had him in a pelham but now he is in a snaffle- call me ignorant but wouldn't that encourage him to move forward? He has a new saddle and a properly fitting bridle :/
 
Last edited:
That's good he's had the checks done.. I just wonder, if he has previously done dressage to a high level he could just simply not want to school anymore and has become sour towards the idea? How old is he? You can always school out hacking too you know! Might make him more interested :)
 
ImmyS said:
That's good he's had the checks done.. I just wonder, if he has previously done dressage to a high level he could just simply not want to school anymore and has become sour towards the idea? How old is he? You can always school out hacking too you know! Might make him more interested :)
Click to expand...

That is true, i could give it a try and i'm sure he will be engaged. He's 13, i also think that he gets bored but if he isn't going forward i cannot do anything demanding - he is quite the character :) Thanks!
 
Marley_ said:
It's embarrassing as he only does it sometimes and rarely ever with other people.
Click to expand...

This makes me think that he is just taking the mickey!! If he is fine with other people then would imagine back, saddle etc are fine. Might be worth trying another instructor? Or could his past or previous owners help you out?
 
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