Any Help? Strong Pony Again?

ShowJumperBeckii

ShowJumperBeckii

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Ok So ebs is back in work now but shes being really strong on the flat [cant blame her really, had over 2 weeks off] just wondering if theres any excises i could do to make her relax a bit? doing lots of circals and stuff like that but at the moment shes like 'ill get hold of the bit and goooo' shes in a fulmer snaffle atm :)
thanks


Ps. no i havent left just decreasing my posts :)
 
Nice to see you havent left completely. And a sensible post from you :)

I'm sure Ebs will calm down soon. She is probably just eager when she gets back into work. Circles and transitions would be my advice. Every time she gets strong, do something different whether it be a downwards transition or a change of rein. If she hangs onto the bit dont hang onto her mouth as you'll never win a fight! Give and retake the reins. Perhaps try vibrating one rein so she lets go of it.
 
When she pulls how do you react? Lenny can pull and the trick is not pulling back. It's hard but I think with her the trick will be to try and achieve rhythm without using your reins. Use your voice and a looser rein contact with lots of slow rising to get her to come back to you.

I know how hard it is, but if you can get her to stay in her rhythm without your reins you will find everything a lot easier. Also, maybe try and lunge her a little first to get the edge off her as I expect she's a little fresh :p

I had a very strong pony once and for about a month I did only 5-10 steps in each pace before doing a transition up or down and did a small but accurate circle in each corner with half-halts either side. They soon learn to stay more on their hocks and together :)
 
Good advice (above).

Also try poles on the ground, with alternate raised ends. Should get her concentratinig and lowering her head. Try them in a straight row, and four in the shape of a clock face.

Good to hear that Ebs is improving.
 
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Are you sure she isn't just a big fresh? If you continue her work then she should start to calm down and start to work properly again.

Or you could give her a quick lunge before you get on - but make sure you use side reins so you can warm her up properly.
 
What I meant was that you may have to ride her through it - I rode a horse today that was very fresh and we had a difference in opinion in what side of the marker to go :o lucky I put boots on horse :o

if you have no control or steering then I defo woud reccomed lunging first - it might take the edge off :)
silly question, and I assume you did, did you cut her feed down any while she was off?

If that still dosent work, try circling and spiraling in and out of the circle - ie. Go from 20m to 15 then 10 then spiral out again :)
everytime she goes to take off/grab hold of bit, immeadiately change direction or circle - she will the start to listen :)
when you are jumping, have a single fence in middle of Arena and make it jumpable from both sides. Jump it, and ask her to halt about 5 strides out - then turn round and jump it , again stoping 5 strides after - keep repeating as is a really good exercise :)
 
It also depends on general temperament a bit, some horses relax when you keep them busy, do lots of transitions, circles etc. Others get even more wound up, because the transitions get them to sharpen up.
For the latter type, I would recommend just trotting around with large circles and easy shapes, focusing on keeping one rhythm. 10-15 mins of constant trot will settle them nicely and then you can get to work.
 
Transitions, transitions and then some more transitions, get her thinking and if she is being fresh do them walk to halt only until she chills a bit, also do transitions within gaits i.e. go from a medium walk to a slow walk and then pick it back up. Once she is working nice and chilled in walk and halt work bring in a few strides of trot, but never more than 4 or 5 at a time and then ask for walk again and gradually build up your number of trot strides.

My girl used to run through the bridle and lean terribly, it took time (about a weeks work of just walk and halt before gradually introducing trot) and roughly 5 weeks later I have a beautifully soft horse in all gaits who works from behind, is no longer rushing and ridden in a loose ring snaffle (the strongest bit she had in was a french link hanging cheek). Patience is the key!

If she starts to lean on the bit as others have said drop the contact so that she has nothing to lean on, as you will never win the battle of the 'leans'. Takes a bit of courage to do this but it does work especially if you can't just 'shake' her off your hand.

Good luck with her :)
 
Hello!

Um first of all def dont change her into a stronger bit, it makes matters worse trust me!!(You probably weren't going too but thought i'd add!)

What I used to do with my very fizzy ex racehorse was set out 3 poles randomly anywhere in the school. Ride Ebs like you dont really know where your going if that makes sense? Dont think abou where your going to turn or where you are going to circle, Just ride.

May seem a bit silly and I probably havent explained it that well but basically just dont let her sense your next move. Use the poles, you can walk, trot or canter round them/over them.

I find that it gave Goggs something to think about and he had to listen to me alot more rather than just going large/20m circles etc!

Good Luck, Pm me if you want me to explain in more detail!!!:D
 
I'd be tempted to take her for a hack, if you've got somewhere safe to do so, and then do a short schooling session when you get back. She'll probably be more ready to listen to you then. Good to hear that's she's better and all your hard work with the disinfectant paid off!
 
Cj used to be a complete nutter in the school when i first got him - tbh he still has his moments now - to get round it i used to take him for a hack first to warm up and then go in the school :)

He used to grab hold of bit and put head as low as he could and then increase his speed or use a spook to go with me...
The only thing that i found was to allow the forward movement but control it with your actions - leg on to say yes go forward but here then here...etc

Get some dressage tests and do them in the school to help keep you pushing her forward into what you want - as she will expect you to pull and try to control her pace etc
It doesn't matter if its rushed to start with...!

Thats how i managed but everyone and every horse is different!

Goodluck - let us know how you get on! :D
 
martlin said:
It also depends on general temperament a bit, some horses relax when you keep them busy, do lots of transitions, circles etc. Others get even more wound up, because the transitions get them to sharpen up.
For the latter type, I would recommend just trotting around with large circles and easy shapes, focusing on keeping one rhythm. 10-15 mins of constant trot will settle them nicely and then you can get to work.
Click to expand...

Ditto Martlin's second suggestion, this works well for my young mare when she's feeling a little fresh & forward. After 10-15 mins, she will settle nicely. Just focus on keeping a really nice, consistent rhythm throughout :)
 
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