Any Suggestions on how to get a long backed lazy horse working better from behind?

[LizzyandToddy]

So, I'm trying to focus on abit of flatwork over the winter just to keep him ticking over for next season. My boy is very (and i mean very) long backed, and also falls asleep while working on the flat. He also falls out through his outside shoulder nearly all the time, which requires alot of hard work to stop in itself!

Was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions of exercises etc, that will help him work better through his back/make him wake up while doing flatwork. Someone suggested lunging him in a pessoa, but i'm not sure how these work -never used one. As he is long backed, i'm not expecting wonders, but he does have his rare moments of brilliance, so it's more a case of don't want to do it rather than can't!!

 

[Half-Halt]

Hello I was going to suggest the pessoa when i read the title!
I had a long backed connie and she was a nightmare, exactly the same as your boy.

Introduced her to the pessoa and it encouraged her to get her legs under her and work properly using her back end. After a couple of times on it, it suddenly just appeared to "click" for her. I rode her after she'd had the pessoa on and in canter especially her back end was working much better.
We had a few times where her back end nearly over took the front end and she did a few mini bucks/skips

Be patient. Once it clicks you'll never look back. I think it's easier to work them on the ground as you can see from the floor what they're doing with theirselves.

If you're nervous about using it, if it's possible ask someone that's experienced with using it to show you how it's done. I think the hardest bit is putting it on!

 

[scatty_mare]

Completely agree with Half-halt, was also going to suggest a pessoa!
Also lateral work and loads and loads of transitions, and transitions within the gait.

 

[eggs]

Another one who was going to suggest a Pessoa.

When you are riding do make sure that you are using your seat, back and legs to encourage him forward into a consistent contact.

If you feel he is being lazy (behind your leg) turn your toes out slightly and give a good tap with your heels. If you get no response tap again and back up with a flick of a schooling whip.

 

[Achinghips]

lunging with 2 long reins. Vet to check for hock arthritis (my experience, sadly, with same issue)?

 

[scatty_mare]

I would like to see a photo of your long backed horse please, I now have a mental image of a daschund leg yielding beautifully round the school

 

[immoralorchid]

lunging with 2 long reins. Vet to check for hock arthritis (my experience, sadly, with same issue)?

yup which is the old fasioned way of using a pessoa lots of transitions and shoulder in is a god send as horse has to step underneth so perfect exercise just keep the feeling of engajment if you loose it repeat shoulder in

 

[blitznbobs]

My two fave Ridden exercises for getting movement from behind

1) Trot (Or can be done in canter later on...) a 20 m circle then legyield in to a 10m circle trot a 10 m circle before leg yielding out again (if horse is very long backed may have to use 15m circle at first)

2) Transitions with a slight 'shoulder in'... especially direct transitions (halt to trot, trot to halt, walk to canter canter to walk) but if you don't have direct transitions yet then progressive transitions are also good.

Other things also include 1/4 pirouettes at walk into canter and transitions within the pace (lengthen down the long side and collect on short sides) THis is also a good way of teaching you and your horse to half halt thru your body rather than the rein which can also get your horse 'sitting better'...

HTH

Bx

 

[Half-Halt]

I would like to see a photo of your long backed horse please, I now have a mental image of a daschund leg yielding beautifully round the school

Well here was mine!

[/IMG]

& Her being lazy..

& then getting her back legs underneath her..

[/IMG]

 

[LizzyandToddy]

Thanks very much everyone!! (sorry this is such a late reply!!)...
Will definatly consider using a pessoa, will see how it goes!

Also Here is a photo... (Its not flattering of him, but its the only side on one I have!)
He's only 15 1hh and takes a 6ft 6 (nearly 6ft 9) rug!
He's also connie X tb on his passport...

Would actually be interested to see if anyone agrees with that? Some people have said otherwise xx

 

[LizzyandToddy]

(It is sloped down hill slightly which may not help!!)