Can being too laid back a rider be a bad thing (I think so)

[beaconhorse]

My horse is a lovely sweet lad. But when I had him nearly 3 years ago he was a little hyper to say the least. But now he is way too laid back and friends say it is my fault because I am so VERY laid back it has rubbed off on him.

I can take him anywhere and he does not get excited or nervous.
Now I know that everyone will be saying 'Oh I wish mine was like that' Trust me you don't!!

It is so bad that he has no ''go' I feed him Tiger oats and still he just chills all the time even in the ring

I can't feed him anything else as he suffers from EPSM so instant response stuff etc it s no no. He also has 1/2 litre of oil everyday
I just want some 'go' and can't get it

Any ideas?

 

[Sal_E]

I found the EPSM required amount of oil really made my mare sluggish - it was like she felt 'bloated' all the time. I know it's supposed to be slow- release energy, but it was REALLY slow!!

Would it help to take him for a blow every now & again - a really good gallop.

Does he need sharpening up off your leg?

Is he bored, does he need a change of routine?

 

[AmyMay]

Have you had him blood tested just to make sure that he is ok??

Apart from that - change your feed to perhaps something like slow release energy cubes. Oats never made Amymay heat up - no matter how much I gave her, and it could be the same for your lad.

I know what you mean though - whilst it's lovely to have 'Mr Perfect Manners', sometimes you do want a little more 'sparkle'!!!!

Also, how's his fitness levels?? Do you feed electrolytes, could he do with an iron suppliment??? Just things that are springing to mind.

 

[beaconhorse]

we went XC on Sunday so I think that counts as a blow, as few days before that we were galloping in the fields.

We do XC, SJ, Showing, schooling, hacking. so can't see how he can be bored.

I do think he needs to learn to go off the leg more sharply ie he will trot etc when I ask but there is no REAL forwardness, ie there is nothing to 'contain' any attempt to 'contain' and he slows down even more, no matter how much leg I use and having just starting schooling a young horse that has hardly been touched I now know it is NOT ME!!!
Its like he always gives the minimum amount I ahve tried allsorts

Have blood tests and he is fine. Electrolites may help but have not made much if any difference when I last tried them

I just think it is just the way he is but its driving me nuts

 

[AmyMay]

So does he simply need more food?????

 

[KatB]

I use propell plus if horses are feeling a bit flat. Can pep up their iron levels, and my boy goes on it as standard at season changes and when competing. Can be like rocket fuel!

 

[fairhill]

If his feed etc are all ok, then it could be a schooling issue.

These articles might give you an idea of things you can try to encourage him to think more forwards. (hopefully these links will work...)

http://www.horsemagazine.com/CLINIC/B/BAKER_MICHAEL/working_your_way_thru_r.htm

http://www.horsemagazine.com/CLINIC/B/BAKER_MICHAEL/bakermagic.html

I'm working through the same issues with my youngster at the moment, and everytime she slows below a certain speed I send her forwards again. She's slowly improving, so the methods do seem to work...