Connie needing more control

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Linsbaz

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I have a lovely 5yo Connie who has only been very lightly backed, have left him to graze and grow slowly but have restarted his education. I’m lunging and long reining and finding that he just tows me about. He’s not a sharp type but he’s quite rude and strong to handle on the ground in that he pulls and barges despite regular handling and groundwork and a control halter. I’ve been trying really hard to do lots of up and down transitions, walk-halt etc and general ground work, but I’m apprehensive about going further afield on long reins when I don’t feel like I have brakes at times. I’ve kept tack to a minimal, cavesson nose band and a plain full cheek snaffle. I’ve been reluctant to tinker with any of that but now at the point where I’m feeling a bit stuck as I’m struggling to feel any reaction to aids. Any advice welcome on exercises, tips, or any tack advice 🙏🏻
 
So first, he doesn’t respect you. Could you get someone out to help with that? Sometimes, despite all the groundwork in the world, if your body language is wrong, you will be giving the wrong signals. If he is towing you around in-hand then it’s not pleasant for you or safe feeling for him.

Second, long reining is optional - completely so. A few sessions to develop steering are always handy, but a horse can be backed without even that. If you are more in control at his head and want to take him out to see the world in hand before you hack him, then lead him. Long reining from the side classical style would be the middle ground. You have much more control and if they run you can drop one rein and swing them round you easily.

Third - this horse has been in the field, playing, well into their adolescent years. I would want a physio at minimum or vet perhaps to check them over to be sure there have been no injuries or odd ways of movement picked up in that time, and any wolf teeth removed, prior to work starting. That’s something all horses benefit from at any age, but adolescents play harder and bolshy ground manners can be pain as well as lack of respect.

In all honesty though, have you considered sending him away for backing? He would get an education on the ground and under saddle, that you could then benefit from.
 
Sounds to me like you don't need more control but more and clear communication. My guess is he just doesn't understand you, either because your body language is wrong and you give confusing, contradicting signals or he simply doesn't know yet, what's expected of him. I'd always go back to the basics and then slowly build from there. Set him up for success, not failure.

How does he lead when you walk in front of him / next to his shoulders / next to his flanks / behind him? Does he willingly move, change direction, halt? All equally good on both sides and all positions? If not, work on these positions first on the circle before you slowly, slowly increase the distance to the horse.

Field markers such as cones or foam bars are also very helpful both for the horse and you.

Have you taught a horse how to lunge from scratch before? If not, you should either take lessons or if you prefer learning at your own pace I very much recommend this online course. https://lungeing.com/online-courses/starter-course-bundle-in-lunging/
 
I don't think you need to jump straight to someone like Steve Young. He's a bit rough for my tastes. I do think someone on the outside who can take an objective look at things is a good idea though, to see if a) the pony actually really understands what you're asking with your aids and b) if he is just over a stress threshold and there are management solutions to have him in a better headspace for learning. Shorter sessions, more breaks, does he need a friend with him at the moment, is he hungry, is he getting enough freedom of movement etc etc You may just need to go slower and focus on a relaxed pony rather than a pony that is struggling to do what he's asked. I also wouldn't be long reining without a rock solid whoa and stand.

Agree with Maya2008 and Capalldonn too, your own body language is a huge part of things and very very hard to self-analyse (from experience!).
 
I think he sounds like my youngster this time last year - a bit bolshy/colty and not really understanding what is being asked on him.

I took on a freelancer to help progress his education. He learned so much quicker with her than he did with me, she was firmer than me and was objective with his behaviour.

I really recommend enrolling an extra pair of hands to help get things moving in the right direction.
 
Not Steve Young!! Way too rough. Maybe have a look at Jason Webb but ideally you need to be back to the beginning with his respect for you. Can you get him to take one step back by just asking with a flat hand on his chest? Work on finesse. The quietest aids possible. He’s shouting and I’m wondering why?
 
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