control while hacking!

oh i do enjoy it, no doubt about that, but he doesnt have a limit and enjoys himself far too much! trouble is wehavnt got great hacking and a good blast normally lasts only a couple of seconds and he wants more but i cant give him more :(

i cant do everyday as i work long hours and only get the odd day off so its a tricky situation, i cant give him constant work which is a shame.

You try telling him he isnt going to fade away from not having dinner, he puts up a good argument ;)
 
Do some schooling while you're out. Whether that's tempi changes or simple walk/ halt transitions, whatever level he's at will keep him occupied & improve the hollowing, he can put the energy into something constructive. I'd cut out the veteran mix too.
 
Just read other posts, for a feed my elderly Conniex does great on hi fi lite with a vitamin supplement & hay in winter & just grazing in summer, only used hard feed when she used to compete.
 
TAKE HIM OFF THE MIX!! Sorry... I don't mean to shout but that is the one thing that is screamingly obvious that you can change. Mixes are full of cereals (obviously!), sugar and starch. Just because he is over 16 doesn't mean he needs a veteran diet!!

As somone else has said, speedi beet is great for helping them hold a bit of condition and high fibre cubes (I use pegasus) are good for adding a bit of interest to an otherwise 'bland' bucket of chaff. If he really struggles with his weight, add some oil - any will do but I find sunflower oil great! None of the above, so long as the chaff is unmollassed will hype him up any more than necessary. Rather than a branded calmer, stick him on a magnesium supplement (thats all the branded ones contain) which will be much cheaper for you ;)... also make sure he has a broad spectrum supplement to make sure he is getting all his vits and mins.

Other than that it comes down to training. I'd suggest going back to walking hacks, which if he's not been ridden much over winter, is probably best for his fitness anyway.. then once he's good and listens to you, stops when you ask etc you can introduce trotting, then once you can be sure he listens to you, add canters.

I'd also second getting some help from an instructor...


Good luck!
 
I've just joined this forum - have enjoyed reading the various topics and looks useful.

I agree with going back to basics and walking EVERYWHERE. I did this with my mare last year as when I bought her she was fairly unfit and as she got fitter she got feistier!! I revisit this technique often (today infact!) as she is extremely impatient (she paws the ground as soon as she's made to stand still) and is prone to leaping and bucking to get her own way. Fun? Yes actually it is but I'm always mindful of her and my safety and as soon as I see her start, we go back to walk. Give them an inch they'll take a mile so bore your horse into submission :-) It won't make him a boring ride, as his underlying character will still be there, but it will make him take note of the fact that you are taking him out, not him taking you!
This thread has made me think about a calmer for my mare too as I haven't really looked into that. Thank you.
 
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