bimbomb
Well-Known Member
I don't often post but am interested in other people's thoughts. If horses are difficult do u think that often the problem is simply lack of work? Obviously ruling out pain/saddle issues first
Do difficult horses just need more work?
- Thread starter bimbomb
- Start date
JFTDWS
+++ Out of Cheese Error +++
Sometimes. Sometimes too fit can be a problem too. Sometimes the horse is just a knob (or been trained by knobs). Sometimes it's pain or tack or other factors too.
Undecided
Well-Known Member
Wouldn't hurt to try and see if you notice a difference. Rio can be difficult and I find him much better the more work he does :b
eatmyshorts
Well-Known Member
Such a variable question - in my experience, in some cases, yes, but in many cases, difficult horses just need understanding, knowledgeable owners, who listen and let them to be horses e.g. allow them plenty of turnout.
Lolo
Well-Known Member
Sometimes... Bee is undeniably a 'naughty' horse (well, she's just clever and stubborn, and learning to flex her new muscles!) but if she's worked virtually every day with a no nonsense attitude she does behave herself. Al had a few days off due to a horrible sickness bug and got back on Bee to be greeted with horrible tantrums and toys being thrown everywhere. Worked everyday she's just a bit opinionated!
This is with pain ruled out as a reason btw.
This is with pain ruled out as a reason btw.
jeeve
Well-Known Member
More time and / or education yes. Possibly more work as well physically, but usually it's mental stuff, getting them thinking. Understanding what is required.
A lot of horses ( all of mine) get no where near the amount of work they need, but life gets in the way.
A lot of horses ( all of mine) get no where near the amount of work they need, but life gets in the way.
popeyesno1fan
Well-Known Member
It really does depend on the horse. Sometimes they just need more work, sometimes it's alot more. Really does depend on what has happened or not happened to the horse before you have had him. Some of them are difficult because what has happened to them.
lastchancer
Well-Known Member
I think a lot of the time yes, assuming they don't have pain issues.
I also think a lot of youngsters are started by many varieties of people that don't understand horses or have as much experience as they think they do, so the horse has no real idea what he's meant to be doing.
Also people these days tend to over feed and keep them in far more than is appropriate for their work load.
For example welsh cobs have a lot of bad press, but they were originally bred to work on the farm all week, then go hunting... So when they are living in with limited turn out and stuffed full of feed, it's no great surprise that they are a bit fresh when the rider just wants a quiet ride, or wants them to concentrate on a schooling session.
I also think a lot of youngsters are started by many varieties of people that don't understand horses or have as much experience as they think they do, so the horse has no real idea what he's meant to be doing.
Also people these days tend to over feed and keep them in far more than is appropriate for their work load.
For example welsh cobs have a lot of bad press, but they were originally bred to work on the farm all week, then go hunting... So when they are living in with limited turn out and stuffed full of feed, it's no great surprise that they are a bit fresh when the rider just wants a quiet ride, or wants them to concentrate on a schooling session.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
'Difficult' covers a multitude of sins.
My current horse lives to work. She gets more 'difficult' the less she does, so plenty of work and as much variety as possible for her!
My current horse lives to work. She gets more 'difficult' the less she does, so plenty of work and as much variety as possible for her!
bimbomb
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. It's not for my horse especially although he is Definately better with more work. I have found from being on various livery yards that horses that r difficult are often the ones that aren't ridden much. Was wondering if it was because they weren't ridden they are difficult or because they are difficult they aren't ridden!
BarmyC
Well-Known Member
My horse is quite opinionated and can be naughty when she is fresh or if we are going out for a mooch. If I take her out for longer she is better behaved.
She is at her best during the winter when we have been out dragging or team chasing. It's like she has had a blow out and settles back down again until she thinks it's time to go out and do it all again.
In the summer she is better as I let her down slightly and she is out for longer which helps
She is at her best during the winter when we have been out dragging or team chasing. It's like she has had a blow out and settles back down again until she thinks it's time to go out and do it all again.
In the summer she is better as I let her down slightly and she is out for longer which helps
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
Ruling out obvious issues like teeth, saddle fit and muscle problems, then yes. For too many people "work" means riding for an hour at a walk and trot round the lanes. This is not work - and for that I wouldn't be feeding any hard feed - or very litle depending on type of horse and available grazing, etc. The old horsemen said that a lot of problems would be solved by cutting out oats and increasing the work.
Years ago I went to a talk by a well known vet who said that 98% of (then) Novice event horses were overfed - to great intakes of breath. I had a TB x mare who was "difficult" when she was in holiday livery with a local eventing expert he said that he if owned her, she would live on grass and nothing more, and live out 24/7.
A local livery/breaking yard owner says she will not get on any horse unless she is feeding it.
You would be surprised to find out exactly how little hard feed some competition horses or even hunters get. But every horse is an individual and has to be fed and exercised according to their needs.
Years ago I went to a talk by a well known vet who said that 98% of (then) Novice event horses were overfed - to great intakes of breath. I had a TB x mare who was "difficult" when she was in holiday livery with a local eventing expert he said that he if owned her, she would live on grass and nothing more, and live out 24/7.
A local livery/breaking yard owner says she will not get on any horse unless she is feeding it.
You would be surprised to find out exactly how little hard feed some competition horses or even hunters get. But every horse is an individual and has to be fed and exercised according to their needs.