feeling a bit fed up, need some ideas

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harrihjc

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Feeling like I'm just not making any progress at the moment
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Been working so hard with Flash and it feels like we've gone backwards a few months, he was working beautifully in a nice relaxed outline and really starting to get the idea with extended trot, and now he's doing giraffe impressions and blobbing round and I can't get his attention, Flash hates schooling!

We have only been able to get out to 3 local shows in the last 9 months, and I feel so frustrated with not being able to get anywhere and do anything. I think he needs variety in his work, a change of scenery etc, but we can't hack and I haven't got any transport at the moment, and even when we did trying to get a lift from the parents was far from easy!

Anyone got any ideas of how I can make things more interesting for him with very limited space? He's only just 5 and I want him to enjoy things

Thanks!
 
Have you tried long reining him? I have been doing this with George, he is 8 but his schooling is a bit lacking, but like Flash he gets bored easily and it seems to make a change and unlike lunging you can do all sorts of things and it's good for keeping you fit as well!
 
Try putting a load of poles out in the school, doesn't matter where, then work over them, any which way! It will be fun for him, bit like a little obstacle or jumping course, and it'll keep his attention as he'll be looking for the next pole and wondering where he's going next. It'll help your riding as you'll be more accurate turning and riding for the next pole, and it'll also encourage him to use his back and hindquarters and lower his head and neck. Also good for improving canter and jumping, altering and seeing strides etc
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Meant to say as well, will help with the giraffe impressions as he'll have to put his head down and look where he's going so as not to fall over the pole!
 
I was going to suggest both pole work and long reining! Great ideas. How about some free lunging over jumps as well? Or some fun gymkhana type games in the school to lighten the atmosphere - bending, potato race type thing... Make things more fun and less pressured for a few weeks to encourage your horse to relax and enjoy himself!
 
henry1997 - your piebald in you signature is stunning.

Sorry to change subject . Harri and flash - just try and vary things with him... long reining, putting poles out, cones. Is there anyway you can hack out or ride in a field?good luck
 
sadly we can't hack out as we're on a blind bend on a very busy main road and it's plain terrifying on your own! I have ridden in the field a few times, but the ground is like concrete now and don't want to put strain on his legs.

The pole work and bending is a good idea, I'll give that a go
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Never tried long reining before, not really sure where to start. Have done a bit of lunging and free schooling with him, but he chews the end of the lunge whip and completely ignores me
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[ QUOTE ]
sadly we can't hack out as we're on a blind bend on a very busy main road and it's plain terrifying on your own! I have ridden in the field a few times, but the ground is like concrete now and don't want to put strain on his legs.

The pole work and bending is a good idea, I'll give that a go
smile.gif
Never tried long reining before, not really sure where to start. Have done a bit of lunging and free schooling with him, but he chews the end of the lunge whip and completely ignores me
blush.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

what about hiring transport and taking him to the beach or somewhere where you can hack out?
 
I'm too young to hire anything, I was looking to do that yesterday, and don't have a trailer licence (or a car that can tow
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I guess the beach is more of a worry of mine than a problem for him, last time my pony was attacked by a dog and chased on to rock pools and was lame for months after!
 
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