Getting a 4 year old to go forwards

[Blaise]

As title really. Have just backed my 4 1/2 year old and we're having problems getting her to go forwards. She was backed and rode bareback for approx 4 weeks whilst waiting for the saddler to come and fit her for a saddle and was going forwards nicely. Only stayed in walk as i didnt want to be bouncing around on her for her first trot but walk was free and forward with little leg needed. She's not got a lovely new saddle and has been rode in it twice but isn't half as forward, She's fine in walk still but is very difficult to get and keep in trot. At her age the last thing i want to do is start over-using my leg as i want her to be as responsive as possible but i also can't have her not listening to my leg and not going forwards from it. As she was fine bareback the only thing i can think of is she's still getting used to the feeling of working under a saddle and will hopefully become more forward and free-moving as she gets used to it? Her back and teeth have been done recently and saddle was fitted last week so physical aspects have all been eliminated. Will be introducing a schooling whip this evening to back up leg aids but does anyone have any other ideas?

 

[flying solo]

I use a schooling whip on my 4YO I dont use it, just touch his rear quarter with it is enough to send him forwards.

 

[Hippona]

I had this issue......he would stop after about 5 strides of trot....and someytimes he would just stop and plant.

I figured schooling was boring him, and just stuck to hacking out. Short and often. He would quite often just stand still and refuse to move. Kicking/using a stick did no good. So I just sat there for as long as it took him to move. Bit embarrasing on a hairy 13.3 highland - stock still in the middle of lane being passed by dog-walkers Every time he moved a leg I praised him and made a fuss and eventually he went on.

The ''trotting in the school'' issue just got better slowly....I think its probably to do with not being physically strong enough to keep going initially, being unbalanced and possibly getting a bit bored. I found varying the stuff we did helped- walking over poles and between cones kept his interest.

If its any consolation.....we got through it- he's now 6 and will hack anywhere and school nicely.

Good luck

 

[millitiger]

get out hacking in company- young horses quite logically cannot see the point in putting effort to going around in a circle

we have a fantastic big hill right outside the yard drive and this is where my 4yro had his first trot.
we had a nanny out beside us and set off a bit gangly but it is great up a hill as you can get your legs on and really send them forwards without worrying about being bucked off
lots of pats and reassurance and he was a seasoned pro the next time and took the lead from his nanny and didn't look back.