Going back to basics..

[DipseyDeb]

I bought Charlie (age 4) in May he had been backed about 4 months previously, in that time had done quite a bit, including X country outing, beach rides, pub rides etc......
He is a good boy, steady nature (can be a little on the lazy side on occasion!) But we have noticed he can sometimes panic and rush forward if something startles him......my thoughts are that he has been a little bit overfaced previously (I haven't done that much since I bought him, just basic schooling...working on getting him moving forward and carrying himself, because he came carrying his chin to his chest, shoulders like a shot putter and no bum!!) But I'm wondering whether I should that it even further back....more ground work, long reining etc.....I doubt very much had been done previously!!
I'm in no rush with him...he will be my daughters in about 2 - 3 years so I wont to get it right...I want him to be the laid back gent I know he really is!! Any thoughts and ideas????
(He's now 5..as of 010111)

 

[Honey08]

I think that the more time you can give them the better if you're not aiming at Badminton or something! I'd do most of the work while hacking. Long reining and groundwork won't hurt, but balance it with fun too.

Most young horses would rush forward when startled. he's just got to take confidence from you and learn to trust you when you say its safe.

We took our 4yr old on a farm xc ride, but only did tiny tiny things with hi, and beach and pub rides won't do any harm. Don't worry about his past, just let him grow up and move on slowly. Good luck.