Vixstar
Well-Known Member
As it was such a gorgeous day today I thought I would take Jeeves out for a nice hack onto the heath...
When I started riding him he was really nappy out hacking on his own (never taken him in company because there is noone on the yard rides their horses)
Last month or two I've been trying to sort this out, just basically not giving in. He is a Welshie so does have a stubborn streak! Two weeks ago we ventured out and he spun round/backing up really fast and just not going forwards, I perserved and got him going again, but only done half of the route (my dicision, not his!) and gave him loads of praise when he listened etc.
I took him out again and as soon as we reached the country lane (where he naps) he tried to spin round, but a kick and tap on the shoulder and vocal encouragment got him walking on which didn't result in a 5 minute argument! After that he was perfect all the way and back - again we only did half the route as I didn't want to push him.
So today was the day I decided to take him all the way - the whole point of the hack is to get on the heath, off the roads so he can have some fun (if only it was easier to explain this to him!) And you know what - he didn't put a foot wrong!
once or twice a step back, but he responded really well to me asking him to go forwards. No arguments! 
We got onto the heath, had a lovely trot and a nice controlled canter (he does have a buck in him - and besides didn't want to go pelting round as the next time I can imagine he would be difficult to control!) And then a lovely walk back to the yard in the sunshine passing dogs, lorries, vans, cyclists, someone on rollarblades - you name it he was great!
I felt soooo happy! Felt like we have achieved something. Sorry for the pointless rambling on, but just had to share this with you guys.
Glass of wine to anyone who finishes this!
When I started riding him he was really nappy out hacking on his own (never taken him in company because there is noone on the yard rides their horses)
Last month or two I've been trying to sort this out, just basically not giving in. He is a Welshie so does have a stubborn streak! Two weeks ago we ventured out and he spun round/backing up really fast and just not going forwards, I perserved and got him going again, but only done half of the route (my dicision, not his!) and gave him loads of praise when he listened etc.
I took him out again and as soon as we reached the country lane (where he naps) he tried to spin round, but a kick and tap on the shoulder and vocal encouragment got him walking on which didn't result in a 5 minute argument! After that he was perfect all the way and back - again we only did half the route as I didn't want to push him.
So today was the day I decided to take him all the way - the whole point of the hack is to get on the heath, off the roads so he can have some fun (if only it was easier to explain this to him!) And you know what - he didn't put a foot wrong!
once or twice a step back, but he responded really well to me asking him to go forwards. No arguments! We got onto the heath, had a lovely trot and a nice controlled canter (he does have a buck in him - and besides didn't want to go pelting round as the next time I can imagine he would be difficult to control!) And then a lovely walk back to the yard in the sunshine passing dogs, lorries, vans, cyclists, someone on rollarblades - you name it he was great! I felt soooo happy! Felt like we have achieved something. Sorry for the pointless rambling on, but just had to share this with you guys.
Glass of wine to anyone who finishes this!
