Help - Perfect 4yr old has turned into 5yr old from hell!!!!!!!!

Chloe_GHE

Chloe_GHE

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 January 2009
Messages
4,902
Location
Wonderful Wiltshire
Visit site
Dustry has gone BAD!!!!!!

Well not totally bad because he is just plain gorgeous but he has recently got VERY naughty!

Naughty and previously never displayed behaviour include...

being rude to lead, trying to drag me down to the filed
lifting his back legs when brushing, mildly threatening to kick
having a flid in the school or out hacking usually involving rearing and throwing himself about
being rude and bolshy to be shod
not standing nice and quiet tied up, always moving, yanking on the rope, pooing lots
generally hyped up and full of attitude!!!!!!!

this literally happened over night and has been going on for 2 maybe 3 weeks now....

at first i thought it was because a mare had been turned out in the field next to him, but moved him to a paddock away from her for a week and it made no difference, then because he was kicking up such a fuss about being in at night I have now turned him out with Soap 24/7....also made no difference.

I'm HOPING that this is 'fresh grass fever' was chatting to my farrier yesterday and he said that every yard he's been to over the past few weeks the horses have been loopy, just full of beans, don't know what to do with themselves so that made me feel a bit better.

Please give me some hope my angel pony hasn't gone bad and it's just spring fever, how long till he's used to the new grass and settles back down again?... I like my easy obedient horses, not this opinionated little brat! ;) :)

Still got a bit of Easter egg to offer, and orange juice

Oh and I also might have got caught up in the royal wedding hype yesterday which resulted somehow in me agreeing to do a 1/2 marathon so any tips on how not to die doing that would be great!!!!! :)

Just so you can see 'the brat' in all his stroppy teenage glory this is him yesterday getting shod, check out the 'kevin the teenager' pose, can't stand straight coz it's so uncool! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6590773&l=b4f2299136&id=501039097
 
I hope for you that it is just spring grass. My 5yo is now on loan, hit the 'stroppy' phase earlier this year, and is still mightily there! She's a mare though, so full of hormones your boy shouldn't have! With 5yos I generally find that more work and opportunities for a good run tend to curtail the stupidness pretty much.
 
mystiandsunny said:
I hope for you that it is just spring grass. My 5yo is now on loan, hit the 'stroppy' phase earlier this year, and is still mightily there! She's a mare though, so full of hormones your boy shouldn't have! With 5yos I generally find that more work and opportunities for a good run tend to curtail the stupidness pretty much.
Click to expand...

I'd love to get him out and do some fast work but the ground is so hard everywhere that all we can really do it walk and trot....my farriers suggestion was to pop on a neck strap, stick a finger underneath it and just trot him everywhere! hahahaha not sure who would tire first, probably me! ;)
 
If it's any consolation Pig who is 7 is being very naughty also. Stated at Goring a couple of weeks ago after Alpacagate! Since then are normally sane hacker has been having real issues when she can't see miles ahead she just stops spins and heads for home. Latest trick is jumping out of her paddock for the lush grass, 4'6 over tape, oil drum and wheelbarrow last night. She has also never been a seasonal mare but is a major strumpet with a TB she travels with that she has always previously ignored :-/
 
nickirhia99 said:
If it's any consolation Pig who is 7 is being very naughty also. Stated at Goring a couple of weeks ago after Alpacagate! Since then are normally sane hacker has been having real issues when she can't see miles ahead she just stops spins and heads for home. Latest trick is jumping out of her paddock for the lush grass, 4'6 over tape, oil drum and wheelbarrow last night. She has also never been a seasonal mare but is a major strumpet with a TB she travels with that she has always previously ignored :-/
Click to expand...

phew glad it's not just D

Soap is no use as a gague because he is Mr Consistent 24/7

D has got naughty travelling too used to be perfect but now just tries to bully my mum's horse and bite him all the way - bad pony!

On the plus side - IMPRESSIVE JUMPING from pig :)
 
Chloe, he might just be feeling stronger in himself, he's got his feet under the table at your place now (some are immediately stroppy when they're put in a new situation, but some are cautious until they are accostomed, then feel confident enough to throw their weight about, he sounds like the latter, smarter type tbh!)
if you haven't already i would: knock all hard feed on the head.
be really disciplined when working him, and work him hard in the school, insist he concentrates properly for say 20 mins... of continuous trotting if necessary until he behaves and listens.
also, dread to say it, but the other thing is it might perhaps be ulcers, might be worth looking into it. seems odd that his entire behaviour changed overnight.
good luck, hope he turns his new leaf back over soon ;) ;)
 
What Kerilli said! I'm always a bit disconcerted by impeccibley behaved 4 year olds, in my experience its meant when they hit 5 you're in for a rough year! They seem to get a little to big for their boots once they are more established! Would want to rule out any possible pain as well, check saddle fit and for any sore points in muscles anywhere could be just that he's got a tight muscle somewhere causing him grief now hes more developed, doing his last bit of growing and bulking out. Sounds a lot like one of mine when he's got an owwy bit somewhere, it makes him truely foul and OTT about anything and everything!
 
Ha ha! The effin fives, welcome to the club. I've got one too, and had a dozen before this one. LOADS of them do it, it's a well known phenomenon. They get stronger and more confident and we've been treating them like babies and suddenly they are stroppy teenagers instead.

It'll wear off in time if you are firm and consistent. (Though I agree about checking for pain, I gave mine a packet of rantidine (Tesco £1.38, 6 tablets twice a day) and he reacted to it so he had an acid stomach and I now have him on Settelex).

Have fun!

Orange juice please.
 
My 4yo has just come 5 and has recently done the same thing - I think it's only natural to test the boundaries, and instructors have tiold me to nip it in the bud now and not worry, every horse goes through it, it's just some wait till they're 6/7! Don't worry, I've been having lots of lessons recently and it's really helped the pair of us rise above it and move on! xxxxx
 
kerilli said:
Chloe, he might just be feeling stronger in himself, he's got his feet under the table at your place now (some are immediately stroppy when they're put in a new situation, but some are cautious until they are accostomed, then feel confident enough to throw their weight about, he sounds like the latter, smarter type tbh!)
if you haven't already i would: knock all hard feed on the head.
be really disciplined when working him, and work him hard in the school, insist he concentrates properly for say 20 mins... of continuous trotting if necessary until he behaves and listens.
also, dread to say it, but the other thing is it might perhaps be ulcers, might be worth looking into it. seems odd that his entire behaviour changed overnight.
good luck, hope he turns his new leaf back over soon ;) ;)
Click to expand...

my instructor thinks he's feeling great and much stronger etc and it's that coming out. He's only getting half a scoop of bailey no4 morning and night, maybe ill cut that out all together, but he is pretty lean, no extra fat at all.

when he has a flid he goes much better after, I just wish he would behave straight off like he used to, then he works really hard, white foam, really trying etc

He's on acid ease so deffo not ulcers, physio all done, saddle checked tooth man out on the 6th....could be his growth spurt has also affected his teeth....we will see.

I am taking a zero tolerance approach, instantly firm on him with any disobedience then quick with the praise.....think it's working....i THINK....*fingers crossed*
 
Teenagers eh? Round here known as 'the lager lout' phase

I have a teenage son who morphed overnight from being a pleasant if somewhat loud boy to a stroppy horrendous 'thing'
 
Thistle said:
Teenagers eh? Round here known as 'the lager lout' phase

I have a teenage son who morphed overnight from being a pleasant if somewhat loud boy to a stroppy horrendous 'thing'
Click to expand...

Oh dear....I guess you can't really sell children on?... ;)

Thankfully Soap is past puberty so if I need a nice uncomplicated ride I can ride him. They are both out together now and have been nicknamed 'the saint' and 'the brat' :)
 
Fear not you are not alone:D

My home bred was really quite pleasant at 4, could be sharp but nothing to horrendous. At 5 he was a... insert word I cant use on here, I definitely saw a comparison to daughter who was 13 going through the 'Kevin's':(

At 6 he redeemed himself. He is now technically 7, but actual birth date is June, I hate to say it but he has reached the comparison with oldest 18 yr old daughter who went to Uni in Sept, I know best, now MAKE me, yuck I am not fond of either of them atm:D (Thistle I love the 'larger lout':D having had the whole household woken up at 4am yesterday morning by 7, 18yr olds arriving back from a night out:mad:)

I have had many a discussion with OH, always looking to myself and 'what have I done wrong' with him, its only me thats ridden him so I have it in my head I have done something not quite right.... OH laughs and says welcome to the world of baby and growing up youngsters. I suppose I could say the same about my kids, have done my best to guide them in the right direction, but when they find their feet they start to rebel against you:rolleyes:

Good luck, its a challenge:)

PS H has now been re named Mr R C Git, not sure if I can use that to compete though!
 
Last edited:
Given that you have all the pain areas covered and that is not an issue I would be inclined to try a trick my trainer used to use with a horse of mine. We went for a short hack out for 10-20 mins in the morn trotting on loose rein not asking for anything bar go forwards. If they throw a strop few bucks don't react. then ride again later on in the day for school time. Basically the idea is allow a silly five mins and a relax then be very firm about school time being school time! It is unusual but I have had huge success with it and overtime you don't need to do two seperate rides but simply aloow horse to have a bit of playtime then straight into work!
 
kerilli said:
Chloe, he might just be feeling stronger in himself, he's got his feet under the table at your place now (some are immediately stroppy when they're put in a new situation, but some are cautious until they are accostomed, then feel confident enough to throw their weight about, he sounds like the latter, smarter type tbh!)
Click to expand...

Totally agree with this! I got my horse Elmo last October when he was 4 and he was really quiet, wouldn't say boo to a goose and never put a foot wrong!! 6months later and he has turned into such a bossy boot - he is top of the pack in the field, kicks his door if not fed on time and now makes you walk all the way down the field to catch him when he used to come straight up to you!! I think he is just generally getting really confident in himself!! Touchwood he is still behaving himself when ridden, except for the odd little strop!! When I got him he was really unfit too so I think he is now just feeling very well in himself!!

Hopefully its just all a part of growing up! :rolleyes:
 
There is a lot to be said for bootcamp. ;)

Try a week of being VERY strict - if he moves, put him back where he was; if he makes a face, tell him off; if he has enough energy to be a pill, canter a few more circles. Don't wait until he's made you lose your temper, be fair but firm and make him do what YOU want, in as impersonal a way as possible.

I get quite a few horses to ride this way from time to time, simply because I'm NOT the owner and therefore don't take it personally. Then when the edges have been knocked off a bit, the owner can get back on and "fill the gap" as it were.
 
I can't really give any further advice than has already been given, but just wanted to add another voice of support. My angellic 4 year old has turned into a monster as well!

Everyone keeps telling me it'll pass. Just have to work through it!
 
Rocky went through that phase but because i was only just 13 when it all started, was no where near strong enough to put a stop to it, and it carried on for far too long.. most probably where our XC issues came from! However with a stronger rider (e.g. someone who isnt overhorsed like i was!) most horses get over their teenage phase pretty quickly i have found :)... plan to nip it in the bud sounds good! Have to say he looks very well in himself and his coat looks great!
 
Spring grass!! Plus feeling stronger and feeling well in general.
J is being a bit more sprightly then normal. He's sharp out hacking, he plods along like a dope and then suddenly has a sprightly leap about, try's to play with the others horses (while I'm riding him!), he's also a bit more spooky in general.
The other day I went to get him in and he was rearing and bucking by the gate and being a right wild beast!! I had to give him a few what fors with the stallion chain!
If D is anything like J he is probably just feeling a bit amazing right now!
J is better when I work him lots, maybe school D for half an hour before going out hacking next time.. Take the edge off??
It's not good the ground is so hard normally a good old canter round a field, keeping them moving forwards and not letting them stop untill they are tired does the trick!
Your not alone! Our hack was quite fun this morning, at one point all three horses were spinning and refusing to go past a child playing behind a hedge today! My mum had to get off and lead her horse past just to get us all heading in the right direction again lol
 
Forgot to say as well even my friends 19yr old mrs reliable is being a spooky witch! She nearly had my friend off a few times out hacking and my friend came back almost in tears. This is a horse she has owned for 12 odd years and does everything on!
I read somewhere that spring grass can be up to 40% sugar and 40% protein! It's the equivalent of feeding buckets of a seriously high powered competition/condition mix.
:)
 
This post has made me feel soooo much better about mine, as she has been a paragon of virtue until just recently. She has literally never put a foot wrong and I backed her myself and she was a doddle but she's 5 now and literally in the last few weeks, she's been like a TB stallion at full throttle! She's got the cocky 15 yr old teenage girl attitude and I have to lead her everywhere in a bridle, otherwise I couldn't hold on to her! Last few days however, she's just starting to calm down a shade, so stress levels are returning to normal again!
 
i always think with the baby horses there is going to be a time when they 'test' you!! If i have a baby and its not put a foot wrong i know it coming at some point!!! i class it as adolescence and it what makes them 'great' ( a bit of personality and brain)in my book anyway!!!! Ditto the neck strap and kick on!! More work less feed!!! Feed in accordance for work done, dont fall off n keep smiling!!!!!!
 
Naughty Dustry! Agree with what's been said already, knock all hard feed on the head and make him work hard. I am also Hoping my angelic rising 5yo stays well behaved.... Please?
 
Dito! After my 5 yr old's first xc she's gone from a 30 dressage to 50s. A quick vet check does no harm (though in my experience there's seldom anything physically wrong!) and invest in a good instructor and a no nonsence attitude! Often as quickly as it goes wrong, it's as quickly back on track. Mine's dressage is now on song again (until we do our next xc of course........................!)
 
If it makes you feel better my perfect 4 year old turned into a monster at 5, but was perfect again by the time he was 6 and is still pretty perfect at 9 :-)
 
phew so glad I'm not alone :) :) :) Maybe we should start a sympathy group for those HHOers affected by there horses 'going naughty' ;)

Well today after an unplanned day off yesterday! I brought him in to find the stables next to the arena being pressure washed very loudly, he didn't bat an eye lid, he was fairly tight and excited to begin with but I just trotted on a circle throwing in the odd walk transition, then a volte then back into trot for about 20mins and he settled then did some fab canter work for about 20mins till he was sufficiently pooped, only 2 'flids' both caused by exploding pidgeons so he has a sort of excuse.

I'm being firm but fair ...... seems to be working...... *touches wood*
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top