How does a horse become "strong"?

[only_me]

thats interesting everybody, thank you

sportsmanB - I do indeed know your OH p) and everything in your yard is in a snaffle
apart from obvious cases though like the well known junior rider's horse who was scarily strong, but just because she was fit?
good point though, maybe hands become stronger as tasks get harder?

So for instance, up the levels, a horse needs to be more precise and "on the aids" so a stronger bit is more of a refinement (a bit like western practices) than a horse that is actually strong?

Makes sense what everyone says, thinking of eventing terms here, that if they have to go in a snaffle for the dressage they are refined and responsive, and adrenaline and the speed of reactions needed for xc means more of a response is needed from the horse

Thanks all, this is my winter musing

 

[Weezy]

Interestingly our 20 year old hunter is getting stronger and stronger as he gets older.

We have one of these! My YM's horse is now 22 and my Lord he is so very strong, although he always has been, he is getting worse and worse now...last Tuesday YM ended up in the ford because the bugger wouldn't stop. What he does is start nicely and then gets faster and completely ignores anything you try - I have ridden him, as has the yard instructor who can ride anything, and we both agree that he is just him, there is bugger all you can do and nothing is going to make him any less strong. Some days a quiet canter just isn't what he wants, he wants to go FAST.

Ted is strong sometimes - IMO all horses can be strong at times. Those who say their horses are not strong, have you never, ever had your horse pull, or been dubious about your stopping facility?

 

[gunnergundog]

For a supposed "numpty" question ,this is actualy hellishly difficult to answer. But FWIW I do have some theories. You need to start at the beginning ,with the young horse,. For him to round and carry himself is enormously hard work. The lack of toned neck and abdominal muscles.He will ,in order to ease the pain ,try to lean on the bit and poke his nose.If he is pushed too hard this becomes habit and a self defeating loop.The more he tries to ease himself,the less he uses the correct muscles.The rider looses the sensetive feeling through the reins and is working against a locked neck and jaw. Tired horses become hyperactive and coupled with poor head carriage they start to become strong. Add to this ,the fact that they are creatures of habit,it can also then become a learned thing. This is just my personal opinion ,but I do believe this is where it all starts.

Agree with this.....horses do what works. If a young horse experiences pain due to the overuse of unconditioned muscles/lactic acid build up he will evade.....one of the ways of doing that is to become strong and by so doing he protects one set of muscles and develops those 'in opposition'.

Adrenaline (eg hunting) can be another cause IMO too.

 

[mle22]

Not saying training, pain issues etc are not the reason sometimes, but in my experience it can just be personality and adrenaline