How many people on here free school?

i have free schooled over jumps in a round pen, the idea being they can work out what to do with their legs and body without a rider hampering them in any way, the fence is ten foot though as is the gate. free schooling with a 4ft gate is a bit daft but lesson learnt move on and have fun, he sounds like a good boy
 
I free school at least once a week, sometimes including free jumping. The fence and the gate are around 2 meters high, so I doubt my boy will attempt to jump THAT, and we both enjoy it a lot. I've also free schooled him quite often in ordinary outdoor riding arenas and being able to move and work together at liberty does tremendous good to both of our minds - he's not the kind of horse who benefits from being held all the time. So, as long as you know what you're doing, the surroundings are safe and your timing is good, not to overburden the horse, I see it as a very beneficial thing to do.
 
Sorry not the best photo, but this is my dressage horse clearing 1.5m spread :)

I think it is great to freeschool if your horse complies with it. It's a good way for them to learn their own strides to jumps as well as blow off steam.

I also found that it creates a good bond between horse and handler.

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I free school all of ours occasionally, never had one jump out (they're not jumping horses) but did once have one go straight through the post and rail like it wasn't there. Not a mark on him: the fence was matchwood. It wasn't your fault, horses are just dim sometimes. What on earth would selling him achieve? Don't be silly, man up and get on with enjoying your new horse (and maybe put a rail over the gate next time you decide to free school).
 
I do but mine are only 11hh ponies so I doubt they'd jump the 4ft fence! It's much kinder on the joints than being kept on a tight circle. My youngster refused to run around of her own accord but would follow me around the menage, including over poles (flat on the floor) - good exercise for me too! Must admit it's a bit hairy watching the bigger horses get free schooled though, or even turned out in the menage in the winter. Must have been scary for you (hugs).
 
Thanks guys, I am starting to remember why it didn't seem liked such a rediculous idea at the time (albeit not one I am going to repeat!) Mum took this pic before the accident, I am standing to the right of the photo and his inside ear is pointed in my direction so he was paying attention to me, to start with!! JennyConnor, that is a wonderful pic, thanks for sharing.

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I actually do loose school and ours really enjoy it, especially if they have to be stabled longer than usual due to bad weather.

My sons pony goes into the school and loose schools himself and has a whale of a time, so I feel it does have a place. It is a really useful way of letting of steam for him as he is too small for me too ride and helps keep him fit whilst my son is at school in the winter months.

Mine know how to change rein and respond to voice command as if on the lunge - admittedly a couple of times they have gone off faster than I have wanted but invariably settle down to a steady canter.

Mark it down to experience - after all it could have happened on the lunge too if the horse had spooked and pulled the rein out of your hand!
 
smanf said:
Exactly, I've only had him a week and have already managed to nearly kill him! It's not him I'm giving up on, it's myself, I am a complete disaster zone.
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Horses are like that. S!!t happens, you've got to roll with the punches.

Smokes was with us for a total of a month when he managed to get an epic leg infection that took 3 weeks to fully drain and sort itself out. It wasn't because we did anything wrong with him, it was bad luck. He's not had a lame day in the 3 years B owned him yet within a month he was injured and needed time off with us... It's how you deal with the aftermath that matters. It's not like you chased him down over the gate on purpose, and now you've modified your plans to ensure that won't happen again. Sign of a good, caring owner IMO.
 
smanf said:
Thanks guys, I am starting to remember why it didn't seem liked such a rediculous idea at the time (albeit not one I am going to repeat!) Mum took this pic before the accident, I am standing to the right of the photo and his inside ear is pointed in my direction so he was paying attention to me, to start with!! JennyConnor, that is a wonderful pic, thanks for sharing.

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He looks gorgeous! Now why would you want to give up on that? :)
 
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