How to control horse who spins and canters home?

I

icyfreya

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 June 2010
Messages
177
Location
Devon
Visit site
I own a pretty spooky TBx 18 year old...he is generally quite spooky & jumpy by nature, and will spook lots out on a ride, but normally only jumps on the spot, or will swerve away from birds in hedge etc, but all easy to sit to & control so no worries.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, a dog came running towards him, and he spun round and cantered down the road. This was the first time this has happened. I turned him round and carried on and he was fine, and thought that was it. But took him out on a hack today with 2 friends, and he was in a very spooky mood. Then, we went passed an abandoned tv in the hedge, and he whipped round 360 and tried to canter/gallop down the lane. Luckily managed to stop him, turned him round, and managed to get him passed scary tv by following my 2 friends and leg yielding past it so he couldn't look. Then he tried to spin round another 3 or 4 times on the same ride. Each time managed to keep him going forwards, didn't have to get off, but how do I nip it in the bud, and why would he start doing this suddenly?

Advice appreciated as haven't had to deal with it before :)
 
When he spins, keep him turning, then turn him the other way. Get back the control (he started the spin, but you decide when it ends).

The weather has been barking mad, the grass was going whappy for some time, and we've had high winds/pressures. A lot of horses have been sillier than usual, I know mine has.

The only other thing is his feed and forage - any changes there?
 
Hmm, I'm not so sure about spinning on the road, fine if you're in a field or safe place off road, but the risk of slipping on tarmac is pretty high. Mine spins on the road, and tries to run off home, but not with much conviction (only in a snaffle, and not strong). My response is to make him stand, and turn him back the way he doesn't want to go. No matter how long it may take. He's worse if I hit/shout/kick him (learnt that!) so I just keep calm and quiet and give him a little pat if need be. If I am off road, I open my hand the way I want him to go, and pony club kick until he turns, I'll only do this on a non-slip surface :)

But, due to rehab walking hacks due to PSD, after some v silly behaviour from him, and me wanting to not allow this due to injury, I now wear draw reins as a 'seat belt' on a hack. I knot them, and hold them loosely in one hand, so they have no effect, until he tries to do something, when I can grab them v quickly. He has tried spinning in these, but I have found he finds it much harder with the draw reins, and I am able to put my leg on and make him go forwards, not a spin in sight ;) He doesn't like it though, and has taken to doing some mini bucks, as the draw reins stop him going up (which he normally does a little along with a spin :rolleyes: )

It might not work for yours, but worth a go?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top