How to get horse going?...

[Chestnutmare]

I am really really struggling to get Toby going, he is a real lazy monkey and as we are heading into winter I will be wanting to ride him in the evenings after work in the school and out hacking at weekends.

Even lunging he is not very forward going at all, I love the fact he is so mellow but I would really like to have a bit of omph too.
He is out during day, in at night, not yet clipped, fed high fibre mix, and dengie original, 2/3 sections of hay in evening.

I was told by yard owner (she turns him out for me during week) that he is quite stiff in morning, I was already thinking about putting him on supps for his joints.

He seems to drag his hinds quite a bit too and doesn't really engage his hind legs, and getting him to walk out, trot and canter (well I haven't really had a canter on him yet) I can't seem to get him to go.... Don't know if it's pure ignorance, pain or the fact I am just cr*p after 2 yrs??

I have asked for lessons already from my yard owner, even hoping that clipping him he will spark up a little, but highly doubt it this horse really is a novice ride. lol

What other suggestions could you please offer?? have I missed something out?
I am lost as to what else to do??

Thanks

Small choc doughnuts are open fresh from sainsbury's.... very yummy!

 

[noblesteed]

Lessons will help because you can work on ways to make schooling more interesting. Loads of transitions get my lazy horse interested. Mine will just sludge around like a slug (he hates schooling) unless I fire him up with some walk-canter, halt-trot etc. Also trotting poles are good. Your horse might just be stiff because he isn't very fit so lots of schooling exercises will help that.
Does your horse get more excited when you jump? You can set up a jump and school around it, every now and then unexpectedly pop over the fence, so horse never knows when he is going to jump and gets more excited. Also the more you kick the more they will ignore your leg so don't be tempted to kick, instead ask once, ask again then use schooling whip. That gets mine going!
Other than that, look at feeding. And usual checks if stiff.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

My mare perked up quite a bit when I fed her oats (don't forget to check that you're feeding enough calcium), had lesons, got her fitter and rode with two schooling whips.

I didn't need to tap her with the whips either - just flap them (practice rotating your wrists without pulling on the reins). My instructor used to shout 'flap your wings,' it really worked. It's great for nappy horses too.

 

[Horses24-7]

What are you feeding him? It can make a massive difference if he is lacking in something. Maybe consider adding a balancer or general supplement to his diet to give him all round boost?

Apart from that I'd say loads of transitions and ask once with your leg and then back it up with a whip if you get no response. If he does jump forward from the whip make sure you let him go and don't pull him up with your reins or you will confuse him.

Does he spark up on a hack? Maybe do more schooling work whilst out on him when he feels like he's going somewhere other than round a school?

Do a variety of work in the school, use poles, cones etc to make his sessions more interesting.

Firstly though i Would definitely get his back looked at as to create a forward horse they need to be loose over their back and if he has pain in this area he physically won't be able to do this.

Just some ideas, I'm sure others I'll be able to add!

 

[Chestnutmare]

I've had his back looked at by a bowen therapy lady, he doesn't even get a spark with the whip or anything.... nothing!!!!

I do do alot of transitions (even getting him to trot is a massive upheavel) so transitions are difficult but I do try.
I have tried the pole work thing.... still nothing!!
Just seems like he is 'dead' to any work in the school out hacking he is very forward in his walking etc.

He is on a small scoop of high fibre mix morning and night, round scoop of dengie original morning and night, spoon of garlic each feed and a drop of veg oil too.
Do you think he would need something else?? a little bit of a pick me up feed without over doing it. (if that makes sense?)

I think I will have his back looked at again just incase, I am waiting for the saddler to come out to check saddle, as it's an older stubben one (heavy) then he has the added weight of my fat ass too (no wander he don't want to move) ha ha ha ha ha

Was thinking of putting him on haylage this winter too.

 

[MrVelvet]

you seem to put yourself down quite a bit. Perhaps some positive thinking, doing something you both enjoy.. jumping? loose jumping? a good old gallop with a friend? get both your minds refreshed and thinking forwards before you attempt any school work x