Hunting a horse that wont settle

[seche]

I’ve had this horse since he was 4, he is now nearly 10, he’s a full flat bred TB so “hunting him into the ground” so to speak isn’t really an option. (Though the thought has crossed my mind……)

He is competitive at the front and when he can see what’s going on (and feels important) he is better, which is fine when I hunt him as I kick on and jump most.

Mum on the other hand doesn’t want to be a young thruster any more and isn’t mad keen on jumping on heavy ground so tries to keep him quiet at the back, this doesn’t work and he ends up fighting her, plunging, wont wait and generally acting like he is wired to the moon (My mother has ridden all her life, hunted extensively, raced on the flat and over fences, so no novice!).

He is such a darling in all other aspects of life and I had hoped he would settle into a ladies’ “on the buckle” hunter.

I hunt him in a Cheltenham gag and find him manageable in it, (everything else he is just in a plain snaffle – hunting for him; - is the bees knees!!)

What are your experiences with fizzy breechered horses, and how have you solved it?

 

[Irishlife]

My daughter and I have a similar issue. Even though us mums were full of deering-do back in the day speaking for myself I can do without the fireworks these days on because of creaky everything on account of once having been young thruster etc.

I don't think your boy will willingly change anymore than ours that I have hunted the odd time or two (14yo 3/4TB robust rocket). With daughter she is alongside fieldmaster and flys it and he gives her odd jobs to do so she takes her own line. The horse is such a competitive bugger he has to be out front.

With my reaction times these days I want to go at a steady hand gallop and meet fences at my pace without drama. Of course I get all the drama I don't need, rearing, plunging, bucking, galloping into fences sideways, pulling. He is just not a stay at the back horse!!!

So I have not given you any comfort or advice just sympathised with your mum!!

Despite 8 horses of various ages at home still desperately seeking steady sane hunter or huntress with manners and a nannyish nature!!!!

 

[rangerover]

Sure you'd be in the right place to find one!

 

[Irishlife]

We send them over the little pond! Just have loony 3yos broken in for two weeks or loony older horses that were only ever broken in for two weeks lol........

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Don't really think he will settle, have u tryed riding him at the back to see what he is like with you?? To be fair it must be confusing that u like to be up front kicking on etc, but then at other times he is meant to b quiet at the back!! Could u try a calmer or something before your mum hunts him?? Mine certainly wouldn't settle at the back but then I prefer to b up front and woudnt inflict other pep to hunt my pony as she is v over the top (o except for FM other day). But I have hunted one of my bosses quieterr horses and as we started her at first at the back she is now fine anywere, but is alot quieter anway, goes in a nathe straight bar!! So perhaps a season off only being at the back??

 

[Countrygirl]

My now retired mare was completely over the top at the front and at the back, so never managed to stay out all day. I was so determined to stay out all day on the day before the ban that I resorted to a little bit of help in the form of Nupafeed. It worked amazingly, worked really well. I know it doesn't work for everyone but worth a try.
She was a complete adrenaline junkie who was always still bouncing and pulling at the end of the day.

 

[Equimo]

Take him with bloodhounds. They don't get time to prat about. My boy is a pain in the arse with foxhounds. Brilliant with Bloodhounds as it keeps his mind working and his muscles warm. No time for plunging rearing or general arsing about. Too busy trying to keep up!

 

[millitiger]

some horses just aren't suited to hunting and being in the field.

my older horse will not settle at all unless he is right up at the very front and even then he is uncomfortably strong- so i don't take him hunting as it isn't fun for either of us.