Hyperactive Thoroughbred! Bonding with your Horse!

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cobblesswazz

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Hey Guys,

Bought my TB x ID Joe in September. I have two issues at the minute one being that he is hyperactive;

He is on all non-heating feeds and the NAF Easygoing supplement. He is still pretty chilled however, he has moments when he just goes loopy and won't stand still in his stable. Even when tied up Joe still swings his bum back and forth in an attempt to knock me out!

The other is, because I have not had him for long, I am looking for ways to bond with your horse.

I have tried some join up and groom him daily but looking for something exciting, different and something he enjoys. Joe being the slightly qwerky type will probably enjoy something different so I am open to ANY ideas!!

Thanks
 
When i bort my TB mare i was told to take her out for walks as this builds trust and is a really good bonding exercise.

Hope you have fun!
 
I'll be interested to know aswell!! I'm in the same boat as you in that mine is also hyper! Onc he gets worked up it takes ages to settle him back down!!
I found that Dodson & Horrell Placid and Magnitude seems to take the edge off him slightly aswell.
I'd love to hear any suggestions anyone has!
 
loose school/jump
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Re bonding - Have you tried 'obstacle courses' bit like the old handy pony classes they used to have at local shows a long time ago! Walking over sacks, under poles, bending poles, hunt the apple under a bucket, backing up between poles, walk between flapping plastic bags, walk through a rear/front unload trailer - all in hand. I used to do these kind of games with my youngster to make him bombproof / get him used to different experiences and get him to trust me and I also do it with my 11hh daughters pony to keep her life interesting. Obviously involves a little bit of set up time but lots of fun and built a very strong bond with both mine. I found that I used consistent 'calm' signals - flat palm on side of neck plus soothing voice if they worried and the same gesture then helps calm in other situations. Get immense feeloing of satisfaction when they achieve something simple like walking over empty bin liners after being terrified. Just a thought.....
 
How old is he it might be age related ,mine was crazy for couple of years now Im looking for extra feed for bit more sparkle,hes turned into a cob.If hes unable to stand still then ground work sounds ideal ,I couldnt pick my horses feet properly for couple of months he couldnt stand still.If you need him to calm down a bit I wouldnt be looking for anything excitable until he really trusts you on the ground.I did lots of long hacks out in the woods until we really got to know each other and he chilled.Horses need at least 6 to 12 months before they really settle with a new owner and build up good bond.
There are lots of good books on natural horsemanship .
One of the other books I enjoyed was 20 mins a day to a better horse maxwell was the author I believe.It gives you some good ideas on ground work and building a relationship.Kelly marks is very good as well.
 
My tb is 20 years old, retired and she still surprises us!!! We have been together for 11yrs. She can still be like a 2 year old and dash about. She is sensitive and sometimes can get excited over little things ie. she wants to come in but I am 2 seconds later than she wants me to be, other times she is like 'oh Iam fine I shall stay out for a bit longer'!!! I have tried calmers and looked at all sorts of things but tbh i think its just how she is...you soon can tell the signs when its a 'full-on' day!!! When I bought her she was untouchable and obviously quite extreme...so I had a lot of work to do to build her trust and for her to let me even touch her!!! I have to say...consistency and patience is required..and perseverance!!!
Basically, if you are there doing things for them consistently they do become attached to you and come to rely on you...whatever my mare did I was there the next day...I think I wore her down in the end...consistent and constant!!!
I have done Equine Touch with her....basic massaging which was very good (I started this when she was on a box rest session)...it relaxes her and gives me close contact with her.
I take my mare out for walks in hand to graze and I just chat to her and lightly groom her or give her a good scratch...luckily everyone on my yard understands and doesn't think I am totally bonkers anymore..she also loves her picture being taken so we do photo sessions!!
When she was ridden we kept her exercise as varied as possible...groundwork, long-reining, schooling, loose jumping, hacking, ride and lead, dressage, lessons etc etc....otherwise she could easily switch off and start playing up...or going flat. She wasn't a workaholic tho..couldnt 'work' too much as it made her rather tight, tense and frustrated.
Someone I know taught their tb things like sweeping the yard, to use a brush, put things in grooming box etc..he was very bright and loved to 'play'.
There is also clicker training which I am thinking of doing with my mare...haven't read up on it yet...but it might make us both think abit!!! My mare will fetch things for me...so long as I throw them again..even apples she will bring back to me for me to throw again!!!
Have a look round at various ways to interact with your horse and see what you think will work for you both...a bond will come it just can take a bit of time and understanding...but once there it is incredibly rewarding. All the best!
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