in-hand / groundwork advice

L

lout

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hi there
I have recently got involved helping to back a 4yr old Clydesdale stallion. Up until 18months ago he was ferral with bad experience of humans but the last 6 months has seen a huge improvement in his general demeanor and we are making steady progress.

We have no access to arenas and the fields are sodden so I have been mooching about the yard doing halt-walk-halts, and figure of eights and serpentines. brakes are superb but steering needs work. I am aware that he is a bright chap, he is very thrilled to be doing bits and pieces but due to the facilities and the weather I am limited in how far we can go. I am concerned that he will make mischief if he isnt challenged mentally and that very soon we will reach a brick wall with his education.

I know its a bit backward but i was wondering if i could do more in-hand stuff with him and whether that would mentally challenge him. I didnt do much before climbing on him since his owner comes from a very different viewpoint to me and as a very experienced stallion man i kind of had to let him make the call.

I'm not experienced at in-hand work (or with clydesdale stallions but that hasnt stopped me!) although I am confident at handling the horse. what sort of stuff could i do? does anyone have links to some good youtube videos about people doing inhand stuff that i could watch to get inspiration.

my personal goal for him is for him to become a safe riding horse capable of a novice dressage test. if he exceeds expectations then all the better. he is a lovely balanced chap, very agile for such a big fella, i just want to make the most of him if i can.

any advice or personal experiences welcome
thanks
L
 
thanks for that.
blimey, this forum is fast isnt it? i post a question last night and next time i look the thread is on page6!!
L
 
I like long reining and there is a lot you can do with that.
You can also use cones or some sort of marker to serpentine in and out of to make things more interesting. You can also use a couple of poles to get him picking his feet up nicely. (I know all this as my WB has been on 7 months of rehab via long lines!)
The below book is very informative and details the 4 methods of long reining too! :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Art-Long-...915?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a6b2b600b
 
Experienced stallion man or not, I think it is foolish to get on any horse without doing a certain amount of groundwork in preparation, particularly one with this horse's background.

You may well know what you are doing, and I hope you do, but be aware that, despite their appearances, Clydesdale colts can be extremely quick with their forefeet, and require experienced, firm handling.

If you have no experience of groundwork you had better be careful.

Good luck to you.
 
thanks, of course you are right. if he was mine it would be a different story. he is no colt! he is all man! however thankfully he isn't a striker its just the mouth you have to watch.
I guess the winter weather has done me a favour really - at least i can put in the groundwork that i wanted to originally.
 
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