Lazy in school

[kfrew]

My mare has become quite lazy in the school. She is lovely to ride during the winter and is forward and responsive but in the summer she really cant be bothered at all. This seems to happen every summer. I do lots of work on transitions and trotting poles and jumps to try and keep her motivated but she still slops round. I have to keep at her with my legs and if i give her a smack she normally starts bucking. Her routine is varied between schooling and hacking but i think she'd rather stay in the field with her mates

Help??

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

She might just be feeling the heat! Try and ride her early morning and in the evening and see if it makes a difference.

 

[hellybelly6]

I have a similar problem every summer myself. My horse is on 24 hr turnout over the summer and over the autumn/winter stabled at night. He is very forward going during those months.

If you mare is not stabled, perhaps stable her for a few hours before you intend to ride. This will give her chance to have sleep and wake up a bit before exercise.

 

[tammyrocks]

i have exactly the same problem with tammy although she aint that much better in the winter. she goes better after a short ride and sometimes we put her on the lunge first.