Longline problem

[Rebels]

My so far very difficult 3yr old (unhandled until 3) is proving very difficult to back, bolting when asked to trot more that 2 strides, doesnt like the rising. I've taken him back to basics again, working on long lines, he lunges perfectly. Monday until thurs he was perfect, over poles and a little ditch. then last friday he spooked and bolted in the field, i just couldnt hold him. when i eventually caught him and settled him, reset it all he just took off again, this time he was definately enjoying it! Just wondered how exactly you hold them if they are being stupid? i want to build his confidence but he was taking the mick and is the type to get very cocky and naughty! i've just lunged him since but need to sort this out soonish. Any help appreciated.

 

[letrec_fan]

Could you take him somewhere totally different on the long lines, even up the drive or something (not sure what your yard is like) away from where he has started to bolt? If you take him somewhere different, perhaps he will be less confident and listen to you a bit more? Are you trotting him on the lunge/long lines? Because you say he doesn't like the rising, presumably when you are riding? It sounds like you are doing the right thing going back to basics, but similarly, keep him trotting because it almost sounds as if he is just bored/very excitable for new stuff - could you just introduce lots of new ideas like the poles etc that really make him think? Like you say, just try two strides of trot and bring him straight back to walk and praise etc. Other than that I suppose densensitise him to the rising trot but again that is just introducing it slowly. Sorry if I am not much help, good luck with him.

 

[Rebels]

Thanks, he walks, trots and canters on the lunge nicely with side reins and saddle. can you safely trot with long lines? i've only really walked in them.

 

[Dolcé]

Thanks, he walks, trots and canters on the lunge nicely with side reins and saddle. can you safely trot with long lines? i've only really walked in them.

You can trot and even canter on long lines (as long as you can keep up if working on a straight line), I prefer them to lunging with one line and work on a circle with youngsters before starting them walking out. You probably need to be working in a smaller area until you have mastered the control side of things, so he cannot bolt with you. I assume you are working him in a bit, in which case you use the long lines just the same as reins and control him as if you were riding. Hope he soon settles for you.

 

[madhoss]

Is he just three or rising four? How long have you had him?

Just a suggestion but wondering if he could do with some time out for a while where you just concentrate on building his trust and walking him out. If he's a difficult horse anyway sounds like he's done quite a lot in a short space of time, going from completely unhandled to being ridden away (I've assumed quite a bit there so do correct me if I'm wrong!)

One of mine was basically unhandled til 2/3 and very difficult, everything needed to be taken sooo slowly. As opposed to my 11 month old filly who has been handled from day dot and is as brave and calm as anything.

Also can you rope in some help when you are working with him if not already?

 

[millitiger]

when long reining keep right over to one side instead of behind him and then you will find it much easier to hold onto him when he tries to tank you.

When he does try in, pull him onto a smallish circle so you have control, send him forwards for a while until he settles, walk, praise and try going straight again.

have you got anyone experienced nearby who can give you a hand?