moving forwards, or not!!

H

harrihjc

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 January 2007
Messages
3,923
Location
Kent
Visit site
Flash is incredibly laid back when ridden (translation = very lazy!) but is rather difficult and loopy on the ground. He doesn't move off my leg, and spurs, a tap behind my leg with the stick, instructor trying to help with lunge whip has no effect, he just plods on as he was, occasionally bucks, then carries on as he was. He is fed one scoop pasture mix, one scoop sugar beet and a large handful of alfa A, and garlic twice a day. He has ad lib hay, and is turned out around 8 hours a day. Increasing his fitness levels make no difference, and he's the same jumping and at shows, doesn't heat up at all. In some ways it's lovely, but I am getting legs like a rugby player and when he's ridden by the judge they can't get him moving or into canter

He's 15hh, just turned 5. We try to vary his work as much as possible so he doesn't get bored.

How can I get him moving off from my legs? Perhaps a change of feed? Could he have a deficiency in something or other?
 
Daughter's pony tended to be a bit lazy however he has transformed since eating Dodson & Horrell Build up! Has made him much more forward going and just a little bit 'naughty' but not turned him into a loon so may be worth a go.
 
definatly twiddle about with the feed - the more you battle / kick / whip ect the more bored he will become - i fed my last pony oats and that really helped (dont forget an oat balancer if you go down that route) good luck
 
If he refuses to go forward, even with spurs, whip and someone behind with a lunge whip I would consider getting his back checked (esp if he bucks when you really push him)
 
we're getting his back checked, was supposed to be done 2 weeks age but person didn't show, and can't get an appointment for another month
frown.gif


So Build up or oats...
 
My boys are currently on working horse mix (oats), Tiger Oats, Red cell, soya oil and linseed.

They are a bit more bouncy, but not quite the rocket fuel I was hoping for.

I think the key thing is not to nag him to go forward - i.e. you ask and should get an instant response without a slowing pace.

I'm a horror for nagging and the result is you get tired and your horse starts to ignore the aids.
 
he gets left behind on the rare occasions we've tried it, there's only 2 at our yard, him and my mare who can't be ridden anymore
 
[ QUOTE ]
we're getting his back checked, was supposed to be done 2 weeks age but person didn't show, and can't get an appointment for another month
frown.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

At least you've booked it - don't be too harsh on him til then - you'll feel awful if he's had a sore back and you've been really getting after him to go forwards
smile.gif


Has he always been like this or is it something new that he is doing?
 
Hmm, I was going to suggest taking him for a good gallop with some friends to wake him up... but maybe not!

What's he like on the lunge without a saddle?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Hmm, I was going to suggest taking him for a good gallop with some friends to wake him up... but maybe not!

What's he like on the lunge without a saddle?

[/ QUOTE ]

we tried that, off they went, he just dawdled along at his own pace haha! On the lunge, he stands there chewing the end of the lunge whip...I don't think much of that was done with him before so we're working on it
blush.gif
 
Have you ever had his back looked at before this? The reason I think it may be his back is that horses will usually take the easy option. If he is being dug in the ribs with spurs, whipped on the bum and chased with a lunge whip, the easy option should be for him to move forwards. If he is not doing this there will be a reason. It could be either that he is not schooled correctly or that it is uncomfortable for him (more so than the spurs and whips). It cold be anything from his bit, to his saddle fit or a sore spot somewhere, but from what you have said I would be inclined to think it is pain/discomfort related than laziness. Lazy horses move forwards when pressured then drop off again afterwards.

There is every possibility that I am completely wrong
crazy.gif
but it's def worth checking out. I hope you manage to sort him out, anyway
grin.gif
 
he has had his back checked before, and has had his teeth done, saddle checked and it doesn't matter what bit, if any he has in. The only time he perks up is when he's playing in the field, so I know he can shift, he just chooses not to! He momentarily wakes up, perhaps for 3 or 4 strides, then slows down again!
 
I know mine was a lot nappier when her saddle and bridle weren't quite right. Some horses work through regardless, others freeze when it's slightly uncomfortable. I'd be inclined to give him some time off until his back has been checked.

You could do some work on getting him going forward on the lunge (don't use side reins or anything to restrict him) which will probably be hard work for you. If you're not sure how to start him off, then maybe try a lunging lesson for both of you.

I'd be less inclined to start changing his feed, and treat it as a schooling issue. Mine is still only fed safe and sound, but is now working a lot more forward than when she was on oats/competition mix/pasture mix. You've got to change his mindset.

There's some nice articles on getting horses thinking forward here:

http://www.horsemagazine.com/CLINIC/B/BAKER_MICHAEL/bakermagic.html
http://www.horsemagazine.com/CLINIC/B/BAKER_MICHAEL/working_your_way_thru_r.htm
 
I have the same problem with Georgie. He is so laid back he is virtually horizontal! He is better out hacking now - he used to drag behind on hacks too but he has improved loads.
I have started using spurs with Georgie and he has improved - still not in front of the leg but 100 times better than he was. Certainly without spurs I end up having to nag and nag and it gets us nowhere.
 
I wish my boy was lazy!! But in all seriousness it sounds tricky for you. I agree with the others, rule out any obvious pain or tack fitting issues. Personally once I had eliminated those I would spend time lunging. Getting him really moving forward on the ground, and getting the transitions much snappier. Would call a few feed merchants and see what they recommend with regards to getting a bit more energy into him!

I don't know who your back person is, but I use ACPAT (animal physio) reg Victoria Henderson, she is local to East Kent. I have used others in the past, but I find her very knowledgeable and extremely thorough plus good with the horses. PM me if you'd like her tel no. Good luck.
 
A huge problem we have is lack of space, we can't generally hack as we're on our own and its a very busy main road, can't ride in the field and our sand school is literally 7 x 14m, difficult to get any real schooling done.

I definitely want to get his back checked, my other pony is obviously in pain with her back, we just seem to have endless problems getting people to come out to us, and don't have transport at the moment.

I will try more lunging, although it is far more difficult to get him moving than when I'm riding him!
 
I want to pick up on the fact you say he's "difficult & loopy on the ground". Yes, get his back checked, always a good idea, but if you find nothing wrong here (and even if you do) think about this chaps mental state of mind. If he's hard to handle on the ground, yet switches off when ridden, I'd say he has some issues - i can only guess at 1 or 2 possibilities: maybe a confidence problem (is he spookyloopy when led? Is his resistance to going forward ridden really laziness or does he "shut down"). Is his reluctance to work forward under saddle due to lack of back muscles so he finds it hard work (he will have a sore back in this case)? Has he had poor lessons in handling (walks all over you, bargy? Is he simply not listening/respecting you on ground and ridden?). If you soup up his feed you might find his handling gets to be even more of a problem.

I'd go back to the roots - groundwork. Work on getting a rapport, building his confidence & respect, build up those back muscles so he can carry a rider. You should find it will make all the difference to his mental & physical wellbeing and he will be more willing to work forward.
 
He's a very confident chap on the ground, probably over confident. Everything you do around the yard he's in the middle of. I don't think he was taught any manners whatsoever as a youngster, and is unaware of his own size.

He's much better than he was 6 months ago, he now stands still to be groomed and tacked up. He's absolutely manic about food, and that's where the problems arise on the ground, he will barge through anything and drag you anywhere to get to something he wants to eat! He's not spooky at all.

He's a very happy horse all the time, and incredibly playful, acts just like a puppy.

I free schooled him last night, and he was much more forward than he usually is, although you have to watch him all the time and be one step ahead.
 
i know how you feel my mare is the slowest thing ever which i guess is one reason why we ended up with her because she is so safe and when myself or a friend buys a youngster she is great because when they pratt around she takes no notice and in the end the youngster wonders why they are pratting around themselves
grin.gif


i have tried everything from feeding to different exersise but nothing has worked and the other day was a painfully slow ride with her stopping to shove her nose in peoples faces when they walk by so i have decided to count my blesings that she keeps me safe and i might descover something that heats her up by accident along the line.

Im not into showing so its not really as if its extreamly important that she is forward going.

i am sorry i can't be of any help but good luck and i am sure something will work for you
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top