Napping to the gate in the arena

[shadowboy]

My youngster really threw his toys out the pram today. I stopped at arena gate to chat about leg yielding out of a circle and after that he was shockingly behaved. Tossing his head (felt like he would knock my teach out at one point!) he would be completely dead to my leg and I mean completely. Literally had to pony club kick him to get him going every 5 strides it was shocking. I've never had to ride so aggressively ever! He had been going really nicely until I'd stopped. I'm a bit unsure how to ride him next time as I can't let him get away with napping at the gate. I don't currently ride with spurs or a whip as not needed them previously but obviously don't want to deaden him to my leg! Would you just go in as normal?

 

[Abacus]

Had the same with my young chap (then 4 and a half) about a month or so after I bought him. He would refuse to go in any direction other than towards the end of the school where his mates were in the field, and would buck if I pushed him away.

How you handle it depends on your confidence level. I felt confident enough with him to carry a stick, and kick/hit him through it (not many times, but hard enough to mean it) and we had one big leap, then a couple more bucks, and he has never done it since. Wear a neckstrap and ride defensively (as in heels down and sit tight) but push forwards. I did feel that mine was a reasonably amenable chappie who was just trying it on, and that if I was prepared to take him on I would probably stay on board and win the argument. Don't start it if you aren't sure, but then you will have a problem...

Good luck. x

 

[shadowboy]

Thanks I think that's what I'll do. I think he's developed the strength now to be able to try it on and so today he gave it a go! Will try Thursday. Give him a day off tomorrow to ensure not over working him!!