Needing some thoughts on youngster

[MuddyMonster]

I haven't commented on this but please just don't forget this is a rising 5 native pony, they don't all just take it well at first. I would probably have someone just hacking him out a couple of times a week and see how he is in a few months time. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

I was going to say similiar.

Natives are slower to mature mentally I found and my NF definitely needed a bit longer to settle into 'work'. He seems bold but he is sensitive, has his quirks and just needed time to come round to it all. I do think forest breds are a bit different to stud bred too.

The upside is, taking it slowly (we did a lot of groundwork) has meant we developed a fabulous relationship and he's still going strong at 21- he's now the most fun ridden partner and the hard work and doubts were totally worth it.

He sounds similiar to your guy and I will say, some of his most exaperating traits as a 5 year old have become his biggest strength over time.

Have you tried NLP to work on your mindset with him? That can be a game changer.