New horse issues and reschooling

[Archer_66]

Hi I’m new to this and my first post. My daughter has recently bought a horse who was supposed to have three nice paces . However since having him he’s proved very sensitive and nervy as well as difficult to ride . She has managed to walk him around the school whilst in the saddle but when she asks for trot he gets a little all over the place and she’s come off him twice . He also is nervy when she first sits in him as well . He looks like he’s been hurt in the past . He’s a gentle boy on the ground and stands for ages being pampered . He’s still nervous though of any swift movements such as hands etc . Does anyone know of someone that could come into the yard he’s at and school him gently that can be trusted ? How much would this cost an hour ?
thanks in advance

 

[EllenJay]

This is such a big question! Horses have feelings too. I have recently moved my boy to a new yard. Normally, he is a real softy, but he is obviously stressed. When I ride him he is on full alert, tense, sensitive and nervy - and this horse trusts me. Your new boy has been taken out of his security zone, he doesn't know you at all, so is currently on his flight mode (in his brain).
My advice is to take it slowly, set your boundary's so he knows what is expected of him. If trot is too exciting ATM just do walk work, but make him work properly, including leg yield, shoulder fore/in, circles of varying sizes - basically anything to keep his mind occupied.
Once he is more settled then start asking for trot - but only a couple of strides at a time.
Once he is fully settled, then you can press on.
Good luck - and enjoy your lovely boy xx

 

[Archer_66]

That’s a lovely message and very comforting. I hope he does settle in as I’m obviously worried about my daughter . Bless him he’s got a lovely temperament. My daughters working on him on the ground suck as lunging and long reining .. fingers crossed and thank you for your reply

 

[EllenJay]

Ground work is brilliant - that will help build the trust. I'm sure he will settle and be great.
Biggest advice is work regularly and keep it within your comfort zones. Don't be afraid to take steps back. The more you do now in a calm environment will pay dividends in the future xx

 

[Archer_66]

Bless you thank you here’s to next year and a lovely pony x

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

I would also suggest ..if you haven’t already....getting a good trainer to come and give lessons to improve the confidence of the partnership.

 

[ycbm]

c . Does anyone know of someone that could come into the yard he’s at and school him gently that can be trusted ? How much would this cost an hour ?
thanks in advance

What area of the country are you in?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Lots of questions but they might help you to work out what is going on!
Did your daughter ride the horse in his previous home? Did you buy the tack with the horse? If so, are you certain that you have been sold the saddle that he wore for the viewing? If not, and you have bought a new saddle, I would get a 2nd opinion on the saddle fit. In fact a saddle-fit check would be a good idea in any case, as the horse may well have changed shape with a different routine. There are so many things that could be behind the problem, good luck!