Onward bound driving pony

Leo Walker

Leo Walker

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We did our 3rd driving trial today. Got 69 for the dressage which felt like it really came together, 2 cones down, 1 was a fluke and 1 was me making a mistake, again it felt really fluid and smooth. Really, pleased with these 2 phases.

Obstacles werent so good! He loves them, really, really loves them. He has now decided that he knows best. He came in nicely, got to the first obstacle, shot off, refused to turn and ploughed through the barrier while we were arguing over which way to turn.

At this point I stopped him, made him stand for a few seconds and then proceeded at a slow, steady trot. It was like holding a juggernaut! He got away from me again and was hauled to a stop, made to rein back and then we went again at trot. He just wanted to go. Fast is fine, in fact fast is good, but not if he wont listen to turn! Its very, very tight and there isnt time for an argument. He has to turn when asked and ideally on voice commands.

We were allowed a second go and he was more settled but he was still arguing about direction although he did seem to be trying to work with me a bit more that time.

I know that some of this is just him needing more competition experience, and I'm so pleased with the improvement in the other 2 phases, but its definitely something we now need to work on.

I'm going to set up some really awkward distances and turns in the school and see if theres something missing training wise. I dont think so. He was 2nd last month so he can do it, hes just decided he can do it on his own which isnt really going to work!

Any ideas on things we can do would be welcome. I dont want to lose the buzzy keenness, I just want him working with me.
 
This is an example of the obstacles we do as I just realised almost all of you wont know!

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Do you ride him too? Just ask because many of the combinations I see winning at indoor trials do a lot of ridden schooling.
 
Couple of thoughts, what sort of routes are you taking? Would longer and loopier but staying in that steady trot work better for a bit?

Do you have somewhere with big blocky obstacles that you could take him schooling? To see if that backs him off a bit. I'm assuming these ones probably aren't (partly on the basis of his ploughing through barriers :p)

I do think he needs to lose a bit of the buziness temporarily if he cannot listen through it.
 
millikins said:
Do you ride him too? Just ask because many of the combinations I see winning at indoor trials do a lot of ridden schooling.
Click to expand...

No, hes a horrible riding pony. Uncomfortable and he just doesnt like it. He had a couple of months of pro ridden schooling when I got him but other than the odd bareback walk he doesnt get ridden now.
 
ester said:
Couple of thoughts, what sort of routes are you taking? Would longer and loopier but staying in that steady trot work better for a bit?

Do you have somewhere with big blocky obstacles that you could take him schooling? To see if that backs him off a bit. I'm assuming these ones probably aren't (partly on the basis of his ploughing through barriers :p)

I do think he needs to lose a bit of the buziness temporarily if he cannot listen through it.
Click to expand...

Last time was lots of turning and I felt like I was constantly hooking him back. He was brilliant but I dont think he enjoyed it and finished a bit cross with me. This time we did lots of sweeping turns and twice I took him past the turn until he came back nicely, then he was allowed through.

He does back right off if I put one close to and facing the fence line so solid obstacles is actually a really good idea! I've spent ages desensiting him to going over and into things which on reflection hasnt actually helped at all!
 
I don't think you can always rely on the obstacle to back them off but I do think you have to remember that neither of you have much mileage away from home so it will be a bit of trial and error as to what works best for the both of you including routes. I can imagine his reaction to doing tight all the time say.

And make sure you're not getting too excited by it yourself!
 
Forget all about times in the obstacles for now and drive them slow. Even walk if needed. Do not be tempted to rush into speeding up as speed will come with experience. A bit like beginning showjumping you do not rush your babies into jumping against the clock. Good luck and enjoy.
 
I watched my headcam video back and it was incredibly enlightening. He did rush the first obstacle but I didnt set him up right either, and then after that I never spoke to him other than to say no, NO! steady, etc and I really had a hold of him. Normally I have contact but not hanging on and we do the obstacles mainly from voice. He knows left, right, come round, straight, tight etc.~

Im not quite sure how it happened but my backstep gave me no guidance at all, normally he directs me. I know the way but its so helpful to have someone confirm it esp when you are flying round. We came second last time with a different backstep who does international trials and it made a huge difference driving with him.

I think that and it going wrong at the first gate just threw me. Hes such a sensitive little horse and hes so tuned into me normally. The second round we did I had started speaking to him again, so obviously it flowed better.

Its so useful to have a video recording. Its nice to see when things go well, but when they go wrong its so helpful!
 
We practice loads at home. Hes foot perfect. I cant walk far enough or fast enough to long rein anyway though. This was my fault, so I just need to remember that next time, and give my backstep a kick up the bum!
 
At least it has helped you work out what you need from a backstep, Rara doesn't want any instructions but I've heard all sorts :D, including someone just shouting the next letter continuously (that was a bit irritating!)
 
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