Oops, I created a monster

[lagartijamick]

I went on a mock hunt for the first time yesterday and had a great time however our horse is very forward and can get excited/fizzy in company.
He also loves cross country.
So as you can imagine cross country with other horses was all very exciting for him!
I don't mind him being strong in the canter/gallop, in fact i love all that, but there are times in between the gallops and jumps etc when you want him to stand so you can have a chat to others etc but he would not stand still.
I tried walking in circles a lot, talking to him as calmly as i could, stroking his kneck and trying to soften my hands, but getting him to stand proved difficult. When did i manage it, it usually only lasted for a few seconds.
By the end of the hunt we had cantering on the spot at times, and i was even struggling to maintain a walk, and instead of walk I ended up with a rather bizarre slow motion trot, often sideways.
I guess he had fun.

I realise that its because he is excited and he doesn't have a "switch" i can just turn on and off, but does anyone have any tips/advice please that may help me next time to help settle him a bit more next time we go?


thanks!

 

[Cuppatea]

keep going! the more you do it, the more 'normal' hunting becomes for him and he will chill out a bit!

 

[Mike007]

A mock hunt can be even more intense for your horse than real hunting so dont be put off at all. He will calm down, it was just so much fun, the best party he had ever been to. Good luck and go and do more ,he will get better.

 

[lagartijamick]

Thanks for the feedback. When i went to see him the day after it was as if nothing had happened so at least thats a plus. I guess he lets it all out on the day.
Will def give it another go.