Chex
Well-Known Member
Now I love my little superstar pony, but i'm seriously getting fed up of his behaviour when being ridden
. He was off work for 5 months when I broke my leg, so we've spent the last 3 months building up fitness. But now our rides are just constant battles
He's fine at walk, but try trotting and he's off, either at a fast trot, canter or flat out gallop. When I try and pull him up he yanks his head down really hard, I can't stop him doing it - he's just too strong.
We end up galloping across the field and I can only stop if I let him run to the gate, or if I literally run him into another horse (he stops before he hits it obviously!).
I've been riding in a dutch gag (with and without curb), 2 reins - snaffle and bottom ring. Last night I resorted to just using the bottom ring (which I hate) and I still couldn't stop
I tried circling but he just got fater. He doesn't lean, just doesn't stop and yanks is head down, sort of while twisting it.
He's not in pain, not on high energy food, getting plenty turnout and is well schooled. He's also 25 and should know better! I'm seriously getting worried he's going to drop down dead one of these times - he gets so worked up! He doesn't open his mouth really, so noseband doesn't help. He's the same in his snaffle and his bitless bridle.
I know this is long (sorry
), but please - any suggestions, bit changes etc are very much appreciated. I think the problem has gotten worse because I don't have the strength in my bad leg to grip and pull him up, whilst avoiding being pulled over his head
I've had this bloomin pony 9 years and never felt so deflated and frustrated
We end up galloping across the field and I can only stop if I let him run to the gate, or if I literally run him into another horse (he stops before he hits it obviously!).
I've been riding in a dutch gag (with and without curb), 2 reins - snaffle and bottom ring. Last night I resorted to just using the bottom ring (which I hate) and I still couldn't stop
He's not in pain, not on high energy food, getting plenty turnout and is well schooled. He's also 25 and should know better! I'm seriously getting worried he's going to drop down dead one of these times - he gets so worked up! He doesn't open his mouth really, so noseband doesn't help. He's the same in his snaffle and his bitless bridle.
I know this is long (sorry