Please help me decide what to do

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goodtimes

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My horse doesn't seem to like schooling - fabulous out hacking, jumping, hunting etc - but is nappy, stubbon, won't go forward in the school. As soon as we go through the gate sometimes, he point blank refuses to go forward.

He hadn't done much flat work until I bought him, but didn't think it would be a problem as I love flatwork and dabble in a bit of dressage.

Have asked a few people for their opinions.
This is what has been suggested so far.

1. Don't take him in the school if he doesn't like it.
2. Make the school more exciting by putting up poles, jumps, playing games.
3. Lunge him first (he doesn't like that either)
4. Put a big strong rider on him for a while who is brave enough to give him a boot - the horse is clearly being stubborn.


I just don't know which one will work - if any!

Any further suggestions please.

I don't want to sell him, as he is perfect in every other way. I could end up with another one which isn't as safe hacking, or doesn't jump as well etc.
 
First of all go back through a few pages on this forum, there have been quite a few posted with very similar problems and lots of advice to either take on board or ignore. Obviously start with teeth, back and tack. Get the saddle checked by a Master Saddler, if there is one thing I have learned is that we mere mortals do not know if a saddle fits properly or not. Sometimes the adrenelin of jumping, hacking or hunting will mask discomfort. Yes, get someone you trust to either teach you or ride him, he could be pulling your leg! Finally look at the proper Natural Horsemanship sites, they can make a remarkable difference. Sometimes we are to close to the problem to see the solution. It sounds as if you have found a lovely horse so have faith, dont get upset about and step by step I am sure you will resolve this. Good luck.
 
Option 2 but slightly differently, go for a hack to warm up then go into the school and do some jumping and poles, it need not be too structured just a fun spin round then cool off on a long rein. Unless he really has problems you should gradually be able to incorporate some basic schooling after jumping a few fences with the option of going over them as a reward at the end.
Plenty of variety is the key and keeping them thinking forward, possibly rewarding with a blast round a field or in the school so he is never sure when the fun will be.
 
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