Pony being very strong...

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bex1984

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Cheeky little monkey has, the last two days, been really strong in the school. Today he was cantering away from the gate, and then galloping back up towards it and I couldn't slow him down. He was also doing super-fast trot towards it, again, couldn't slow him down.

I'm fairly sure this is just a phase, and if I can find a consistent way of dealing with it he'll give up because it requires too much effort. Any suggestions for slowing him down and getting him to listen?
 
Keep him going, don't let him stop, make him go round and round and when he wants to stop push him on he won't tank off again ...
 
How do I get him to think about working in an outline?

Have been working on his walk lately, trying to get it a bit more active. Since discovering jumping I think he prefers to do fast, exciting things!
 
Hello Chick

What about just schooling him in the top half of the school? Teach him a lesson as he will be nowhere near the gate?

When my old fell used to rush to the gate she would get ONE reminder to keep going - if that didnt fail - I would give her a good tap with the stick and another if she wouldnt move, if the next time round she stopped at the gate - I would tap her straight away - and even after that if she pricked her ears at the gate we passed she would get a little tap down the shoulder - I would put my stick in my outside hand too. But remember too keep your enthusiasm up and keep driving on as they know when you are about to give up !!

I would also finish a lesson by turning her in to the centre line - never letting her stop to the gate!

After a month she wouldnt even dare be cheeky and stop by the gate - so stop by the gate = smacked bottom

Never had to use a stick on her after that. I know some people think that may be mean but he is a big pony and is being very naughty.

Make sure its a good hard tap and not one of these softy softy tickles!!

Good Luck xx
 
Ok I will defo push him faster....think I'm just being a bit cautious because I nearly came off at the weekend when he skidded to a stop by the gate! I woke up this morning thinking he probably needs a good blast round the school.

And will try doing some circles, espesh in canter.
 
Thanks browbrow, will make sure my stick is in my outside hand (very good idea) and push him on.

And will take your advice about never stopping by the gate when work is over - I'll get off at the other end and walk him back to the gate.
 
Could it be that he is a bit stale of being in the school, try 2 weeks of hacking.
With the 20 metre circle thing, when he speeds up to a point where you start to lose control get him on the 20 metre circle, don't pull on the reins, when you get him in a rhythm then start to slow him, try to use your back and tummy muscle as much as you can then bring him down from canter to trot when you get the trot you want then push him up into canter again (staying on circle) and repeat it until you gain control and then ask for walk, you may need to do it afew times, good luck if that is your boy in your signature he is very handsome!!!
Remember there is a lot of energy giving grass about too at t he mo!
 
Thanks, it is the one in my sig. I think you're right, he may be getting a bit bored of the school. Unfortunately we have no one to hack with and I'm terrified of going on my own....but I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and try and do it. eeek.

Will definitely work on circling as you say - need some time when the school is empty I think as steering not fantastic at the moment!
 
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