Problems getting pickle going

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JessPickle

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Pickle is a lovely horse but just so lazy sometimes. Some days he will respond to your leg other he will literally ignore it!!! Is there any way I can try and achieve a more responsive horse I really dont want to wear spurs as I just dont feel I have a secure enought lower leg position.

Also in canter he really lowers his head, and rocks along. He is obviously a very long strided horse and doesnt take too well to being got up together ideas!!!

Sorry for longish post I just really dont have any ideas and would like assistance from those on here with lots of experience and some input from people that dont know me
 
I really would stick a pair of spurs on - the ones with rollers on the end like little balls. It sounds like you need more leg - this will get him off the forehand in canter too (which is probably the reason that he lowers his head and rocks along)
Dont worry about the spurs - you will be concious of them so try to keep your lower leg still, and also using the ones with the balls on the end it is really hard to jab them!
 
Do you have an instructor to advise you? Mine asked me to wear spurs recently and, like you, I was worried that I would jab my horse accidentally but it has worked out fine. You just need to remember to keep your lower leg as still as possible and no big pony club kicks! I have found that my horse goes well when I am wearing the spurs and I don't even think about them any more. Good luck!
 
What about trying something like Red Cell to give her abit more energy so shes more willing?

It worked for my lad whos exactly the same and i didnt need spurs.
 
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Do you have an instructor to advise you? Mine asked me to wear spurs recently and, like you, I was worried that I would jab my horse accidentally but it has worked out fine. You just need to remember to keep your lower leg as still as possible and no big pony club kicks! I have found that my horse goes well when I am wearing the spurs and I don't even think about them any more. Good luck!

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Do have an instructor, I had 4 months of weekly dressage lessons with her, they were good but he is still very stubborn, it is also not helped by me being 5ft 7 him being 17.1hh!!!
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What about trying something like Red Cell to give her abit more energy so shes more willing?

It worked for my lad whos exactly the same and i didnt need spurs.

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HIM!! lol pickle does sound girly

He allready has a red cell simular thing due to have problems with anemia in the past. He doesnt now has had a very recent blood test
 
Try doing lots of direct transitions ie halt to trot and walk to canter rather than progressive transitions. Really works on my mare because it gets her thinking
 
Spurs could be an option... but that really does depend on your lower leg stability. It's important with spurs, in my opinion, that you have the ability to take the leg off completly.

This could be a vicious circle... most horses hate being hassled all the time through the leg which is what often happens on more laid back horses.

Are you still having lessons? I'd be tempted to find a good flatwork teacher and explain to him / her whats going on. You need to be working towards using one (perhaps sharp) effective leg aid to ask him to move forwards and then instantly take the leg away so he knows he's done right as opposed to niggling him every stride which will just make him ignore you all the more. If you "ask" him to move forwards and then keep applying your leg every stride, theres no reward there for him.

I'd go right back to basics with him and work on getting him to be more responsive to your leg. Perhaps if you arent keen on spurs, opt for a long schooling whip instead. Make sure that after you have applied a leg aid, you release it. Also be sure that you're allowing with your hands (many riders fiddle with their hands to ask for an outline and then wonder why horsey is less keen to move forwards promptly) and seat to make it absolutly clear to him that if he responds, it's more comfortable. If he ignores your leg when you ask, ask more firmly or give him a tap with the schooling whip but be absolutly sure that his response triggers a reward from you.

It can take quite a long time to get a horse that is quite dead to the leg to become responsive again so be aware that its no overnight job but equally until he is working correctly from your leg, you can't hope to ever collect him together in faster paces.
 
What about transistion exercises, so she has got to switch on mentally to what your doing. Also if you constantly nag with your leg they switch off, i'm guilty of this. I had a lesson the other week and was told ask once (i.e squeeze), then tell (i.e.kick) and then back it up with the stick if they don't listen. If you a quick with this, they soon learn it's easier to go from a squeeze as they know whats coming next.
 
Am I the only one who is confused - people happily put all sorts of bits in their horses mouth, and tung on them like no tomorrow - but holy moly worry about using spurs.......................
 
my horse is stubborn most of the time. I found direct transistions and lots of them help- gets them awake and listening to you. Also instead of a skooling whip use a standard one but tie a fillet string to the loop and gently flick his flanks with it. It does not hurt and cause more tickling sensation which they move away from. Works a treat.
 
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Am I the only one who is confused - people happily put all sorts of bits in their horses mouth, and tung on them like no tomorrow - but holy moly worry about using spurs.......................

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Well pickle is only in a loose ring waterford and I have never even ridden in a pelham not exactly putting all sorts in pickle mouth!
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I do agree though your point spurs should have the same thought put into them as changing bit
 
Waterfords are not mild!

Stick some spurs on. I completely agree with GT's...

My boy is 18hh ish and a big lazy warmblood. I am 5"9 and do not have the strength to keep my leg on as much as I need too - Spurs have been a MAHOUSIVE help....pony now works and comes off the leg easier - transitions, cricles etc all need leg and the spurs help!
 
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Waterfords are not mild!

Stick some spurs on. I completely agree with GT's...

My boy is 18hh ish and a big lazy warmblood. I am 5"9 and do not have the strength to keep my leg on as much as I need too - Spurs have been a MAHOUSIVE help....pony now works and comes off the leg easier - transitions, cricles etc all need leg and the spurs help!

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I know waterfords are not mild but it beats having a 17.1hh grab onto the bit lock his jaw and running off. No bit is technically that mild whatever it is, its still a chunk of metal in a horses mouth
 
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good good! It is a common misconception that because they are a 'snaffle' they are mild!

Wasnt having a dig at you, sorry x

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No offence taken just wanted to make it clear I do use it for a reason other wise he is a bugger refusing to do anything and allows you no steering!
 
I would totally recommend spurs...was really dubious about using them on my boy but as I have managed to give him bald patches behind the girth from trying to get him forwards & having developed legs of steel it was the only thing for me, I know he has a turbo boost button as when we hack out he is phenomenally forwards but in the arena he switches off & says sod you unless there's a jump in front of him. Tried spurs for the first time 4 days ago, & bingo - my lower leg is so still because I am really conscious of the spurs & can't nag him, he is much more focussed & responsive - & hopefully his bald bits will grow back! To be honest I have barely had to use them because once he knows they are there he knows I mean business....I know some people will disagree but I'd much rather have a forward pone without baldy bits!
 
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