Re-training an ex point-to-pointer

[hattie_horse]

My mum has just bought and ex point-to-pointer that has done very little for several years. However, it's very sharp and we don't really know where to begin.

Oviously we shall lunge and long-rein, taking things slowly, but do you have any suggestions of things to help. He struggles to accept a contact, and seems to think any leg mean 'go faster'. He also has a distinct lack of muscle, so struggles to work roundly.

Any suggestions?? thanks

 

[seabiscuit]

If he has a few years off it would be best to begin with a couple of months hacking out to get him to build up basic muscle.
Then start long reining/lunging over poles and pessoa work before going on to school work.
Bowen therapy/physio/chiro as well.

re; the sharpness TB's can often feel out of sorts in a new place and need a very strict routine , always have another horse stabled/in the field next to it, and have a religious routine. Routine often helps to settle them down and makes them feel secure and relaxed.

 

[hedgehog1]

yeah definatley agree OB about routine - i have an ex racer who goes beserk if his routine dares be interupted. obviously not always easy but it does help.
also with the sharper ones they seem to enjoy doing things, so he should enjoy a bit of work.
and try intitially doing hacking etc with another horse if you can, it;ll help reduce the chances of nappiness and get him brave as some can be real wimps alone as they're used to horses everywhere!

 

[hattie_horse]

thanks for all that!
only problem is that our hacking is rubbish- the roads can get quite dangerous, but we will deffo try to introduce a routine

 

[Nic86]

Routine is fab I re-schooled a point to pointer and he is fab now was a bit of a loony. It really helps if you are quite soft with them sounds rediculous I know but mine didn't trust any1. I then introduced diciplin after he had got his confidence and now we have an undersanding he know's where the line is and not to cross it. The sharp one's are usually the best as they are bright thry to do qine a lot with him mentally to stop him getting bored and lookin for trouble.