Really tense when schooling in field

badgerdog

badgerdog

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We haven't got an arena so we have to school in the corner of a big field. I have a lesson once a week at a local equestrian centre where they have a fantastic arena. In our lessons he settles quite quickly and he's willing and relaxed. However at home in the field he is awful! He's really tense, spooks at everything and it's like sitting on a giraffe. I schooled him in the field this morning and I'm worn out, I felt like I'm wasting my time.

Has anyone any tips on how I can get him more relaxed?
 
how about hacking him around the field until he gets used to his surroundings and settles? Maybe forget the serious work and just hack for a week. Is it possible the grass is greasy and your horse feels unsettled if he slips? maybe he is anxiuos leaving his stable mates. :)
 
Thanks for your comments. He doesn't like leaving his mates but he's ok when I hack alone to the equestrian centre to use their arena. It's the field he grazed in over the winter and it seems to have a strange effect on him! The ground isn't perfect so that could have a bearing and also the field is vast and is part of a cross country course with exciting jumps dotted around.
I'll try hacking round the field a few times and see if that makes a difference. To be honest, I'm beginning to think that since the rain has come, more grass is growing and it's sending him a bit bonkers!
 
oh lord a big field and jumps ?! is it just in the field he gets strong? it's not much fun but maybe he will get bored. let us know how it goes :)
 
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