reprogramming a 16 year old gelding

ibot

ibot

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do you think it is possible to retrain a horse out of its ways?
or do you think at 16 it is destined to stay like that for ever?
i am trying to work out if there is any point into trying to retrain him or just enjoy him as he is?
 
train it to do what?

If you want to train a 16yo happy hacker to Prix St George level... no! If you want to school your horse so that it is a pleasure to ride.... yes!
 
Depends on what you want to do with him,it is very possible but it will take alot of time and patience(will depend on his abilities atm,and exactly what your aim with him is??)!!
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exactly. I mean one of our horses only works with his tounge over the bit no matter what bit, what contraption you use and he's perfectly comfortable with it. he'd 19 now, I would never bother trying to stop him now but then again he was ridden untill 16/17 (driven before that) and he loves pottering about the estate now
 
I'm in the process of re-training my 16year old tb x from a team chaser to a happy hacker/nicely schooled horse!! Lots of lunging/lessons and lots of hacks just walking and chilling out; I have made great progress over 4 months ( he is learning to stretch his neck and lower his head) and not think that every time I pick up the reins he has to go faster!

Well worth it to me as he's excellent in traffic and learns very quickly in the school, has a lovely floaty trot and steady canter.
 
I am nearly 50 years old, but I still love learning new things and new skills. There is no reason to suppose and older horse is any different
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i totally agree with all of you. i just wanted a bit of a confidence boost. my problem with him is the same as jakesmydog any contact means canter infact as soon as i get on him he starts cantering. but he is a large teddy bear who is lovely. i shall start from scratch and lunge him i suppose it could not hurt. my main problem is his owner who gets on him and only seems to know cantering as well but i think that is just what he has become use to as this horse is very strong.
 
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