Reschooling an Uncooperative Ex-Hunter - advice please!

[Grumpy Herbert]

I've had my horse for nearly 4 years. He had only ever hunted before I bought him, so didn't have much of an idea about schooling. He has made some progress, but we seem to have reached a stalemate. Does anyone have any ideas for happier schooling sessions?!?

He moves quite well off the leg, but doesn't bring his head down much. He has very little bend on either rein and tends to think that a contact means to slow down or stop! He also gets very excitable in upward transitions and tends to launch himself into canter. He's a big lad and is 16 now, so I wonder if it's really too late to do much more with him? I did buy him purely to hack out, but out of necessity we have to school in winter. I would love for him to relax a bit and soften for me - maybe even do a little dressage test. It doesn't help that I really don't like school work either! All advice gratefully received!!

 

[air78]

I don't really have much advice, my boy is very much like this

I just try to enjoy him for what he is- a fun, safe, fast bombproof hack and don't worry about the schooling

Who says they have to go in an 'outline' anyway

It's like they just don't get it......... and who can blame them after a life time of fun?

Just to add, I'm assuming that you've done all the usual health checks; teeth, back, saddle etc?

 

[Grumpy Herbert]

You've hit the nail on the head there - he just doesn't get it!!! Bless him, I think he tries his best to understand what I want, but he gets ars*y when he doesn't.

I'm not so fussed about an outline as such, I'd just like him to relaaaaaax! I'd like our schooling time to be enjoyable for both of us.

I've had all the usual checks done - he's a bit stiff, but only what you'd expect given his history - and he has a made to measure saddle.

It's nice to know he's not the only one like this, though!

 

[Tharg]

Perhaps long reining or inhand stuff?

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

You could also try a Pessoa, very good for instantly rewarding a bit of bend/outline. Also lots of transitions and circles etc. Mine was like cardboard when I got him and he's massively better now, never going to be a dressage monkey but much more rewarding to school and its helped his jumping too. Also some lateral work has helped him esp turn on the forehand and leg yield at diff paces, just variety really.....