School sour

[Darcey22]

My horse is becoming a bit school sour I think. She is ridden every day but we don’t have hacking available so we have to ride in the school. What exercises can I do with her that are fun for her?

 

[mini-eventer]

I'm sorry but I find hacking invaluable, if she truly is sour you will need to find a way to hack, whether it is a yard move or transport. I also feel it is detrimental to soundness to only work in a school.

Otherwise look at pole work, small jumps to add variety

 

[canteron]

Teach her some tricks! I am teaching my little cob ‘The Bomerang’ (David Lichman) at the moment, purely so she doesn’t always see the school as the dullest place on earth!!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

If this is a recent change in behaviour along with the canter issues you have been having mentioned in your other thread, maybe a vet check is in order sounds like she may be struggling because of a pain issue.

 

[canteron]

Also, play gymkhana games - a little bit less fun on your own, but the changes in pace and attitude can make your pony more engaged - and it’s not endless circles!

 

[MagicMelon]

Ride her in the field instead

 

[Kaylum]

Loose schooling and in hand work. Agility is good fun on the ground. Unless your school is very big, going round in circles won't do her any good and is hard work. Seen it in a lot of riding school ponies. Hopefully you have a very good surface in the school.

 

[nagblagger]

All good suggestions but does she get a day off?
Working in an arena every day is boring, I can't imagine doing it 7 days a week, you should get her out for a decent hack which you both could enjoy and bond.

 

[Orangehorse]

Agility/Trec type obstacles.

 

[Ratface]

I second the advice to hack out. If, as currently, I can't ride, I stick a bridle on mine and do exercises in hand. Patterns, walks up the lane or round the yard. Just what we can safely achieve together.