Schooling Nightmare

[moneypit1]

I have weekly lessons on my youngster and they have been progressing well. Last week a friend joined me in the lesson and my horse was a nightmare. He would NOT work at all. He would not walk on, didn't listen and was generally a pain in the ****. He hated having another horse in the school with him and refused to go first. Had a lesson in the week on his own and he worked really well. Sharing again today so will see what happens. My feeling is that he has to learn to have another horse in with him, think perhaps its my fault as I have schooled alone from day one. Any suggestions welcomed, haven't come across this before.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

You just have to work on keeping his attention on you and not on the other horse. I suggest lots of changes of rein, transitions and circles etc... Kepp it interesting, so he has to listen. He'll improve as he gets used to it, and it will be good practice, if you ever want to compete.

 

[Dutch]

Hi

Unfortunately the tuth of it is that your horse will have to get used to it. I would definately recommend working independently, and when you are not being taught, don't follow your friend on her horse, not ever, make lots of changes of direction and keep your horse going forward, send him forward strongly if he resists but do not compromise your own safety.

Do you hack out with other horses?

This can be overcome relatively easily you will just need to be tough yet gentle with him.

Good luck!

 

[Partoow]

have to say that this is 1. quite a normal reaction so dont be too worried/upset by it and 2. you really should try and find someone to come and school at the same time you are riding to acclimatise him to the 'real' grown up world. not all the time but when ever and whoever.
With all my youngsters they are worked with other horses as soon as i have a modicome of control, this may even be started when they are still on the lunge, i do this in particular with my young stallions as they find the presence of other horses the most exciting thing.
Once you have done this a few times see if you can go to a competition somewhere quiet and ask the venue and just work in in the collecting ring not to compete just to get him and you used to him in a strange environment. So that when you do go to a party he will already have some idea what its like to do all those things and have horses coming from all sides and directions. the funniest thing i ever had was a lovely 4yr old who had been out a couple of times and was as good as gold who turned tail and ran the first time he saw a coloured horse!!! a couple of people i know have had the same experience .
I'm sure in no time you,ll have him fine in company and dont worry if he finds it all a bit mind blowing at first thats just a little disadvantage of coming from a more private home but its simple to over come.

 

[moneypit1]

~Thanks everyone. Had lesson today with other horse and he was so much better. He still has 'issues' about it but I will carry on schooling in company. My fault really, didn't give it much thought before. Will take the lead more on hacks too, my fault again, its just too easy to 'slot' in behind isn't it. xx