sorry...calmer??

vickers22

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i know this has been posted before but i was wondering if topspec calmer would suit my horse. It is only when riding in company and when jumping or after a canter that he gets all hyped;you know the drill, short bouncy steps...wont stand still etc.If it would make him just relax and not get so exited it would be a miracle.
 

filly190

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Personally I dont think it would make much difference, as his behaviour is now learnt and expected. It sounds like he has made a little bit of a habit of getting hyped when doing certain things.

I would consider schooling him to switch off more quickly and getting him to relax. It does not sound like he is doing much wrong, and as a team I am sure you can crack it.
 

vickers22

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You are right it is not a big problem when you come to think of it, is mostly for my mum who has to exercise him during week and gets fed up with not being able to have a relaxing ride with others. But they cant all be perfect, as he is generally good as gold in every other aspect!
 

filly190

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Could the others that ride out with your mum, let her go infront and swop positions in the order which could help settle him.

If you do this for a while it may help. It is annoying when horses do this and you come back feeling like you have ridden a bone shaker if they start jig jogging everywhere.

The other thing that I thought of, is your mum tensing up when he starts (which we all do) it makes them worse and the mucking about lasts longer. Its a natural body reaction and to overcome it, deep breathing, singing, talking anything to keep relaxed and ignore what he is doing in your body language.

I am not saying you or your mum is a fault, its just whenever a horse starts we all tense and pick up the reins, ready for whats next. Some people swear by dropping contact and doing the opposite of what you actually want to do. Another way of relaxing a horse is to keep your hands low so they can feel them on the withers and give them a little scratch. When you do this, it makes it impossible to raise your hands and pull against the horse.

Hope this helps, I am glad your horse is otherwise good and by trying different things you will find the key to switch him off. It takes a little time and confidence but will help. There will always be times that he will get excited and there's not a lot you can do. But for basic hacking and manners he needs to learn a little more manners to make life easier for you both.
 

Hattikins

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It depends whether hes getting over excited because hes anxious or worried or whether hes just enjoying himself and getting hyped. If its because hes anxious or worried it would probably work because topspec contains minerals and stuff that the horse lacks that makes them more anxious than they need be, topspec replenishes the mineral deficiency and so there fore they do not get as worried. However if he is enjoying himself it wont work (i think!!!!!) dont quote me on this but this is what someone else told me when we wondered whether to try it
wink.gif
 

vickers22

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he generally just loves jumping and racing about so may not have an affect as its just the way he is!!I will tell my mum to relax and try different ways to calm him, and see how it goes!thanks for the advice, very helpful.
 
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