Steadying An Excited Horse

[Adrian1324]

I have a 5 year old mare who has been broken in since October and I’m really struggling with steadying her up. She’s getting very speedy at every pace. She also needs rode with a light hand therefore I struggle to slow her down without pulling on her mouth. I have tried lunging her before I ride and staying on a circle but no matter what I do she just wants to go. My question is how do I teach her to steady up and how do I help her accept the leg as even a slight squeeze sets her off. I want to start doing polework to build up muscle to help her collect her canter however at this stage she’s too energetic to safely do poles. (Her teeth, back, saddle etc have all been checked therefore aren’t the cause for her energy outburst, she’s also out in the field each day and doesn’t get hard feed)

 

[Meowy Catkin]

My first thought as she is young is does she understand what you are asking?

I voice trained my youngsters before they were old enough to be ridden to react to the voice cue 'steady'. This of course is easy to transfer to be used when they are ridden and when used in conjunction with a physical aid, they start to associate the two aids together and eventually you can take away the voice aid.

I also found that straight line work (so hacking, for example) is much easier than arena work while they are finding their balance carrying a rider. Being unbalanced can in itself cause a young horse to speed up. So hacking with a steady and sensible companion can help bring speeds down naturally.

 

[MummyEms]

Just consistently ask calmly , lots of downwards transitions. and use your seat rather than your hands. Read Mary Wanless book "ride with your mind essentials"

 

[Adrian1324]

Just consistently ask calmly , lots of downwards transitions. and use your seat rather than your hands. Read Mary Wanless book "ride with your mind essentials"

Hi! I’m glad to see that she has calmed down a whole lot however I’m struggling with her downward transitions! I try use my seat and voice as much as I can however she still breaks down into a really fast trot. How can I improve her downward transition even more?

 

[paddi22]

you need someone good on the ground to look and tell you the best way to react and ride her. there could be a lot of reasons why she is rushing. is there a good instructor near you that you could get a private lesson with?

 

[MummyEms]

Hi! I’m glad to see that she has calmed down a whole lot however I’m struggling with her downward transitions! I try use my seat and voice as much as I can however she still breaks down into a really fast trot. How can I improve her downward transition even more?

So possibly focus on walk and trot first. Lots of 15 metre circles, lots of 20 metre circles all in walk and trot. Wait until she is consistently calm and listening nicely in those gaits before you do any canter work at all.
When you do feel she's soft and listening reliably enough to canter only allow a few strides before bringing back to trot/walk.
Focus on using your inner thighs to squeeze when asking downwards transitions, also also steady and slow your pelvis movements (you know the hip movement you have when you move with the horse).
Try lunging and using the same word and tone of voice until she releases and slows. Then she'll learn that word (if used in exact same tone) when you're on.

Obviously check everything's ultra comfortable and fits well and the bit isn't further winding her up.