Stopping a young horse tanking off?

Don't know much about saddles. But was it the same one or just the same type. As if just same type i should imagine it would feel very different to one previously used? That's just my logic head though as opposed to saddle knowledge.
 
AM - He was broken in this time last year, but he had 6mths off due to said accident and my confidence issues. In reality, he's done 6mths of very basic work. I am seeking professional help.
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I suspect this is where your problems lie. Lack of consistency, riding and schooling and perhaps your (subconscious nerves). Personally I wouldn't do much more than ground work with him and the odd walk around the school until you've got an instructor booked.

Please don't put a stronger bit in his mouth - he doesn't understand basic aids, so biting him up will make matters worse.

Also - drop your stick. You don't know how to use it properly, from your original post, and it will remove temptation due to frustration/fear.
 
My lad doesn't tank as such but we equally have very little in the way of brakes. Although broken a year and a half ago, he doesn't really understand what the aids are, so since he came to me, our ridden sessions have been on the lunge with an instructor. Great for my confidence, as I'm happy he can't bog off with me. Might be worth a try for you too. Wouldn't go with a stronger bit yet, as my instructor says, slowing comes from your seat!
 
PandorasJar said:
Don't know much about saddles. But was it the same one or just the same type. As if just same type i should imagine it would feel very different to one previously used? That's just my logic head though as opposed to saddle knowledge.
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Same style, model etc. Only difference being that this one is brand new, so perhaps needs breaking in? The leather is a little stiffer as a result, but everything else is identical.

Sadken - sounds like what we need. I'll be getting an instructor out as soon as I can find some recommendations.

amymay - please do not tell me that I don't know how to use a stick. In my eyes, a stick is a reminder, and that's what it was used for. At no point was it anything to do with "frustration / fear".
 
Have to say I do actually agree with anymay on this one :o Yes a stick is there for reinforment if used correctly behind the leg as a back up to the leg aid. Your wee horse has no idea what a slap ont he shoulder with the stick is so dosen't know its backing something up. As others have said naughty you.

That said I just think he is a bit confused with the aids at the moment and is testing things/you to see whats what. A good instructor will help with exercises and techneques to work him thorugh it.
 
I have a 6 year old cob who is very green and sounds tue same as your boy! I had to cut out cantering at all because she assumed we were going to do it every time we went into trot and we do lots of walk to trot and back to walk then hault transitions over a few times so she really listens. It really does work but don't over do the transitions, my mare gets frustrated after a while! As for hacking, I've had a few problems too but when we ride behind my friends Older and safer horse she will stop behind him so maybe find someone safe to ride out with. We do lots of transitions on our hacks too to keep her listening!
 
ShadowFlame said:
Same style, model etc. Only difference being that this one is brand new, so perhaps needs breaking in? The leather is a little stiffer as a result, but everything else is identical.

Sadken - sounds like what we need. I'll be getting an instructor out as soon as I can find some recommendations.

amymay - please do not tell me that I don't know how to use a stick. In my eyes, a stick is a reminder, and that's what it was used for. At no point was it anything to do with "frustration / fear".
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Where in the west mids are you?
 
He sounds like he is confused with the aids, if he was mine i would start at the begiining and just long rein for a week no riding, lots of walk on and stop in long rein, i dont know how good your riding is, but do not lean forward or open your legs when asking him to go forward it makes them go faster, sit deep in the saddle ad squeeze your bum and only give 2 kicks no more to go from one transition to the next.
 
As far as I'm aware, a stick can be used behind the leg to reinforce the leg, or as a tap on the shoulder as a reminder of "listen, please". I've had a variety of riding instructors over the last decade, and I've yet to find one who disagrees with that. If you read the original post, I don't believe that contradicts this? I don't overuse sticks, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to use one with him. However, I don't think it's unreasonable to give a tap on the shoulder when a horse has switched off and stopped listening. If you your opinion differs, we'll have to agree to disagree.

Having played about on the lunge tonight (no saddle), I think he is having issues with balance. We're going to go back to basics for a while and bring an instructor in.

NBC - we're in north Worcestershire. If you have a suggestion for an instructor that would always be appreciated :)

Thanks for the replies guys.
 
The only time I would use the whip on a horses shoulder is to indicate to the horse was that was the part of it I was trying influence for instance if a horse was falling out through the shoulder I might lay my schooling whip agaisnt the shoulder to say" this bit silly ".
I would never tap an upset not listening horse with a whip how's that going to calm him.
 
However, I don't think it's unreasonable to give a tap on the shoulder when a horse has switched off and stopped listening.
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I agree with you up to a point. However, the timing has to be right, as does the situation. And until you can recognise both, it's best not to use a stick at all (regardless of what your countless instructors may say).
 
As stated, it wasn't with the intention of calming him, it was with the intention of asking him to listen to what was being asked of him - he wasn't upset at this stage, he was just tanking.

In regards to timing, that applies to nearly everything involving horses. Maybe the timing was off, maybe it wasn't, without being there I'm not sure you can judge that. Either way, he hasn't suffered as a result and was happy to work the following day.

I appreciate the advice given. Thanks again.
 
How about trying bitless? My girl would swing for home a lot and it would take me ages to stop her and wed fight all the way. I put her in a bitless and she tried going home twice and but stoppped straight away like within seconds, when i asked and shes never tried since. Shes much happier without a bit, more relaxed cooperative and calm.

Just make sure he will flex his neck for you and learn the one rein stop for safety reasons:)

Hope it all works out for you
 
While it is possible that there is a physical problem with saddle fit, in my experience it is also entirely possible that it is purely a balance issue. When he was younger my current gelding could canter a 10m circle (not my idea, I promise, his evasion) but refused to believe it was possible to trot round a corner with a rider on board.

This has been said before, but a neckstrap when ridden and a lot of lunging to work on his balance worked well for me.
 
Im with marychristmas on this. He is still a baby im sure u know not to put 2 much pressure on him or he may get upset n not want to work for u. Make it a little fun and put some poles down for him. He will have to concentrate then xx
 
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