Strong Horse advise!

[cassiejames600]

At my college, at the end of term we have a little fun show down the college stables, all equine courses at the college get involved and basicly compete against each tutor group.

For our easter show next week we have combined training as one of the classes and im doing dressage prelim 18, we dont pick the horses the yard manager does and ive been giving a horse that is just a tank! she dont really listen and just is very heavy in your hand.

ive never riden her in my life the only time i get to ride her before the test is in the warm up, does anyone have advise on how to make her less heavy in the hand while in my warm up??

 

[Gingerwitch]

Who says she is strong ? - you have not experianced her yourself so you never know ! - what type of a bit is she in, is she uber sensative, do riders get on her with a "aggresive" style? do you give her a chance to respond nicely etc? does the saddle fit ie is spreading the weight over a really good area on her back or is it bridging or tipping forward onto the points? what is the saddle cloth like etc.

The only other option is she is fine tack, and health wise and she tanks is the one handed pull up - but if she is this bad how come she is still at the college and i feel very sorry for the little lady - bet she gets some right stick of the students - poor love - dont think she is cut out for this job !

 

[walkandtrot]

Lots of Transitions in your warm ups!! Have a great time!!

 

[mik]

Try half halt, and then YOU MUST soften, if she tanks again, half halt, repeat ad-infinitum. Sometimes the half halt is more like a heave-ho at the beginning, the aim is to make them more subtle as you go along.
Think, whilst doing them, wow, relax, wow, relax, wow, relax. And prepare every transition, curve, corner and stride. Get her relaxed and listening. The moment you do a half halt, relax; and she gives, stays in rhythm and doesn't charge off (sounds like stress), allow her to lengthen her neck.
Think soften, calm her, then if needed correct her.
You won't get too far in a short time but you might be surprised at the result.
Good luck have fun!!!!

 

[Sparkles]

Ditto above!
Give her nothing to lean on

soon as she tries to lean, let her fall on self rather than you too.

 

[smellyellie741]

heya are you at sparsholt? if so how do u know which horse you have and who is it ?

 

[skewby]

QR

Leg, leg, more leg, and then more leg!!

 

[Puzzles]

Be careful not to end up in a fight by using just your hands: see if you can squeeze in a couple of cheeky schooling/bonding sessions just so you can get the hang of her and see how you work together. Does she lean on your hands/get strong because she is unbalanced? A bit that moves around in her mouth will make it more difficult for her to set her mouth against you. Similarly, along with half-halts as already suggested, try turning her head gently left and right (NOT sawing) to encourage her to soften her neck and mouth. Avoid going in long straight lines at speed if you can, as this will make it easier for her to set her neck and plough on.