Taking loopy horse XC, help please??

[Sol]

Not got lorry so rely a lot on lifts - have offer to go XC THIS WEEKEND with Danny. Don't want to say no as if I don't get out now, I'll just put it off forever.

But. Loopy horse is... just that.

Need tips for:

- Brakes! (most important)

- Staying calm

- Having fun!



Brakes problem is more the fact that when he decides he's going, he's going! And that's pretty much it until he decides to stop :/ We also lack steering when that happens
Going to have a word with my instructor tomorrow but ANY advice is appreciated

 

[katie_and_toto]

You could contact Bit World, or go to a reputable tack shop and ask for bitting and noseband advice We found the perfect bit for Toto through Bit World, they were very helpful, and he's now in a Myler correctional port, mild but I can stop him if he decides he wants to go for a run!

Pop a neckstrap round his neck, so you can grab it if you need!

The main thing to do, is DON'T follow another horse over a fence, winds my pony up no end! Make sure he is calm before you go over a fence, don't let him take control, you decide when he jumps, so if he messes about or gets strong on approach to fences, don't let him jump it until you want. Sit up tall and lift your hands a little more than normal to avoid being pulled forward. If you think he's getting too wound up, take a break and go for a quiet walk to calm him down a bit Remember to praise him when he does well

Have fun, and don't forget pics!!

 

[SecretSquirrell379]

I've always had major problems with brakes and steering while hacking out on the fields with canter work. I've recently put her in a happy mouth pelham and OMG its amazing, we actually canter now, not tank along, we can go faster and I still have steering. The difference is unreal. I have borrowed the bit to see how we got on and I love it. I now actually smile while cantering rather than having a tug of war and shouting at her to come back to me

 

[Sol]

May do that! I just remembered that he really liked the ported bit I tried on him one time (just a snaffle but not dressage legal so we didn't keep using it!) so I might try a ported pelham on him with 2 reins rather than the straight bar pelham I'd usually use that he runs straight through when he feels like it

We only tried following another horse over a fence once! It ended up in Danny running backwards because I wouldn't let him rush, then when I let him forwards he was that wound up he just jumped up and down on the spot, reared and then ran side ways into another horse...... and THEN bolted after the other horse.
Needless to say, we didn't try that again! xD

I bet everyone thinks i'm mad taking this thing out anywhere!

And will try to get piccies Thanks!

 

[Sol]

hehe, I'm hoping we can find a similar solution! Or why couldn't he just stay like the nice quiet little horse I first took XC?! - when he was totally unfit... *smirk* That was lovely! He trotted round so sweetly! But not anymore