Tips please. Hunting a youngster.

[chesnutty]

Hi everyone,

I have been given a 17.2hh 6 year old gelding for the winter, to 'bring him on'. He had a couple of days out hunting last season, and has been autumn hunting this year.

He is a gentle giant in the stable, and lovely to be around. When riding he is quite unresponsive to leg, and a bit lazy and leans on the bit a lot - I started on him last week, been working on contact and transitions to get him listening and collected. I took him autumn hunting on Tuesday, for the most part he was very good - just very strong when in canter (but takes some kicking to get him there!) and automatically wants to gallop. If I keep the reins short, he throws his head down and then right up but if I let him have the rein he just gets faster and faster and then I can't stop until the field stops. He stands quietly enough, fidgets if he is not near his field mate but nothing horrible.

I'm not going to be able to take him again until the opening meet - so a bit nervous about the quick transition! Has anyone got any tips, or do I just put it down to his age? His bit is a full cheek roller snaffle, which he has been in while doing some event training over the summer and no problems.

 

[AmyMay]

Oooo Opening meet is a big ask if you're not going to be taking him between then and now. Usually a big field with lots of out of control people. Why not take him later that week at a quieter meet?

I'd probably be inclined to put a standing martingale on him and perhaps a drop noseband.

 

[Marie1]

Try him in a Kineton noseband, have a bad reputation with some but in the right hands is a perfectly useful piece of equipment.. I have a 17yo (thinks he is 4) 17.2hh warmblood and I wouldn't dream of taking him without it.. He is one of those that has to be at the front at any cost.. Gives extra control without putting a harsh bit in him

 

[Archiepoo]

totally second the kineton noseband its turned my horse into an almost controllable horse lol x

 

[HuntingB]

Kineton noseband can be a top bit of kit, but seem to be hard to find as I think they're seen as quite old-fashioned.

I think the best thing I've heard on here is from JenHunt (I believe Ron gets rather excited at the beginning of the season) about comparing it to a child at a birthday party...you wouldn't ask the child to stand still, so keep the horse moving and therefore concentrating.

Also with amymay in that I'd probably wait for a quieter meet.