Youngster Advice (Schooling/bitting)

[Henry.Col]

Hello,

I have a wonderful 4 yr old who is going much better than expected but we do have a few issues with relaxing in the school. He is currently in a loose ring snaffle at all times as he has fabulous brakes, even out hunting.

When we go in the school he takes quite a long time to relax into an outline. I dont wish to force him or start a battle because in his own time ( 20 mins usually) he relaxes and works very well. Because of his age I dont want to work him for too long so reducing this start up time would be great.

I was thinking possibly a sweet iron or roller to get him to play and soften? Any ideas or tricks greatly appreciated!

This is him yesterday at a Dressage clinic - after 10 minutes of teenager behaviour he settled and loved it!

 

[AmyMay]

I'm sure others will disagree. But if it takes him twenty mins to start to relax down nicely on to the bit, it takes him 20 mins......

 

[StormyGale]

I think I agree amymay, he sounds like a lovely boy OP and if its just in schooling that he finds a little testing then just let him stretch and maybe give him a little longer before asking for collection etc. he's so young and if he's so lovely at all the other things and is good out hunting and has breaks etc id just give him time - he sounds really lovely and you don't want to cause problems in other areas by changing it when he sounds like hes happy and just being young.