The horse i ride, Johnnie, (he's an ex race horse, and i do hunter jumper) has alot of nervous energy and is alot to handle. I can handle him, but it's aggrivating sometimes. So does anyone have some advice on how to calm him down?
2006-06-24 12:10:56 · 4 answers · asked by la 3 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
He's pasture boarded, so he never stays in the barn...
2006-06-25 14:25:55 · update #1
How long has he been off the track? Most OTTB need control - do a lot of circles, serpentines, patterns at a walk and trot. Teach him to bend, work on being supple and relaxed. If he speeds up spiral in the circle. Stand for several minutes. Flex his nose around both ways. While doing the circles and other things - at a walk and trot (control - you know he has speed) - teach him to move around your leg. Teach him to legnthen and shorten his stride. Keep his mind busy and learning - not able to predict what you're going to ask next. When he learns what you want and succeeds at the basics he'll feed off that. Keep yourself centered and relaxed also.
2006-06-24 16:26:46 · answer #1 · answered by Jan H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a very similar problem with my horse, except he's an ex-barrel racer. Every time I ride into an arena he's looking for a barrel! lol, anyway, It takes a lot of exercise and patience. Start from the ground up, look at his feed and daily activity. Make changes if possible, a lower protein feed or something. Then take to the training.
Do you do any ground work? It does wonders for my horse. Try doing some longing and the Monte Roberts stuff. It makes a horse look to you for guidance and leadership. Do some flexing and leadership stuff on the ground. This stuff is good for any horse, overly hyper or not!
Then when your riding work on using your seat to control his speed. Make him match your rythm, he'll be uncomfortable if he doesn't. Get strong in the upper thigh and tummy and concentrate on going slower. Same thing at the trot. Work on posting at a slower pace, he'll have to match you or be miserable. The circles work, and keep him learning. But don't do all this everyday. That'll only make it worse. Take him out on trails or the road, or work dressage one day then only ground work. Keep him interested and happy, and he'll do the same for you.
If you have any more questions you can always email me. Good Luck! :)
2006-06-26 17:57:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming that the horse has been suitably re-trained, try changing the way you manage him a little.
As much turnout as possible
As much Hay as possible not alfalfa. Grass hay is good, just for the roughage and chewing time...
Less grain.... If he doesn't need it to stay a healthy weight, cut back. If you don't ride hard every day, cut back..... the vast majority of horses that aren't worked really, really hard can get most of their nutrion and almost all their calories from hay. Talk to your vet about this. Alot of horses are over fed, but don't get fat, they just get really hyper.
Turn him out a bit before you ride as othen as you can.
When you under saddle, I agree with the serpentines and varoius "random" patterns, circle, do a serpetine with a circle in each loop, ect. Not only do these help him calm down, but they get the both of you focused on eachother, and over time help improve strenght and flexibility
2006-06-25 21:17:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No sweets after 7:00 pm
2006-06-24 20:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by mitchskram 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋