Other horses in the school problems..

[jellybean95]

Just after some advice really, One of my horses I've only had for about two months, he's a show jumper brought over by my YO from gores bridge In Ireland and he is 5 years old. Weve taken him back to basics with his schooling and he's coming on so much however when we are in trot in the school and another horse canters near him or behind him he starts to buck and spin. Now I'm not sure if he's nervous or just excited but he coped in the collecting ring at RI so I think this is newish behavior? perhaps because we are doing lots of trotting work and limited canter at the minute and he can see others cantering? Do I just need to push him through it? its becoming impossible to get much done if I'm riding with anyone else any advice welcome!

[gillwales]

You need to decide what you want to do. At this stage you could ask to return it and get your money back. If you want to keep the horse then you are going to have to go back to the beginning. I know you have said you have done that, but maybe turn away so he either forgets naughty habits or if he is anxious then to forget what upset him. Then when you do ride him in company do so with his friend, that way you should be able to rule out the later. Good luck

[jellybean95]

Hi gillwales thanks for that, I definitely don’t want to return him everything else about him is perfect, he was turned away for 6 months just before I had him but maybe he needs a few weeks now he’s been back in work for a couple of months so I might try that. Going to ride with my friend tomorrow and ask her to canter around him with lots of praise when he’s good! I think it’s more excitement as he doesn’t do it toward the end when he’s knackered! Thanks again x

[alex786]

You need a trainer I guess.

[bee55]

Hi!

Make sure you get his eyes checked to rule out if this is the issue, as well as any other health checks you deem necessary.

If this is a behavioural 'issue' then try to think about why he may act this way. Has anything happened while a horse has gone past him before that could've become a trigger for this behaviour? How is he in the field or stabled by other horses? Is he being 'bullied' at all in the field and so he feels defensive?

Also, he may have hunted in Ireland before and may get overcome with anxiety or anticipation of what he thinks is coming.

Additionally, it is a lot for a horse to travel all of that way and he's very young. He may not have been backed and ridden way correctly either. Take your time with him. I recommend to start on the ground first with a horse coming past, then build this up and increase the intensity. First the horse walks past while you are standing. Then they can start to get closer and closer.

You may also want to have a professional trainer help you who is experienced with 'problem horses'.

Try not to think of him as being naughty. Many people do this with horses and it's the biggest mistake you can make. Horses don't think like people. They don't deliberately play up.

At his age, what many call the 'teenage phase', he may struggle with learning more and he may get frustrated and anxious easily.

I hope this has helped even a little bit. Have faith and patience! Remember, it's okay if you do feel you want to 'give up'. You can find him a home that is more beneficial for him if you feel he needs someone else and then you could get yourself the type of horse you can enjoy and cope with. If you want to keep him, you'll have to work hard and know that going back to basics isn't a bad thing. The longer your training takes, the longer his ridden carrier may be. Keep in mind that many horses spines are fully developed until they are 6 - 8 years of age. He needs the muscle to protect his skeletal structure.


Good luck!

[bee55]

*career

[bee55]

aren't fully developed until they are 6 - 8 years of age.

I really need to start proofreading before I click 'send! Haha!