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So bummed, feel like I bought the wrong horse - Update : post #101

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  • Original Poster
    #101
    Update

    Just thought I'd share an update for anybody who had been following my saga. It's been about 3 weeks now of doing nothing but trail riding, and we've made some progress. Here is a summary of where we are at now...

    - With the use of a running martingale, the giraffe head behavior is diminishing, as well as the hollow back and chomping on the bit. I can now walk him home on a loose or light contact rein, which he seems to be happy about, although he still walks very fast. But with his head low and back rounded, it's a much more comfortable fast walk for me to ride.

    - I have learned he prefers a loose rein, at least for now. With the running martingale in place to serve as a reminder, he'll stretch down nicely on a loose rein. At this time, if I try to take more than a light contact, he'll just break at the poll, evade the bit and shorten his stride rather than slow his pace. I would rather him be long and low, so at this time, he gets a loose rein.

    - He seems to quite enjoy doing actual work on the trail. We do a lot of trotting, hill work and transitions. He stays focused and engaged with me when he is in his work mindset. However, I still haven't figured out a way to keep him in that work mindset all the way home. There is inevitably one main trail that leads home, and he knows that. Nothing can convince him otherwise (believe me....NOTHING. You name it, I've tried it). So at this point, I feel we have reached a compromise..... he is allowed to walk fast on a loose/light rein, as long as his head is down, his back is not hollow and he's not chomping on the bit.

    - He is much less spooky. The past 5 rides, the only thing he spooked at was a cat that popped out of the bushes... but that cat scared the bejeezus out of me as well!

    - He still hates stopping/standing still on the trail. But I have successfully clicker trained him to play touch the target while standing still, and we are currently up to 10 second intervals in between treats. As long as he stays focused on the touch the target game, he will happily stand still. At this point, any longer than 10 second interval and he loses focus, and he starts pawing and head tossing.

    We are going to be starting back on arena work next week. It will be interesting to see if the work I've done over the past weeks sticks.... or if my trainer is right and he regresses back to old habits. If anything, this experience has been a great lesson in patience...for both of us!

    Comment

    • #102
      Thank you for the update - I love hearing about different methods being tried and how they worked.

      Comment

      • #103
        One thing you might try is a little lateral work, preferably shoulder-in, any time he gets quick on the road on the way home. It definitely gives them a lot to physically DO, to the point where I call it "horsey push-ups."

        The message they usually get pretty quickly is: "If you've got too much energy, we're gonna WORK!"

        Eventually the threat of a couple of steps is enough . . .

        Comment

        • #104
          Originally posted by Lady Eboshi View Post
          One thing you might try is a little lateral work, preferably shoulder-in, any time he gets quick on the road on the way home. It definitely gives them a lot to physically DO, to the point where I call it "horsey push-ups."

          The message they usually get pretty quickly is: "If you've got too much energy, we're gonna WORK!"

          Eventually the threat of a couple of steps is enough . . .
          Glad to hear how much progress you've made. I second the lateral work. When my TB starts to jig, he immediately goes into shoulder in.
          Equine Ink - My soapbox for equestrian writings & reviews.
          EquestrianHow2 - Operating instructions for your horse.

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          • #105
            You have made fantastic progress in just a couple of weeks and good for you both.

            Please don't assume he will regress when he gets back to mostly arena work, can turn into self fulfilling prophecy. Just keep taking him out regularly and he will mostly improve...we all know they do take a few backward steps along the way. Dont be too surprised but don't let them get you frustrated, he's doing fine now, he can and will slide back at times but will return to doing fine if you continue as you are on a consistent basis. And a third in adding that lateral work when he wants to start bossing you around.

            I think you are over the hump. Good job.
            When opportunity knocks it's wearing overalls and looks like work.

            The horse world. Two people. Three opinions.

            Comment

            • #106
              Glad to hear your update. But here's another thought - why can't you ride dressage on the trails? Can you do loops and serpentines and lateral work? Nope. But you can do shoulder in, straightness, more or less collected or extended, transition, practice sitting trot, blah blah blah depending on what level the two of you are at.

              I was a hunt seat rider for years before I switched to dressage. Guess where I learned to keep my fingers closed on the reins and my heels down? On the trail, because they might trip out there through no fault of their own, and the last thing you want is open fingers and no base of support.

              I'll look forward to more updates.

              ETA: Really meant lengthenings, not extensions.
              Last edited by m&m; Mar. 19, 2015, 04:12 PM.
              Shut up, brain. I'm trying to sleep. (Courtesy AirsAboveNC)

              Comment

              • #107
                Wonderful update! Sounds like the one who needed encouragement the most was - you. Good job !!!

                Originally posted by findeight View Post
                You have made fantastic progress in just a couple of weeks and good for you both.

                Please don't assume he will regress when he gets back to mostly arena work, can turn into self fulfilling prophecy. Just keep taking him out regularly and he will mostly improve...we all know they do take a few backward steps along the way. Dont be too surprised but don't let them get you frustrated, he's doing fine now, he can and will slide back at times but will return to doing fine if you continue as you are on a consistent basis. And a third in adding that lateral work when he wants to start bossing you around.

                I think you are over the hump. Good job.
                Agreed.

                Time and patience - and some persistance.

                Possibly you are rather better with your horse than your trainer is ... ???

                Comment

                • #108
                  ^ And spend a lot of time airing his brain out on the trail. His brain may need the outdoor rides more than it needs the circles in the arena. As you do, I used to practice my lesson material out on the trail. Made all the difference in the world. Some of these guys really need to give the arena a break. Remember that it is hard for a horse to stay focused on one thing only all the way home. Mix it up a little, but keep coming back to the same point. Honestly, if you're making this kind of headway with this guy, he's probably a good horse for you. For your trainer, maybe not the right match. Sounds like he's trying. Good luck with his training!
                  "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein

                  http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/...2011%20Photos/

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