rosienrupert
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Life without my horses just isnt worth thinking about!
Posts: 47
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Post by rosienrupert on Jun 12, 2008 12:37:04 GMT
Hi
Rupert has been progressing really well with his schooling and started jumping, but in the last few weeks he has started to over bend (had been working in a nice outline) to the point where if I drop the contact he will walk with his nose on the floor! He does'nt do it so much in trot and he is also getting a bit strong. He has also started to fidget a bit by nodding and stuff but there are no flies so puzzled.
I changed his bit from a cherry roller to a jointed loose ring snaffle but has'nt made any difference. Can anyone advise me what bit I should try if any and if there is anything I can do to stop it!
Thanks
Sam
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Post by raymond on Jun 12, 2008 12:53:40 GMT
I don't really know about bits. I use a full cheek snaffle with copper in it which I have found helps ray accept a contact.
Ray drops behind the contact - I am just really careful to make sure that I am quick to correct it by putting my leg on and pushing him forward into the contact. Does he avoid the contact to get strong or to stop working properly do you think?
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rosienrupert
Newbie
Life without my horses just isnt worth thinking about!
Posts: 47
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Post by rosienrupert on Jun 12, 2008 13:05:22 GMT
Hi I do put my leg on him when he does it but he either trys to go into trot or ignores me!  I also make sure that I ride him into my hands aswell! I'm completely puzzled! I don't ride him any gadgets so its not even as though its being forced! I wonder if he is just feeling a show off at the mo like "look at me, aint I clever!" Sam  |
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Post by Maes Seren on Jun 12, 2008 13:24:52 GMT
Try lifting your hands higher, keeping the same contact which will lift his head up. Put your leg on at the same time too.
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Post by Becca on Jun 12, 2008 13:54:17 GMT
Sure they have but have his teeth meen checked? he may be over bending to get the bit in a more comfy place. or he could have realised that if he over bends you dont have mcuh control, bernie used to play that game!
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rosienrupert
Newbie
Life without my horses just isnt worth thinking about!
Posts: 47
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Post by rosienrupert on Jun 12, 2008 14:52:50 GMT
Hi Becca His teeth are fine, checked in April with vaccinations. Think it may be the latter you mentioned, how did you overcome this problem with yours? Sam |
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rosienrupert
Newbie
Life without my horses just isnt worth thinking about!
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Post by rosienrupert on Jun 12, 2008 14:54:26 GMT
Try lifting your hands higher, keeping the same contact which will lift his head up. Put your leg on at the same time too. Hi, I have been doing that but does'nt make any difference with him. Might have to try a different bit again?? Sam |
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Post by brigadier on Jun 12, 2008 17:17:28 GMT
HI
Sounds as though he is becoming nice and flexible through his topline and is just experimenting. You say if you put his leg on he just goes into trot....so preseumably this is just happening at walk?
If this is the case then keep his work varied and to a minimum at walk with lots of transitions to halt and walk and halt again. Then try some direct transitions to halt trot to keep him guessing. then some turn on the forehand and turn on the haunches or turn about the haunches. Basically dont let him get locked in this behaviour. Concentrate more on trot and canter work for a bit also. You mention he will go with his nose on the floor, so lengthen and shorten the contact so that he seeks the rein and gets used to seeking the rein to take your hand forward.
If this is happening at trot then take advantage of it and start doing some lateral work- leg yield on a circle and shoulder in.
horses drop behind the contact to evade the bit and evade the engagement of the hind leg so plenty of lateral work will soon fox him- he is a monkey I suspect so keep him busy and keep him guessing. Also have someone check your riding to make sure your hands are completely still and you are not fiddling with the reins as this will encourage him to bend more- if you are invest in a mammy strap and use it!
As such though not a problem I would worry about too much! Just up his work rate!
brig
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rosienrupert
Newbie
Life without my horses just isnt worth thinking about!
Posts: 47
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Post by rosienrupert on Jun 12, 2008 17:57:03 GMT
Hi Brig, Thanks for that I will definately give that a go tomorrow! He is a little monkey  and he loves his work! Considering he is only 4 1/4 he is a star! He has starting jumping and will jump 2ft with ease which he adores! He is 99% bombproof (bicycles and prams are scary!) and will stand at the edge of a very busy A road waiting to cross (only access to riding!) I will have to get someone to video me and then you can all have a look and show me my faults! ;D Sam x |
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Post by brigadier on Jun 12, 2008 20:26:27 GMT
Anytime- glad to help- I like haflingers- chunky little tanks with brains but if he is working like that at 4 then youve no problems- take things steady!
brig
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I also make sure that I ride him into my hands aswell! I'm completely puzzled!
)
Always saddle your own horse
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
and he loves his work! Considering he is only 4 1/4 he is a star! He has starting jumping and will jump 2ft with ease which he adores! He is 99% bombproof (bicycles and prams are scary!) and will stand at the edge of a very busy A road waiting to cross (only access to riding!)