I have 2 horses that I have been working with since quarantine. They are both very green. I have extremely limited gear, just saddles, bridles, and blankets, and grooming stuff. One (Katie) is very sassy and never trots. She always hates whatever bridle I use with her, I think she's just being a bitty. Oreo is a good boy, but he bolts a lot when I go in the pasture. Any suggestions?
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You could always try bridleless with Katie? Maybe not the best idea if she’s super green but I guess it depends o both of your experience. Also, I’m sure you’ve already done this, but make sure the bridle fits properly and isn’t rubbing. Does Oreo bolt when you are riding him in the field? If not, shouldn’t be a big problem unless he’s running from you or at risk of injuring himself. Hope this helps 😁
Sorry, I didn't see this post before. With Katie- Some horses start acting out if the bit you are using is too harsh. I would try using a softer bit or even a bitless bridle. You might also want to get Katie's teeth checked because a bit-even the softest one- could make her act up a lot if she has bad teeth. With the trotting problem- make sure you pick out her feet before and after riding. If this doesn't solve the problem, try doing some groundwork(like lounging) with her because (a) this should help strengthen the bond you have with her, so, if before the groundwork she didn't trust you enough to go fast, now she might trust you a little more. For Oreo-I'm a little confused on what you mean by 'he bolts a lot when I go in the pasture'. If you mean when you go to catch him- NEVER chase him. this will teach him that when you come out with that halter, he has to run. Try bringing a few treats out with you. Try a lot of different things. I will continue in the next comment....
Sorry, I ran out of space. Ok, like I was saying, this will sound stupid to some people but horses are very sensitive to our energy. Try clearing you mind before you go out to the field. Crouch down a little when you get near Oreo. when he comes to you, reward him. If you meant he bolts when you ride him- You really shouldn't ride him in the pasture. That is his safe place where he gets to relax. If that starts becoming his work space, he might not ever be as relaxed in the pasture because he won't know if he's working or relaxing. I hope all of this helps! But remember- these things take time! Stick with it!
Load More Replies... Sorry, I didn't see this post before. With Katie- Some horses start acting out if the bit you are using is too harsh. I would try using a softer bit or even a bitless bridle. You might also want to get Katie's teeth checked because a bit-even the softest one- could make her act up a lot if she has bad teeth. With the trotting problem- make sure you pick out her feet before and after riding. If this doesn't solve the problem, try doing some groundwork(like lounging) with her because (a) this should help strengthen the bond you have with her, so, if before the groundwork she didn't trust you enough to go fast, now she might trust you a little more. For Oreo-I'm a little confused on what you mean by 'he bolts a lot when I go in the pasture'. If you mean when you go to catch him- NEVER chase him. this will teach him that when you come out with that halter, he has to run. Try bringing a few treats out with you. Try a lot of different things. I will continue in the next comment....
Sorry, I ran out of space. Ok, like I was saying, this will sound stupid to some people but horses are very sensitive to our energy. Try clearing you mind before you go out to the field. Crouch down a little when you get near Oreo. when he comes to you, reward him. If you meant he bolts when you ride him- You really shouldn't ride him in the pasture. That is his safe place where he gets to relax. If that starts becoming his work space, he might not ever be as relaxed in the pasture because he won't know if he's working or relaxing. I hope all of this helps! But remember- these things take time! Stick with it!
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