What can you do when your horse has too much get-up-and-go?
One dressage trainer offers some very practical advice in this piece from Practical Horseman magazine:
Tanzartig, a 12-year-old Trakehner owned by Dr. Rebecca Armstrong, demonstrates how he earned his barn name, (Scooter). “He’s very playful,” dressage trainer Heather Robertson says. “If I don’t keep him really focused on his work, he gets distracted and looks for something to spook at.” | Photo by Tass Jones
Direct Your High-Spirited Horse’s Excess Energy
California-based dressage trainer and rider Heather Robertson has had plenty of experience working with spirited horses. Most of this mileage came with young horses—her own and those she worked with during five years riding for 2010 World Cup dressage champion Edward Gal in the Netherlands. But the strategies she developed apply to horses of any age. This includes those who normally run hot and the “Steady Eddies” who find themselves with excess energy on a windy day or after a few days without exercise or turnout.
To learn more about dressage training, download our FREE guide—Dressage Moves: The Turn on the Forehand, Half Halt and Leg Yield Dressage Movements.
Heather is often dismayed to see attempts to quash a horse’s energy or high spirits by over-longeing or punishment. She prefers the idea of positively directing that energy, even when there’s too much of it. This process starts, not on that brisk, gusty autumn day when your horse wants to buck and play, but long before.
Learn how to work through your horse’s spooking with Heather’s system. Download a PDF of the full article here: Direct Your Horse’s Excess Energy
I read the suggestions for a “high spirited” TB. Mine is an OTTB, and when she is hot, if I allow her to “blow off steam” at a canter she thinks she is once again on the track, brakes into an all out gallop; I am pretty much just along for the ride. This is really scary to me, circles etc are impossible at that point. When I do finally slow her, she prances and jigs about as if to ask, “did I win? did I win?” Any other suggestions?
There is a great book called “Beyond the Track” which is all about how to train an OTTB
http://horsebooksetc.com/products/Beyond_the_Track-703-0.?utm_source=MHD-Website&utm_medium=Blog-Post&utm_campaign=MyHorse-Daily
–it might be just what you need.
Good luck!
Amy
*breaks* oops
Thank you for the great info – I, too, have a OTTB 12 yr old Thoroughbred – he has challenged me and I have been riding for over 40 years, with lots of lessons in dressage, plus raised several of my own horses. Yet, over the last 5 years, I have continued to learn by watching, more patience and lots of body connection with my Thoroughbred with lots of touching, rubbing and breathing into his nostrils to make a sincere and caring connection. I like that he has energy and forward movement, but I, too, have had scary moments and do not assume what’s going to happen. I do my best and it’s improving to keep his focus and continue to reassure him by rubbing his neck, but when I ask for a trot or canter – I allow him the forward movement and encourage from behind to help develop the rounder back and drive from his hind quarters – I am seeing lots of improved, so I am anxious for more results. But, of course, I have to realize it takes lots of time. I have also lunged him a lot, but in a very kind way.
The article has been very helpful – perfect subject, because I searched on line how to handle a OTTB, have been reading articles on how to read the horse’s signs, anything that might help. As we all know, it is time, consistency, patience and a sincere caring approach to make the horse better. I really feel the horse knows when you want the best for him. My horse has taught me so and I am sure he will continue.
I have also changed my horse’s feed – I have been feeding for about 3 months – a product from Tribute – called Kalm and E-Z – pallets, less sweetness, plus other things – I do believe it has helped me a lot. It has also made him shine more and also it has helped my 23 OTTB by his coat shine, color and muscles.
Please keep good information coming – it is appreciated.
Amy, that link didn’t work, but I think I found the book you are speaking of…is it by Anna Ford?? If so, I will order it! Looking forward to diving into it.
Nancy, those are great suggestions, on my way to the barn right now to try! I too am re-training her using classical dressage. I am going to use ur suggestions. She isn’t on any “hot” feed. Although she is a hard keeper, she is on Gleam and Gain, beet pulp, and Purina Active Senior…a beet pulp based pellet, in addition to bermuda hay 2xs/day. Thanks to both of you, and yes, Nancy, calm patience is essential!
Thanks again
Charline
Yes, the book is by Anna Ford.
Here’s a better link:
http://horsebooksetc.com/products/Beyond_the_Track-703-0.html
Amy