Jul 30 2010
Horse training issues? Please help?
My 7-year-old quarter horse gelding has always been spunky and I think he’s got major spring fever. I’ve worked with him a lot in the last few weeks and he’s still kind of nuts. We live in Minnesota and have no indoor so could hardly ride all winter due to ICE, so that’s obviously a reason for him to be a little spunky. But he’s been tossing his head like crazy and I know that it is not his teeth because we had them floated recently. The tie down seemed to help with the head tossing but he’s still funky. He even reared a bit. Once I got him into a solid trot or canter things were good, but transitions were insane. What could be the issue here?
My QH is very high strung. Even after riding for hours and hours, he is still that way. As far as the head slinging, I changed bits and that helped. He is tender mouthed. I even tried a bosal, that was fine, until he bolted with my husband last week. In the round pen, the bosal is fine. Do you lunge or run in a round pen before getting on him? That may help some. But, he could just be high spirited. I have been told numerous times that QH are very laid back. I don’t always agree. I have been on more, usually with great bloodlines, that are high spirited. We once had a 17 year old gelding that was so high spirited. My sister wouldn’t let me ride him when I was a kid. She and her husband could barely control him when he went into the arena. So, I only got to pleasure ride, never barrels on him. But, maybe since he sat up all winter, that could also be part of the problem. Just ride and ride and ride some more. That is what I have to do with Jo. He has calmed down a little since last summer. Not a whole lot, but especially not as spooky. Just work on walking him first. Don’t try trotting and running, he could bolt since he is already acting up.
Always lunge him or trot him on a lead for a half hour or so before you ride. Also, put him on a feed that has low starch, low sugar, and no molasses. If you can, put him on only 8% proteins, and if he’s still hyper, cut out grains entirely and give him free reign over pasture grass and hay.
Exercise him at least 4 or 5 days a week, if you can, go for 6 days a week. When riding, keep him busy and keep him focused on what you want to do. Don’t let him idle or put his head down for grass.
My horse gets spunky every spring, as well, though he usually calms down after a few days of good exercise. Also, if your horse isn’t exercised that much already, build up to it slowly, over a course of a few weeks, to prevent him from getting too much of a lactic acid build up and then tying up. (Tying up is when the lactic acid (that stuff that makes muscles tender, sore, and tight after a hard work out) gets so built up that the horse can’t move, in which case a vet needs to be called immediately, and the horse should not be moved from his position.)
Ok…a couple of things:
1- I never get my horses teeth done unless it’s by an equine dentist, because the vets do a crappy job (no offense) and they change the angles of the horses teeth completely.
2- I think that your horse needs more discipline. When he starts to toss his head, pull on one rein only in a jerking motion… I know I will get thums-down for this, but it’s true. My horse used to toss her head until I did this, and now she stays in frame for the whole ride.
3- Maybe also try loosening the reins if they are tight.
4- Lounge him before rides?
Very simple :
Horse wants to go faster + You are shorter on the reins so as not to go faster = Head tossing
Do allot of circles for now and try to operate on one rein at a time for awhile.
You may check your horse and not be able to find anything wrong, but that does not mean that they are not in pain. The best option is to call your vet at the signs of uncharacteristic behavior as there are a number of other conditions such as arthritis, colic, or nerve damage that you may miss.
# Boredom can result in certain behavioral issues and it is something that can easily be remedied with longer turn-out times and horse toys.
# Equine massage can be very beneficial for all horses and helps to relieve many muscle aches, spasms and painful joints. It is also very relaxing for horses and can help to reduce stress and anxiety
# In some cases, especially when behavioral problems are not something new, you may need to look at training, temperament and your horse’s history. It may help to call in a professional trainer to help get rid of bad habits and curb behavior problems. Remember to research the techniques of your trainer first, as training should be gentle and based on natural horsemanship rather than strict dominance and fear.
When behavioral problems are the result or fear, anxiety, irritability or anger, natural herbal and homeopathic ingredients can be used as a way to help remedy the situation. One very popular homeopathic ingredient is Chamomilla. Often used for restless and bothered children, Chamomilla helps calm fidgety horses and address anger and irritability.
Another renowned homeopathic ingredient is Kali. Phos. this biochemic tissue salt can be used to calm the nervous system and works wonders for stressed, fatigued and anxious horses. Ingredients such as Phosphorus and Asarum can also be used ease nervousness, reduce skittishness, and calm scared horses. Lastly, the ingredient Cina is well suited to horses that dislike being touched, or show signs of stubbornness. It is also commonly recommended for horses with a history of abuse.
You may get more info here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/pets/equinehorsecalm-natural-supplement.htm