I recently bought a half saddle bred and half arabian gelding that is nine years old. He has done well in arabian shows, saddle bred shows, and some trail events as well. He was mainly used as a country/english horse and as a lesson horse for beginner riders. However, i want a hunter flat work type horse, not a driving/country/english/train eventing horse. I bought this gelding because a trainer and i both agreed that he has great potentials, but we aren’t sure about hunter work on him just yet.
He’s been a great horse for me for the past few months, and my instructor likes him as well. The toughest part in turning him into a hunter horse is to get him to roll over and bridle. He tends to want to stretch him neck up and point him nose out, and he doesn’t respond well when i work the bit and try to bring his neck back. This month we are hauling him to my aunts farm and keeping him there because its much cheaper. Without my instructor, what can i do to keep improving his hunter training?
What type of bit are you using? Sounds like he might be a little hard mouthed right now.
Try a different bit and see if you can get him to give more. Never use a gag bit. Gimic bits won’t work in the show arena when you have to switch back to the snaffle.
I also oppose the use of draw reins. They are not a real solution – just a bandaid.’
I actually have gotten good give to a mechanical hackamore. See if you can borrow some different bridles and see what works.
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