Training my new 4 year old QH - Western Training & Behavior - Western Training & Behavior - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 3/15/2010 5:16:27 AM

I am worried that I am over my head! My new horse is very well trained to ride, and he does a great job walking, trotting, loping on the trails etc.....he's just great!

I got him two weeks ago, and started riding him the first day after we got home. I have ridden him on the trails by himself, in groups of two and four. He's really a sweet horse, but I sense I could be putting too much on him too fast. He started to develop a resistance to the bit, and I am afraid it will get worse. I am using the same bit he was trained in...a mikmar training bit which is pretty harsh, but I never have to touch it really. He's very soft and I have yet to pull.

I decided to take the day off of riding and I just worked with him on mouth desensitizing, and spending some gentle time with each other. I played with his mouth with my finger for about two hours, and I didn't get bit once

He's trying when I ask him to take the bit, but he's pushing his nose out as if he had been hurt before. He had always been nervous about his mouth...even during the vet pre-purchase exam...he would not let the vet look in his mouth easily.

I also sense he's not so bomb proof.....he is still not as relaxed as I would like him to be, and I guess it will take a few more than two weeks to adjust to his new home, when he was born and raised on the same ranch. Although the last year he had been in the barn and being ridden daily during his training.

Although he is riding great under saddle....I am not sure if my instincts that are telling me to slow down are correct, or if I should just keep on riding, and work through any issues that come up.

I did lunge him once and he knew the routine, but I don't think he needs to be worked before riding as he gets out of his large stall each day, and he's seems ready to go without burning off steam before we ride.

I would love some input. Thanks!

Eric

face

Posted : 3/15/2010 11:45:56 AM

In my book a 4 year old is still young, certainly not going to be bomb proof. I got my mare when she was 4. At that time she would happily follow on trails but would not lead. When she was 5 we had an issue with a big spider web on a trail and no one (riders) would go further. At that point I had a since that Fancy would pass everyone and lead, from that day forward, she is always the trail leader and she will do whatever I ask of her.

At 4 there is a LOT of learning yet to do. Keep riding and have positive experiences. I also made it a point that there were times that I would get her out and just wander around and let her graze on grass outside the pastures. I mixed things up so she never knew what to expect. Maybe we would ride, maybe not. She has gone to being hard to catch in a pasture to at times she will trot or canter over to me when I go get her now.

TanyaC97

Posted : 3/15/2010 5:06:11 PM

I too have a 4 yr old that came off a ranch in October. Guess what-- He is 4, calm, silly, calm, silly, deadbroke, greenbroke, calm, silly. That would be a normal ride for us. Nose in the air, nose on the ground, good headset, try to bite my feet silly, deadbroke horse. Yup, ride number 2.

My point is a 4 yr old still has more to learn and a way to go in order to mature mentally. Be patient, calm and consistent and you will have a heck of a horse.

As far as the bit, do you know why he was broke out it that?

If you really don't like it and feel he doesn't either than change it to something you feel more comfortable with and milder. I love my snaffles with a short, to medium shank, or 3 piece bits (roller or dog bone). That is my preference, we all have things we are most comfortable using and I think if you found that it would help your confidence.

I believe with horses if our gut is telling us to take it slower than that is what we should do. I would rather take 3 months extra to get the result I want than rush and spend 6 months fixing.

sdcfish

Posted : 3/16/2010 2:58:51 AM

Thanks for the insight....I will need it!

Perfect example....tonight I brought in the fly mask.....well....he's 4, but never seen a fly mask! He's ok with the velcro......but definately not the mask. So I am thinking one week of smelling and touching, then have him watch my other horse as I put it on, and he can wear it.

Good plan?

E

TanyaC97

Posted : 3/16/2010 12:54:51 PM

Good plan.

My 4- year old was fine when I put his blanket on him, but scared senseless of my other horse with his blanket on the first time.

The key is slow is better, if you rush you will spend more time fixing it than if you had just taken in slow to begin with.

We are working on clipping right, now. I can clip EVERYTHING (even eye lashes) except his bridle path.