Training A Trail Horse

[Blair Witch]

I bought a horse in January to use for trail riding. His owner informed me that he was a bit spooky but managable and would go everywhere, on and off road. He had quite a few little issues when I brought him home. At first he would move off and wouldn't let me mount, but fortunately I got that fixed. He also started bolting when I would ride outside of the pasture, but this is pretty much under control too.

Now, I walked him by hand up and down the road a few times and he was fine and didn't spook at all. Yesterday I decided to ride him along the ditch in the evening when traffic was light. He was alright until I walked him down a trail we'd never been on before. He pulled and turned around and tried to canter back to the road. He was very tense and was spooking at the branches blowing in the wind and even a small stream. I tried to be as confident as I could and tried to calm him, but as soon as I would loosen the reins he would try to take off with me and he even began to cow hop. I ended up getting really nervous, which probably fed onto the horse and ended up getting him to stand still long enough for me to dismount on the trail when I saw a line of cars coming up the road.

I'm quite a confident and experienced rider with lots of miles of trails and schooling under my belt, but this time I really felt nervous. Unfortunately I don't have anyone else to hack with so I need to work this out on my own.

What do you think would be the best way to get him exposed to the new trails and traffic. Do you think I should continue leading him from the ground for awhile, he seems more confident when I'm leading him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[sheryl]

Hi,
Its a shame you don't have anyone to ride with :(.

I think I would walk him out in hand, if he prefers it. I'm sure in time you'll get there, but it may take a while...

Is he having a non heating diet?

Are you sure there isn't a problem with his back, saddle, teeth or bit?

Does he have plenty of turn out?

[Blair Witch]

He's turned out from 9AM-9PM (weather permitting). I've cut out grain altogether and he's eating just hay now. I was thinking of maybe bringing the ponying Fancy, she's quite confident and bombproof on the trails. I've tried different saddles, bridles and bits on him and his teeth were examined and floated last week, so I don't think it's a problem.

[Grace O'Malley]

Do you have to go on roads? Even if you have to trailer somewhere, it might be good to work on his overall issues without the complicating dangers of traffic :eek:

Also, personally, I kind of prefer to avoid evening as the time to hack a nervous horse. At least in our area, all the wild animals tend to come out and be more active at that time. There's scary deer and bunny rabbits around :rolleyes: , not to mention coyote and the occasional mountain lion. It doesn't matter if there aren't any real predators around, but horses know that evening is peak predator time, so they tend to be more on their toes. At least that's my experience.

I hear you on the traffic thing, but we do better in the middle of the day.

Oh, and if you have no one to hack with, is there someone who would perhaps hike along with you? Maybe while walking their dog? Morocha is much happier with someone on foot than she is with just me on her back.

[Blair Witch]

That's a good point Grace. Maybe I'll bring him out in the morning to see if there is a difference. Unfortunately, I need to walk up the side of the road for maybe 25 feet to get onto the trails. I could ask my dad to come along to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the suggestions.