Different when hacking...

[clarabella_78]

...on grass! It's odd, but Wannie turns into a completely different animal when we hack out in fields (particularly hilly ones!) On the beach and on the road has is as cool as a cucumber, and when we canter (never on the road obviously) he is really steady and controllable. I've taken him on a couple of field hacks now, and he gets really heated and fizzy. He would never take off with me unless he got scared, and I don't let him go as fast as he pleases because it scares me. He ends up leaning on the bit and jogging with lots of angry snorting. It's as if he's saying, ok I'm not getting to tank around like I want to, but I'm not happy about it. His behaviour just makes me even more nervous, so the most I'll let him do is walk.

Any tips on getting him (and me) to calm down? These hacks have all been in company, and the other horse is absolutely fine. I wonder if I should try it on my own?

I should mention he's a TB and was trained as a racehorse, and has also hunted in his time so do you think that's what makes him see big grassy spaces as something to get excited about?

[Trewsers]

Hmm, I have heard this before, that they get more excited about being on grass, but my Storm doesn't seem any different (touches wood!!!). Only advice I can offer is to try and relax, squeeze / half halts rather than panic mode tugs - just generally try and stay chilled (easier said than done I know!). I wouldn't take him on his own until you are a bit more used to the situation - cos it doesn't sound like the other horse is winding him up - not if he's not bothered. In fact, I'd say stick with a sensible hacking nanny!!
How many times have you done the grass hack? Storm snorts and prances when I take her on a new route - she soon settles tho, and by the third time its old news if you know what I mean! Good luck - and try to keep relaxed. (You could do what I do and sing - make songs up etc!!!)

[Esther.D]

I should mention he's a TB and was trained as a racehorse, and has also hunted in his time so do you think that's what makes him see big grassy spaces as something to get excited about?

I suspect this is part of the problem, a lot of horses get excited on grass but normally on the beach as well. I cannot add anything to what you are already doing - hack slowly on the grass with a quiet horse as a hacking companion and follow trewsers advice re half halts etc.