Mummy's Boy aka Hakon

[Frances]

I do not know what to do. Hakon is back from his winter on the hill with the stallions. He is 9 years old, Icelandic and very strong.

In the school, he is just about ok. On his own out and about he is a gentleman. In company he is a homicidal maniac. He wants to go fast, he wont wait for the others (he is the trekking lead pony), he threatens to rear, he pulls like a train and he intimidates me, his rider and now I don't trust him at all.

I have ridden Hakon all his life. I trained, backed and broke him. He has always been a bit spoilt but never got away with anything and been fairly under control and would care about how I feel. We were a team who respected each other.

Now every ride in company is a nightmare. He is inconsiderate and just wants to gallop off using all his strength.

Riding him is not fun anymore, it is frightening. I get so cross with him and he knows this but he just doesn't care anymore.

I am going to look at his teeth. I did join up with him yesterday af ter the most recent disastrous trek and it took a very long time. I am going to try him out in a new saddle (one of Heather's). I can't think of what else to do. It is beginning to affect the other riders who watch his performance and get scared that their horses will do the same. I am at my wit's end. He used to be kind and we were a great team but that relationship has gone (when with others). I am also thinking of Tranquil-E to try and calm him down for the summer.

Any thoughts?

[lisae]

I haven't tried this myself but I have read that for this problem, the horse should be given 'jobs' to do while out on the ride, while the others are going straight if yours takes off he is to be circled, then transitions, serpentines, half-pass, backing, everything you can think of then catch up to the others and try him again. Misbehaves, he's back at the side working.

I have no idea if this would work for you, it must be depressing for you. Could it be a case of spring fever, that will subside? Does Hakon spend every winter with the boys, or was this a new experience for him?

[galadriel]

If he just wants to gallop...what would happen if you just *let* him gallop? Or rather, asked for it (so it was your idea, not his).

I've had success off and on with horses who want to "go" by MAKING them go...and when they want to stop, asking them to keep going for a while longer, until it's your idea to stop. When you ask for a stop, it's what they wanted already, so it's a good thing. After a few sessions they're usually a little more likely to listen when you tell them to stop; they associate stopping with a good thing.

Everything I know about Hakon comes from what I've heard about him on NR--so I have no idea if this would work for you. I've used it with horses who were active & easily bored and just kept wanting to GO and find something new to do--but they didn't usually want to gallop, just to trot or possibly canter.

Let us know how he goes? Maybe it's just the weather, or something?

[floppy]

what bit do you use with him? because the stallion where elja is also gets a break over the winter and when he comes back into work at the beginning he is either ridden in a pelham or an icelandic bit and then after a week or two she rides him in a normal bit again. But she has got his brakes fully installed from when he was young (he is 7 now) using horse treats.


what was he like before his winter break?

[cvb]

my mum used to keep my pony fit for me during the week when I was working and could only get home at weekends. He knew he had to look after her, but there was one ride where you turned back and there was a long straight stretch of road that he just loved to trot down - getting steadily faster and faster. He got so he would start to try and go on the corner. (By the way, this is not something I 'taught' him - we would always turn and walk,. and only trot when he behaved - but he is a strong and cheeky character so was trying it on.)

So she got so that as they made the turn, she would stop and give him a polo. It was just enough to distract him and then she could have his attention all the way back.:D

So perhaps a pocket full of treats ? ;)

[Wally]

I have a very, very strong feeling that if we used a stronger bit he would simply stand up!;) :eek:

[Mossy]

Sorry to be a wet blanket but if he is fine in the school, and on his own, could he be telling you that he does not enjoy his trekking job? I know it is pain for you, and you love him to bits but maybe he is not a trekking lead horse anymore. I would be tempted to give him a break from trekking work and see if time sorts it out. Not much help with the summer season coming up I know but you are right you cannot have him frightening the clients.

[ros]

Poor Frances! Horses do know how to tip us upside down, don't they :rolleyes:

I wonder if Hakon has just taken a long time to grow up and mature and become a big boy? I know full well that Merlin isn't the sweet little baby he was when he was four - three years later he's much more opinionated and a whole lot stronger too, and I do have to be careful not to let him get out of hand.

Maybe this last winter with the boys has made a man out of him? When did you start working him again? Do you think he's had enough time to show signs of settling down (if he's going to) or is it still fairly early days?

[Frances]

We went on a trek today - everyone kept up beautifully - and Hakon was much nicer and listening to me. He didn't pull and was very receptive to all my suggestions. I didn't carry my schooling whip (one used to keep other horses at bay when they come past with teeth flashing, ie Magnus) and join up on Sunday took ages and may have worked.

So finger's crossed for happier calmer days.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[galadriel]

Oooh, glad to hear that Mummy's Boy is being nicer. Here's hoping it's a trend :)

[Wally]

Usually when you work Hákon from the ground he is absolutely tuned into you. He works with you and takes every hint from your body.

NOT THE DAY FRANCES HAD TO PUT HIM BACK IN HIS PLACE.

Every time Frances asked him to do something on the ground he just waved 2 fingers and then stuck them in his ears and sang loudly.

It took a good 20-30 mins to get him back on line paying attention and listening. I have never seen him so bolshy.

He may well have become above himself and re establishing the ground rules may have done him some good.....we'll see.

[ros]

"LA LA LA LA LA I can't hear you LA LA LA LA LA ..." :D :D :D

I know several little four-legged people who do that!

[floppy]

Oh wellls, maybe hakon was just pulling your socks.

[Wally]

Got it on one Ros!:D :D

Neither do we run from the lunge being launched in our direction!

He was a stallion and used for stud before Frances got him, he has a VERY confident and strong personality, he is mega, mega confident. So every once in a while he needs to be firmly reminded of his place in the general scheme of things!

I have a sneaky suspicion Frances and Hákon may have come to some sort of mutual agreement. He is NOT a horse for the weak willed or timerous person!:D :D he does have a HUGE sense of humour to, so a joke at our expense is not unknown!

[Frances]

Well, we went out on 2 trek today and I have to say, (touch wood, fingers crossed), Haakon was back to his factory settings. He plodded in front on the buckle end of the reins, like a gentleman. We had a little canter and he didn't race, pull, threaten not to stop - he just pootled up the hill in a gentle little canter. He is a totally different horse - it is like he has had mind altering drugs!

So huge relief all round as he was nearly for sale if he wouldn't buckle down by autumn. I can't be arsed with difficult behaviour. It was too intimidating.

Pray for me that his niceness continues........ forever!

[Wally]

Yeah, and that was after I worked him in the indoor school and wound him up to fever pitch.

Frances didn't see 'cos she was in the house making sarnies!

I got him doing airs above the ground not 10 mins before she got on for a trek!:D :D :D Drat, didn't work, he behaved perfectly. Ho hum!

[ros]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall at your place now and again, Wally and Frances! :D :D :D

And here's praying very hard for you, Frances, But I'm sure I don't really need to if the truth be told... :)

[Wally]

Why do you think he is called "mummy's Boy?" he knows which side his bread is buttered! But he HAS to try things just to see.......