Help - exercises>?

[hc-in-08]

I need help! i have a 5 year old mares shes my baby i love her to pices - shes such a get up and go horse is there an excercse i can do wihther before i ride to help calm her down lunging just weres her down and i hate it lunging her- so is there any i can do on horse back?

XXXBrittneyXXX :D

[FreedomStar]

You're asking for exercises to do before you ride, that can be done on horseback? HUH?? I don't understand what you're asking for, if you want something to calm her down, you might try asking someone else to ride her for a bit first before you get on, if you don't like to lunge her. Or you could turn her out for a few hours so that she's got some time to romp and play. Keep in mind, however, that she is 5 years old and she's very young, so it might still be some 'childish' excitement.

[Cheeky]

Uh - yah, what the?? Not sure what your asking..

Yes, I agree, a 5 yr old is quite young (very lol) and should be handled very carefully. Yes, they will get 'childish' and will test their luck, all the time - I am watching a young girl (she is about 9 yrs old) and her second pony is a 5 yr old :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: I almost fell of Cheek when I was told. Sorry, she is a good rider - she hasnt fallen off yet, that I have seen - and she is strong enough (I suppose lol) but hmm, I dont think I would put my sister (who is 12) on a 5 yr old!! Some of them are great, but if they are strong and your not confident, I agree, get someone else to warm them up for you :)

If you dont like lunging, how about when riding (if your confident enough) just get into the arena and just go! Full bolt around the arena - let her buck/kick/rear what ever - for a good 5-7 laps (change rein ofcoarse) - get all that energy out of her, and if she slows down get her moving!!! This is what I do on Cheek - yes, he is the slowest horse on record, but it losens his muscles and really wakes him up (tho I have found that he tires quicker when done this, so I am re-thinking my warm up, his owner suggested and encourages it lol) - but again it also works for young/energetic horses :)

Good luck

[Jessey]

How about some long lining, or just walking in hand, then move on to some carrot stretches to get her really focused on you :D then get on and do some more stretches and some bending before begining you schooling session.

J x

[finski]

When you get on and ride do YOU 'get up and go' with her or are you a calm rider that warms up her horse before starting work? If you are the type of rider that wants to run everywhere on her horse then just slow down and take it easy with her, don't get her hyped up. If you are not doing anything to excite her then I would suggest some excerices in the ring while riding. something like cirles, serpentines, figure eights, walking or trotting over ground poles. Some stuff to get her thinking about what you are asking her to do instead of letting her think about getting hyped up. Hope this helps!

I don't think the advice about letting your horse bolt around the arena is a good idea. It would seem that it would promote misbehavior on your horses part. Especially for a 5 year old, that would be like telling your 10 year old kid it's okay to act like a hellion in public. LOL!

[hc-in-08]

:D
Thanks for the replys i thank im jus gonna run some be 4 i go OUT and ride her on trils and stuff that way she gets her (Childish) out lol the other day i swore she was 2 again she shook her head abd bucked i wasliek april girl your so hyper i love that HER SPUNK

[kedwards]

I do lots of figures and changes of rein, but minimal transitions when warming up a hot or anxious horse. Rhythmic trotting in circles, serpentines, etc., often has a focusing and calming effect.