Charlie changing needs schooling I think

[dcp]

Just a bit of a moan really. I used to be at a yard that had a lovely sand school and some hacking. Not excellent hacking just around some fields. I have moved charlie to another place and the hacking here is just amazing it really is. Either an hour along the water of leith or a few hours up the hills. But we don't have a school. Well we do have a school but no markers and it's just a field. I don't use it often.

But my gosh how Charlie has changed! I used to lung him most nights (was winter) and hack out at the weekends. I could take him for a canter and never once did I have to use all my strength to hold him back. I am much much more confident on him now as when we moved here we both experienced lots of scary things. I've learned to be a bit braver and hold on for my life but I've always come away feeling fantastic.

So anyway I'm experiencing a new side of things as I have a horse who seriously needs schooled (well I think!) At the weekend we were riding around a field with another horse and practising canter. As soon as we got to the bit I needed to hold him back then most of the time he did his daft trot. If I did get to canter I found it difficult to slow him. Its not as if the other horse was in front he was about a mile behind.

A bit of a pointless thread. Can anyone give me any tips or anythign I could practise in the school. He has never taken off with me but I can feel him getting stronger.

[Fizz]

you can still lunge him in the school at nights can you when angie has taken hers out?

[dappledgrey]

try maybe a slightly harsher bit...
and while schooling, work on canter to walk transitions

[BNaturally]

This is a new environmemt, if I understand you correctly and this is normal.
You would need to re-establish your correct control,respect,trust and leadership.
Re-create your requests and good working habits to do this, now do that and move this way,then move that way etc...
Re- establish old manuvers and when he become consistant, then introduce 1 new manuver or thing to do, it is to keep him learning and understanding and helping to make it clear that it is you,the ALPHA that will guide, direct him thru everything,everytime and you will be fair, patient, clear, consistant with your requests, companionship and leadership.
I hope this helps

[dcp]

The last thing I want to do is get a harsher bit as that's not fair. I've created this problem and schooling will solve it. I always think shoving your horse in a harsher bit because you don't know what else to do is rotten!

Transitions good idea. Our lot are going out soon so in the evenings I am going to spend more time in the school as I won't have mucking out to do!

I have to say he's "safer" if you like when he's on his own. Maybe he's not as excited but I don't think he would take off. He's a good boy really.