Relaxing a hyper pony

[~*sugarlump*~]

This probabaly should have gone under training of the rider as its mainly my faults I probabaly need to work on, but anywho

Right, there's a pony who is very hyper, very fidgety all the time- in the stables, on a hack, in the school etc. He is a stocky 14 1hh JC pony who has mainly been ridden by men who have the strength to hold him.

He is a cracking little jumper, but he is really strong and always seems to forget that there is a pace between walk and canter. I have ridden him a fair few times an am getting to grips with him abit more but i always have problems holding him as he i can't hold him (he's very strong) he can jump when going fast but the quality of the jump if obviously not as good as when he is more together (jumps best when almost cantering on the spot strangely enough)
on hacks he can be the same if he hasnt been out for awhile, but usually if you just relax the reins completely he stops winding himself up and actually settles abit and stops jogging (this doesnt work in the school though)

He is on virtually no hard feed and tbh its just his temperament that hes a hyper little pony, but i would like to establish some control when jumping.

i have thought about changing his bit but i dont know if that would just wind him up further.

any ideas?

thanks
SL x

ETA: He is currently in an eggbut snaffle, and also, he can be abit of a thug by just trying to do what he wants to do

[Englishgirl]

It sounds like he needs work. A lot of TB's get hot if they're not consistently exercised. As far as control, practice tons of transitions before you start jumping and make him sensitive to the bit. Do them until you can stop him with the lightest movement with your fingers. Also, it could be he's bored. TB's are very smart and they will bend over backward to please you which may lead to his hyperness. Keep him interested so he doesn't go on auto-pilot and start running.

As for the fidgeting, I would let him spend some QT tied to a post. Standing around watching the grass grow is good for horses, old an young.

[Ponymad123]

Hiya,

I would also practice his transition work- keep his brain ticking over he may well be abit bored with it all.
As for the jumping i would maybe school him around jumps so he doesnt get too excited when he sees them...my pony is them same when he sees a jump, he gets very strong in hand canters round like a loony and i have literally NO control lol

I have schooled him round and over a few in a calm manner and when he does get a little fresh with it i take him back to flatwork - they need to learn they dont just rush round and jump anything in sight even though in a jump off that would be great

[vimto92]

Don't jump every session, just work on some basics and the suggestion of schooling around jumps is a good one and will certainly get him listening to you.

If being soft with the reins works then keep doing that, check and soften often for his attention and to get him to relax his neck, especially if he is bracing against you. I take it he is crazy if you warm up on a long rein?

Be aware of your position at all times - I know that may seem an "easy" or too simple of an answer but when I was riding hyper ponies, the more aware i was of my position the more they settled for me. Sit up tall all the time and don't be afraid to lean back if he starts being silly. If he shoots off as you ask for trot, keep rising and really mean it when you ask him to come back to you (I dont mean yank his mouth but don't give in).

Always give him something to think about, bend, leg yield, changes of rein; keep it constant and consistent and always think ahead.

[kirby]

Could he be uncomfortable with a bit? he he edgy in the stable all the time or near to the time of tacking up?

The horse cant be completely happy about life if always fighting his rider

[horseygal90]

He sounds exactly like my YOs little showjumping mare... Incredibly excitable (you can tell that it's not pain or discomfort from her face, she's always raring to go!) whether on the flat or jumping! They tend to just let her do her thing to be honest, let her have her moment and then ask again.