training for eventing

[Jaja]

i have a problem with my horse. i have finaly got him and he is a 17 hh thoroughbred and is dark bay. i would like to enter him in some novice eventing but he has sevral problems bucking, pulling, rearing, trying to roll etc. he is being ridden in a twisted snaffle but is a phelam or wheymouth better for the pulling problem. also i would like to try a grackle or flash noseband. which one would be better?

[TheMoose]

Hi! Were you thinking of affiliated eventing or unaffiliated One Day Events? You would not be able to ride in a twisted snaffle for the dressage!
I would advise not to start anything too serious with your horse untill you have at least attempted to overcome these problems as they will only be emphasised at any competitions you go to. At seventeen I am sorry to say that most horses are set in their ways! Did he buck rear and pull with his previous owners? I would also suggest getting his back, teeth, saddle etc checked before you go on any further. My last suggestion would be to find an experienced person (if you havent already) to help from the ground and help you with your problems and suggest any changes in tack. Hope I helped!

[liz--y]

i would, get his tack, teeth and back cheaked before doing anything esle, and then find an instructor and have some lessons one.

would be good if you cant find an eventer in your area that also teaches

[helen03]

woohoo

[helen03]

ooops sorry wrong thread!ignore me!

[larri]

Hi JaJa
I hate to say it but.....Poor horse - he sounds like he has some real problems and I think some time off, a thorough vet & saddle check, reschooling right from scratch with groundwork to establish respect and some sympathy and understanding would be better for him that throwing on another harsh bit of tack to mask the underlying problem.

Sorry to come across as a bit heavy but it is an all to common story where the horse gets more and more bolshy trying to get his side of the story across from owner to owner and it's always the horse who loses out at the end of the day...usually down the road at the knackers when they are finally deemed unrideable.

Are you an experienced rider - have you worked with problem horses? Do you have the time and patience to get to the root of why he behaves this way and school him through it? Has he only done it since you bought him or did he act the same at his previous owners?

I think you need to think about how to help your horse



larri