At 20:36:06 on 07.05.10, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Also perfect sollution to all these problems is don't hunt (at least don't hunt foxes!)

At 09:58:22 on 10.05.10, Kay2 wrote:
Hi Jessandgrenvill123 I'm pleased to report that with patience and hard work I can now hack through open fields on a long rein with no hint of my horse playing up. This was achieved by working in an arena and reschooling after 2yrs off from an old injury then hacking out for 10mins to cool off eventually i would make the schooling session more intense working harder for a shorter period of time and increase the hacking time. Now I alternate my days between hacking and using the arena but I continue to school while hacking. So far this is working. Many thanks to every one for your advice and support.

At 03:39:20 on 14.05.10, kibby wrote:
well done! we use a lot of schooling on hacks. asking for lateral movement shoulder in past something scary looking.. it all works..

At 14:06:42 on 19.08.10, Kay2 wrote:
Just thought everyone would be pleased to hear the good news, with lots of persistance and patentce we entered the National Appaloosa Show and came home as Champion Part-bred Riding Horse and have qualified for Royal London. Friends that I havent seen for a few years couldnt believe how quiet and well behaved CJ (my horse) was. I think the secret is to be persistant with small steps to increase confidence in both rider and horse but dont be temepted to push too hard and undo any improvements that have been made. I can honestley say that although I still sometimes get slight butterflies in my stomach when we go into canter on the tracks I do enjoy hacking in the open fields now and I would still get off and lead CJ pass anything that might upset him and cause him to bronc, but I consider that as OK.

At 19:35:54 on 19.08.10, Flicka wrote:
Congratulations, that's excellent news not only on the hacking front but having qualified for the Royal London as well!! So good to get feedback on what you found worked for you and CJ. Funnily enough my mare is difficult to hack but I did what you've been doing and schooled first and then walked out the gate onto a hack which she wasn't expecting and she went really well :) And the points you make about persistence, small steps and not being tempted to push too hard are really good reminders for me!! Look forward to seeing photos of you and CJ at the show :D

At 20:01:26 on 20.08.10, Angelalain wrote:
Great to hear you've succeeded. I know just how you felt. My own pony (was my daughters) hunted as a 7 year old and was never the same again! She went out about 5 times and got worse everytime she went.People kept saying she would calm down, but she didn't. Eventually she injured herself (just a flint in the mud, cut her pastern) and got infected and spent 4 months on box rest, and then got turned away with her old owner. I had her back when she was 10 and she'd done very little in between. I have never felt really safe on her in an open space, she will just launch and take off, and she can buck for England(she's put me in A&E once). She is now 19, and even though she has Cushings and is semi-retired, I still have to bale off quick if she starts the Rear, Buck Bolt senario. She rears, and as she comes down, I jump off, at least that way I don't fall off!Well done for getting through the problem! I never did!!

At 10:41:03 on 23.08.10, Kay2 wrote:
Hi Angelalain, I also have a very excitable 12.3HH pony which is an excellent event pony but I have always found it hard to find children cabable of riding him. He is completely different from CJ (coloured horse) although the pony bolts sometimes rears and bucks I have never been frightened of him unlike my horse that is probably because I never actually fell of the pony. But George (the pony is a difficult pony to ride - only myself, my daughter and one other lady have been able to ride him without falling off. When I moved to my new home I put CJ on Calma (made by equine answers) I was convinced that this was helping as he always seemed on edge unlike so kalm and Magic where there didnt seem to be much improvement. We have now put George the pony 18yrs old on Calma and the difference is incredible its like riding a completely different pony. May be worth while giving your pony a try. Like your pony George also suffers with Cushings so we also use 365 from Equine Answers and we have found it helps with the condition of his coat and controlling Laminitis. I would highly recommend them. I purchase everything over the internet and they will answer any questions you have. good luck Kay

At 21:42:56 on 09.11.10, BlondeXjockey wrote:
my pony was hunted before i had her and now when i try to ride in our field she tanks off and sticks her head down! any ideas to help us? i havent lost any confidence yet but it becomes dangerous when she wont listen. ;)

At 11:10:59 on 10.11.10, Kay2 wrote:
Hi BlondeXjockey As a suggestion, if you are able to fence off an area (electric fencing will do) ideally 20x40 metres in the field that you intend riding in and firstly lunge your pony in that area and then progress to schooling in that area your pony will hopefully soon establish that part of the field as the area where she has to work. Then gradually after a few weeks maybe even a couple of months work her hard in the school and try walking her around the edge of the field to cool down. When you hack out I would also be tempted not to canter only canter in your schooling area, just hack out on a long rein and encourage the pony to chill, hopefully she will soon learn that hacking is much more relaxing than schooling where she is expected to work hard. I cant stress enough, take your time and be patient, dont be tempted rush forward to the next step of your training. Good Luck