At 11:31:50 on 10.11.11, franpark wrote:
Hi There, I bought a 15yr old BSJA Connemara in June and although Jack is the sweetest pony on the ground and doesnt buck or rear - He wont stop :( when in the school as soon as we get into a trot Jack doesnt want to stop and just gets faster and faster, any pressure on the bit has him tossing his head in the air and going sideways (have had his teeth checked) as a result I am selling him as have been told that ponies like Jack who have jumped and done XC for years are unable to 'switch off' he just doesnt seem to be able to relax :( they say he is a point and go pony as has been ridden by teenagers most of his life - any help would be appreciated as will keep working with him - I was hoping to do pleasure, endurance and a bit of hacking.

At 02:00:25 on 11.11.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Sounds like your holding on too tight, and your keeping pressure on so he just panicks, let go, if you let him find his own way he will get less excited and when you want to slow up give and take with the reins and i was just wondering why you bough a BSJA for pleasure rides, endurance and hacking? BSJA ponies are expensive and i would only buy one if i wanted to compete at BSJA level but yeah i hope my tips help, don't just stick a strong bit in his mouth etc cos it will just cause him more discomfort and make him panic more and make the head tossing worse. Good luck

At 23:12:00 on 15.11.11, NMH wrote:
I think ponies like this have often been ridden fast all the time! At this age it'd be hard to change his habits if it's always been Go, Go, Go, & especially overnight! Ideally lots of work in walk, thinking SLOW, & on as light/loose a rein as you can; & then, & only when truly settled, tiny bits of trot with lots of transitions back down. He might be different in a totally different bridle- you might try a bitless bridle of some kind, but need to stay safe! My new 11 year old Connie, who pulled a lot through being hunted fast from very young, settled with her last owner in a double jointed bit; when we tried her in a single jointed snaffle this weekend she suddenly pulled like a train again! I think it sparked off a memory from her past of how she used to go with her first rider. Some horses go faster & faster to evade any discomfort, & really they need to relearn what the bit MEANS, ie that the pressure will stop when they give/slow down (so, surprisingly, a softer bit often works better)- but it's a far from quick job if you are changing years of habit. There would be a case for Parelli training, it's brilliant at getting real relaxation- & horses can only learn when they are relaxed! Good luck & let us know how you are doing

At 10:25:17 on 22.11.11, 14Ash wrote:
Ponies some times need to run! i find when they get like this to take them to a paddock and gallop! then to to do lots of circling ubtil they listen. its worth a try :)

At 13:54:29 on 22.11.11, Bellebaby11 wrote:
I think, if he is tossing his head like that, you should try him in a hackamore, or some other type of bitless bridle. I had a mare that did exactly what you're describing, as soon as I switched to a hack, she listened and was very respectful. Because a hackamore puts pressure on the bridge of the horse's nose, not on the mouth. And I have found that almost every horse I have used a bit and a hack on, prefer the hack to a bit. There has been only one exception.

At 15:16:33 on 22.11.11, quorum wrote:
I agree with NHM, it does take time, all our horses are are ridden in a loose ring rubber snaffle, including the one time "dangerous" ex hunter. Last week I rode out Marmalade and she was really buzzing and I am not ashamed to say I started to feel very nervous. I know I had to ask her to go in a more rounded shape ( head up in the air means an increase in adrenalin) but that's easier said than done when you can see a ten tonne articulated lorry bearing down on you! I knew I had to take the initiative by changing my breathing and body positioning and almost taking my legs away. It was a test of confidence in myself and the next time I rode her I made sure I was aware of any tension I was holding and breathed it out. Most of our training is done in walk asking the horse to stretch down and really use it's back.Good luck and I hope you are able to work with Jack for as long as possible.

At 22:53:43 on 22.11.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
The only thing with a hackamore or bitless bridle is they can do lots of damage if you don't know how to use them propperly and pull too hard from habbit, i have a hackamore and a bit and use both but my horse pulls too much in the hackamore on hacks and could cause us both an injury so it may work but you should get someone with experience with bitless bridles to help you if you chose to use one.

At 05:38:45 on 10.01.12, noneotherthan01 wrote:
I will agree with 14Ash and Bellebaby11. I've had problems with my horse not stopping too... whilst on a hack far from home! I'd say in your situation tire him out, and maybe put a tie down on him once you get on, so that if he tosses his head, he's only putting pressure on his poll and not ripping your arms out of their sockets. also, perhaps try a flash noseband to keep him from resisting the bit. Remember soft hands and a gentle bit will get you the most response! And quorum has a good point, your energy level will directly reflect your pony's. Whatever mood your in he'll pick up on... when I'm in a tense situation with my mare I try to be aware of my breathing and if its anything I know I, or she can't handle, I get off and find a way to logically work through it. Horses are a lot like children. They overreact and need guidance. Be his parent, and know when it's right to discipline and when's right to reward... and with time and patience I think he'll improve. Whatever you do, don't give up!

At 22:47:32 on 16.01.12, franpark wrote:
Hi All thank you so much for all your comments - Jack and I have parted ways and I now have a lovely arab x connie jack has gone to a good home where they are looking to do show jumping x thank you again for all your help x