Groundwork ideas for me and Oscar

[Booze Fish]

Hi all

Ive posted this on this board as it is to do with my confidence in being able to handle Oscar on the ground.

He's not bolshy at all, is quite respectful of you and waits for you to tell him to walk on out the stable, back up in the yard etc but I want to do some really simple exercises on the ground with him to get a bit of trust going between us. I get the feeling from him that he's not a horse that prefers human company, he would much prefer to be with the ponies in the field, he'll sniff you and see if you've got any food and if not he'll walk away.

Don't get me wrong, Ive got no issues with him in anyway, he is perfect to catch and handle, I just feel as if he'd rather be anywhere but with me!!!!

Tuesdays hack was a bit exhilarating to say the least as he was over-taken on the road by 2 trotting horses and he obv wanted to go with them, but he has an issue with being at the back, so I managed to catch up with these horses and he'd got himself really wound up, and the thought crossed my mind to get off at one point as he was dancing about and pulling my arms out their sockets, but I thought 'If I cant control him from up here Ive got no chance on the ground' he was just so strong. And thinking about it now, if I cant control him from the ground, how can I control him all the way up there?!

Id like to do just a few exercises in the menage. We tried to lunge him - he just went round at 100mph and it actually scared me (I wasn't doing the lunging - thank god it was an instructor) and I don't want to stick him on a long line for him to wizz around with me hanging on the end LOL He's also scared of a particular corner in the menage and keeps spooking in it no matter how many times Ive gone past it with him. so Id like to be able to build his trust with me so when can school for more than 15 mins at a time!!

I did think of just turning him out in the menage and leaving him to it (obv watching him from afar) for a bit ... Ive got no idea how to loose school or how he'd respond if I tried .....

Should I get some professional help and have somebody out to come and see us together?

Any ideas on books or exercises you lot know of that can help me tune myself into my horse? Ive only had him for 5 weeks, but feel as if I don't know him at all and like he's not bothered about getting to know me either.

Thanks

Booze xXx

[Dawn B]

Hi there
Why not try some of Kellys exercises from her Perfect Manners book? Great starting place and will definately help you gain confidence from the ground which will help when youre in the saddle too. I personally dont lunge, I dont like it so prefer to longrein which is another good option for you as well. Maybe call in the help of an RA if you're unsure after reading the book for a session to point you in the right direction? 5 weeks is a very short time, he'll still be getting to know you, and you him so dont be so hard on yourself Theres lots of things you can be doing to get your"trust bank" going but definately start with Kellys book. Best of luck and hope its the beginning of a great partnership xx

[Booze Fish]

Thanks Dawn B, I think Im gonnahve to go and get that book eh?! Thats 2 reccomendations form peeps off here so had better heed the advice!!!
I think I always tend to run before I can walk with a lot of things but I want so desperatly to get this right with Osc ....

xXx

[dawnb]

I think we can all be guilty of that at sometime or another Where are you situated? If you're close enough to me I'd be happy to come and help you get started if it helps! Alternatively just get intouch with your RA as learning to use the Dually correctly is the most important thing to do - you want to get it right for Oscar and yourself Definately get the book, then once you've mastered all of that get the next one "Perfect partners" they're worth having and always there to refer back to when you get to a sticky point which again we all do! Best of luck hun, you'll be fine xx

[Booze Fish]

Unfotunatly Im in the east midlands and looks like you might be a bit far from me but thanks for the offer, what a lovely thing for you to do!!!
Ho much is a dually and what sizes do they come in???

xXx

[dawnb]

They're £40 +P&P (you can buy them from this site look under merchandise) but I cant stress enough how important it is that you get the training in on how to use it correctly so please do contact your local RA as they'll show you beautifully They come in 3 sizes looking at your avatar piccy I'd probably say the black ones the one you'll need fits upto 16.2hh on a finer breed - unlike my lad who has a dinosaur head!! Shame youre so far away too x

[Persianhorse]

Dear Boozefich:

The Secret Of Rapid Desensitization.

Just going pass things that your horse is spooky from wont do any good.
You have to spend real quality time and show your horse that there is nothing to fear from , you have to touch it first in order to give your horse trust and confidence.

We are not the only one who needs confidence our HORSES NEED CONFIDENCE TOO and it is our duty to do so.

Best wishes.