Question?                        Posted by CS from Sussex

My 8 yr old gelding is very stressy. Done very limited dressage and 2 shows 2 years ago. Now seems to have got worse at shows, leaping and jumping and will not settle. He’s out as much as possible and fed happy hoof and lo cal. How can I get him to settle at dressage or shows without doing 2hrs to tire him out first? He’s also spooky and silly at home at the slightest thing. His back, teeth, tack etc all ok and checked. He is just highly strung yet also lazy. Will I always have to lunge for ages before a class to try and get some form of sensibleness? When settled he can do a nice Novice dressage test. Should I use a calmer? If so which one? Does he need to go to loads of shows/dressage just to warm up but not compete? Do not have my own transport so I cannot do much. Any thoughts /advice appreicated.

Answer -

One of the attributes I consider in a horse is temperament. In order to be a good performance horse they need type, quality, performance and correct attitude. Some horses are more highly strung than others. In this scenario it takes longer for horses to settle and acquire the necessary skills for the job in hand.

When asking a horse to go into a new environment, like going to a show, generally speaking they go backwards a step in their training. Therefore the work they are doing at home needs to be to the next level before taking them out to a show. Equally, you need to take them out to a show in order to ask for the next step. Always allow plenty of time; never be in a rush as this may confuse the horse. Keep it simple and do not over ask questions of your horse. This can always be a little difficult, but the horse will react to you as well as the environment. You need to keep calm, relaxed and positive, and this will transfer through to your horse.

Look at how the horses’ brain works, what he is looking at, smells and sounds, they are all heightened senses. Be aware of this. Spooking and silliness can be down to having too much time to think or being very sensitive to their surroundings. Horses especially Arabs are very intelligent and quickly work out situations, but will always opt for the easiest route. Their brain needs to be thinking more by asking questions, getting them to work with you rather than against you. More school movements, more to engage the brain. To work correctly is actually very hard both mentally and physically so keep the schooling sessions short. I usually school horses for 20 - 40 minutes depending on age, ability, fitness etc.

If you continue to work your horse to settle him, you will tire him, you can end up in a catch 22 scenario. The more you work him the fitter he becomes and the longer it takes for him to settle. He then has a very hard day and comes away feeling tired. Next time you ask him the same question he is not as willing, as he did not enjoy it last time. Your horse needs to want to do the work rather than forced into doing something they are not happy with. Set a goal and then break it down into smaller achievable segments.

There are pros and cons for calmers. I personally do not believe in them, they only mask the problem you are dealing with and can cause confusion with the horse as his senses are dulled, again not a pleasant experience for him.

There is no quick fix to training and schooling horses. Repetition is always good, giving structure and routine to the horse, but be consistent in everything you ask of him. Make it clear what you are asking, grey areas cause confusion, and always remember to praise when he gets it right.