Schooling ideas please

[frostyfingers]

I'm trying to do a bit of schooling on dhorse, who doesn't seem to have much idea about collection, going forward or generally pretending to do anything other than whizz about. The problem is that I'm not particularly fond of schooling either and have forgotten pretty much everything I've been taught.

I have marked out an area in the field, so the going is ok, but not brilliant and I just want to get him a little more "together" and responsive. I did an hour yesterday, at walk and trot doing half halts and downward and upward transitions. He won't drop his head for more than about a stride, and spent a lot of time looking about him and shying at anything and everything.

Suggestions as to what I can do to make it interesting and worthwhile for both of us - and how to get a good outline from him. I'm off to have another go today, in the hope that he might remember some of yesterday! I'm sure (know) the problem is more with me than him, and once he has some clear intruction he will probably be better, so an idiot rider's guide to schooling and what worked for you would be much appreciated!

This site has some good ideas if you search through it.

Book a lesson?

Don't focus too much on the head if neither of you have done much for a while. Focus on getting him moving from behind, swinging over his back and his head will fall into place. Lots and lots of upwards and downwards transitions, circles, changes of rein, bending etc. Then start on more complex moves.

Lessons even just one a month would really help focus you and allow you to work at home.

Lunging with a bungee would also help him build his muscles!

Good luck!! I spend hours schooling, even out hacking!

Pole work. Walking, trotting and (when more advanced) cantering over poles focuses the horse's mind and makes schooling more interesting. And don't expect everything at once. You really need to school a couple of times a week at least to make any difference to the horse's way of going.

Lots of work 'long and low' to stretch the neck, lift the back and develop muscles so that when you ask for an outline you get a real one and not just his nose tucked in, combined with poles, transitions etc.

We did another hour today - I think I was hotter than he was at the end. He's getting the hang of it in trot, it comes much more easily than at walk. His walk is a bit short - he only really swings out at a walk when we go somewhere! So I'll work at that and the transitions to get him listening. The problem today was that we'd manage about half a length of the "arena" and then he'd stick his head up to gawp at nothing in particular. When I dropped the reins for him to stretch and relax he didn't really bother which makes me think he's not working that hard!

I think lessons are the best way forward so that someone can correct me at the same time!

Thanks for the suggestions too, I'll incorporate them as I go along and see how we do. His osteopath recommended this www.equiami.com, I'm still thinking about it but it looks reasonably simple.

I've looked at those. They're ok to a point but ATM I'd keep as gadget free as possible. When he does bring his head up that's when it's worth really bending to the inside and the outside!!

It takes time but it will be so worth it long term!!

I fecking hate gadgets and am always suspicious of new ones. If you want to lunge him (and it is an excellent workout for a horse) all you need is a pair of side reins and a lunge rein. The side reins can come off the girth of the saddle on each side and the lunge rein off the bit of his bridle. Make sure the reins are secure and not flapping and away you go. You will also save yourself about £50.

Gadgets are no replacement for schooling.

IMO it's important to get the head down as it will be used in conjunction with the hindquarters to round the back and bring "lightness".

You said the first day he barely managed a stride and today you did half an arena! that's AMAZING progress - keep at it!

Remember, steady the head with your outside rein and the micro-second he drops his head soften your reins, the second the head goes up - outside rein again. The inside rein is for a gentle ask (squeeze of fingers) to turn - use your legs!

When working with a new horse to drop its head, forget "dressage figure" - a lot of people I see try to keep their hands together - sod that, you can have your hands shoulder width if needs must, this is about learning - no horse on earth gets it all right the first time.

Don't be too hard on yourself - once you've conquered the walk you'll no doubt have recurring head-bobbing in trot and it can be a learning process for you both to get it right in trot and canter. BUT, don't stick to a walk just because it's the only pace which is going right.

For the first week or two I'd aim to have his nose knee height - if not lower (!) to teach him to work low, then the head will come up again once you increase your work and learn new tricks.

I'm a big fan of figure of 8's & serpentines.

101 Schooling Exercises for Horse and Rider.