My Plod-along horse has become a physco!! Help please!?

Question

OKay so in october i bought a 3yr old chestnut gelding. 16.1hh, irish sports horse...kinda big from my last 15.1hh mare but i was a very confident rider and he was very quiet just very green. Over the past few months his behaviour has got worse and worse when jumping i cant hold him and when hes doing flatwork hes constantly bucking when i ask for canter and hes definately not lame. When i take him out to shows he is uncontrollable in the warm up areas and even runs into other horses people now avoid him and fear him as hes now nearly 17hh. I dont want to sell him as he has so much potential if i could onli hold him it seems he comes down onto the bit, gives a beautiful outline but i just cant hold him his mouth is so strong...what should i do i dont want to change his bit as he is onli 4 and stil snaffle mouthed.

Answer 1

I really think You might have missed a few steps in his early training ,,

I would go back to basics and get a good trainer to help you

a horse that acts like that to me seems he is not ready yet

and is not at all trained ,,

I know he is still green ,, But still he getting away with to much with you

if he runs into other horses ,Buck etc show me he does not have any leg training on him..

I would get a good trainer to help you

any more of this behavoir you going to get hurt

Also

NO GRAIN

Answer 2

Go back over the patterns and  if he bucks let him know that you are boss and ignore him. Also I use a crop and if he does that give him a smack on the butt. If he trys to run into other horses turn him into a circle so he cant.

This always works I had the same problem with my Irish sports horse and somtimes they even grow out of it. It could be because it is young.

Answer 3

Very often sudden crankiness and refusal signals discomfort or soreness caused by saddle problems. If you suspect that is the problem then here are links to some expert saddle fitters who can help.

http://www.thesaddlefitter.com/

http://www.tackcollection.com/

http://www.advancedsaddlefit.com/

http://www.saddlefitter.com/

http://www.performancesaddlery.com/

http://www.saddles101.com/

http://www.dutchessbridlesaddle.com/

http://saddlesthatfit.com/

http://www.saddlefit.us/

http://www.deepcreekstables.com/

Answer 4

There are two general reasons for horses to rush at fences uncontrollably.  Fear and excitement, you need to slow down and go back, find an experienced trainer to work with you, personally I don't like to see a horse jumping at three years old, has a vet checked his legs to make sure his joints have closed and are ready to bear the combined weight of him, you and your tack upon landing from a fence.  Irish sport horses can be somewhat slow to mature, rather like warmbloods and he may be rushing to get it all over with as soon as possible because his joints hurt, or he could just be young and impressionable and your introduction to jumping was rushed and he did not learn to pace himself.  Either way you should consult a vet and have your tack checked to ensure that it is in no way causing him pain.  I do not believe in the bigger bit fix, but a horse that is more powerful than its rider will often need something a bit more harsh than a snaffle.  Perhaps a simple kimberwick, properly fitted will give you the leverage you need, but you will have to be very careful with your hands as a kimberwick is a leverage bit, even if it is a mild one.  I strongly urge you to find a reputable jump instructor...one that does not advocate punishing a horse unless you know why the horse is acting out, using a whip on a horse that is in pain will only aggravate the problem, go back to basics at home and practice transitions, walk to halt to walk and walk to trot to walk, etc over and over, a good instructor can teach you to bring these transitions through your seat, not the reins and will create a more willing, responsive horse for you to ride, practice circles, figure eights and serpentines, these will supple his spine and encourage him to bend and focus on you his rider to know where to go rather than simply charging around the ring.  Next, practice going to shows, load him in the trailer and just take him to the shows, don't enter classes but just be in the environment and let him see the stress and excitement without being a part of it, as he gets better with this you could try entering a class or two, but try to keep your attitude and behavior the same as you would if you were only going to watch, remember, shows are supposed to be fun, as long as you aren't earning a living from it you should not be concerned with the ribbons you win so much as making sure you have a good time.