Top tips on bring t/b back into work??

Question

Hey my 9yr t/b gelding has been out of work for 12 months, he has had his teeth and back done and we are awaiting delivery on a tailor made saddle. i am bringing him back into full time work but i would like to hear from you that have experienced hurdles and overcome them during this process, just so i am one step ahead of him all the way. i would also like any advice on horses you have experienced with girthing problems, he is not cold backed and he has a soft padded girth with a fluffy sleeve, we take it slowly every time, at his pace but he bronks, this makes it tough when tacking up by myself, he is 16"3 and he has a big effect when he starts dancing everywhere, thnx everyone!

Answer 1

Well if you can, cross ties are good, becuase he can't turn around or anything to bite you. But if you can, have someone hold him while you tack him up, and if he dances or squeals, give a good tug on his head, and make him behave, because espaically being as big as he is, he could do some real damage. Make sure you are teh leader. Also before hopping on and riding, do some groundwork, and loungeing. Make sure he can shoulder yield on the ground, and stop when being asked. Then loungeing and stuff, make sure he listens to your cues, and you could use side reins to start to get him used to working in a frame again. Then when you start riding, take it slow, and do many circles and serpentines, help him stay relaxed, and get his shoulder moving over and bending nicely. Well I hope this helps.

Answer 2

well, if you had a wash rack or open stall you could put xties in there and he might feel better with a backing behind him. an when you tighten up his girth, you can walk him probably about 15 steps inbetween tightening. he might also just be a bit excited. with the horses at my barn who do that, this is what we do with them.

Answer 3

There is more than one way to skin at cat!

Usually when bringing a horse back into work you do plenty of walking to develop muscle and ligament strength before increasing faster work slowly to produce stamina. With some TB's or horses who are a bit on the lively side, it's a good idea to tack them up and then lunge for a while to let them get a few buck out of the system. Make sure you tighten the girth as you go.

See if you can get someone to help when you tack up or cross tie him so that he is forced to stand under control. Make sure you are quite strict with him so that he does not 'take the p**s'.

Good luck xx  

Answer 4

Well first of all, at first while you get on him, only do so in a safe, secure school with somebody there to help you, making sure there's nothing around to spook him while you get on him.

Secondly I would recommend only lunging him to begin with, without getting on him, incase he is excitable. First without a saddle on and the lunging in the saddle couple of times, until he settles down and you deam him safe to get on. Then when you first get on him do so gently and with an experienced person there. I'd also recommend a lunge-lesson to start off with.

As for tacking up, do everything gently. Have somebody your horse knows hold him, soothe him and calm him down as you gently lower the saddle on. If he is good reward him with a scratch on the ears (or where ever he likes being fussed) but avoid a big, hearty 'Good Boy!' just praise him softly. If he isn't good then don't just plonk the saddle on quickly, let your friend take hold of him firmly, in a stern but not shouting voice tell him  'No' and try again, this time with a little firmer approach. Still reward him the same when he lets you do it. Avoid getting stressed out and shouting/hitting him.

Good Luck! x

ALSO: He should learn to associate being tacked up with fuss and rewards. Also you can use tidbits if your horse normally takes them nicely. For getting the bridle on have someone stand on his right at his shoulder while you get it on. Alternatively one of the horses at our stables only has his bridle on if you put it over his ears and undo the cheek piece on the left to get the bit in. You could try that with him if need be. Also try putting a control halter on as you can leave it on under the bridle because it is rope so is thinner than a head collar.