Just like people, there are horses out there that don’t have the best work ethic and aren’t as responsive as we’d like. H&H asks dressage trainer and show producer Jo Bates the best ways to help give a lazy horse impulsion
How many times have you heard a rider say “he’s so lazy”, “boring” or “uncooperative”? Not all horses are sharp off the leg or enjoy their work as much as their stable mate, but using the correct exercises a partnership with such a horse doesn’t have to be full of frustration and constant arguments.
Jo Bates gives us some of her training tips to help a lazy horse become responsive to your aids rather than ignoring them.
1. “Lazy horses need quick sharp aids, not nagging aids,” says Jo. “Everything you do requires energy and if you have enough energy, a horse will start to perform better.”
2. Practise walk to trot transitions. “Use a light aid initially (a gentle nudge with your heel) and if there’s no response go for a Pony Club kick or ‘scary’ legs as I call them,” says Jo. “He might be shocked and quickly go forwards but just go with it. Don’t restrict him with your hands and if necessary wear a neck strap so that you don’t grab him in the mouth. When he settles again go back to the normal light aid,” adds Jo. “You may need to repeat this for the horse to realise that if he ignores the first aid, he’s going to get a big boot. Praise him when he responds with a small aid. Legs mean go, reins means slow — there’s no grey areas.”
3. “If necessary carry a schooling whip to back up the Pony Club kick.”
4. “Wear a pair of spurs, but make sure you don’t nag him with them, just use ‘electric legs’.”
5. “Work your horse into a contact/connection even if this means working long and low to start with. Make sure that the moment you start your schooling session you mean business,” adds Jo.
6. “Make sure he’s happy with his bit and double check his teeth aren’t sharp. If you suspect any problems make an appointment with a qualified equine dental technician.”
7. “Keep doing lots of transitions. We do lots in a schooling session so that the horse doesn’t get bored and stays alert.”
8. “Aim for short, sharp sessions which successfully achieve your aim rather than going on for ages and not achieving anything. This only leads to disappointment and both horse and rider will be left feeling frustrated.”
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9. “Take a good look at his weight, diet and feed. I also think it’s a good idea to speak to a nutritionist from a feed company who can condition score the horse and talk through the best type of food for its type and temperament,” advises Jo.
10. “Try to vary a lazy horse’s work as much as possible. Cantering up hill will help to increase fitness and stamina. I also recommend using trotting poles as they’re a great way to add interest and increase energy.”