Exercises for a fast, lively horse

Hi, I'm a groom for a very fast horse who finds it hard to settle and just wants to trot off, what exercises can we work on to stop him wanting to run off. I've been doing a lot of halts and poles too to get him to think and slow down.

Answers from HayHay's experts

An obstacle course with a few cones (slalom, circles) and poles (that you walk over or ride through, and so on) can help to calm a lively horse down.

When you are trotting and rising, rise slowly, take deep breaths and keep your hand in front of you. To slow him or apply a restraining rein-aid, take your hand a little forward and up. If nothing happens, make a transition down to walk.

Elin Ravander

Riding Instructor