If you’ve ever taken a young horse on a hack and felt like they’re just bursting with energy, you’re not alone! One rider recently shared that their 6-year-old mare gets overly excited when hacking, especially when she sees open grass. She’s great in the arena but struggles to stay calm on trails, even bolting twice in her excitement. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—it’s a common challenge with young horses adjusting to new environments. Here are some strategies that can help you regain control and build a better connection with your horse.
1. Break Her Down to Small Circles
When your horse starts to get too strong or speeds up, gently guide her into smaller circles at a trot. This approach engages her mind and body without creating a tug-of-war over the reins. Keep her circling until she’s back at a pace you’re comfortable with, then return to straight-line work. If she starts rushing again, repeat the process. This teaches her that excitement leads to more work, not less.
2. Let Her Lope Until She’s Tired
If you’re in a safe and enclosed space, consider letting her work off that extra energy. Allow her to lope until she wants to stop, but don’t let her quit just yet. Keep her moving a little longer by incorporating figure eights or frequent direction changes. This tactic shows her that “fun” speeds come with responsibility, helping her learn that it’s easier to listen to you from the start.
3. Stay Soft on the Reins
Pulling hard on the reins can create resistance and escalate the situation. Instead, focus on staying soft with your hands and using your seat and legs to communicate. A deep seat and an exhale can help her feel less tension from you, which can help her stay calmer.
4. Use the Arena for Prep
Building control and responsiveness in the arena is key. Practice transitions, bending, and responsiveness to your seat and legs during your arena work. This will help her tune in to your cues, making it easier to maintain control when you’re out on the trail.
5. Be Patient and Consistent
Remember, she’s young, in a new environment, and full of energy. Patience and consistency are your best tools. With time and repetition, she’ll learn that the easiest path is to listen to you and stay calm.
Transform Your Horsemanship Inside the CCU Club
If you’re ready to take these strategies to the next level and create a safe, willing, and soft horse—without relying on bigger bits or constant correction—consider joining Building Trust Not Tension: The CCU Club.
Inside the club, you’ll dive deep into our Collaborative Horsemanship philosophy, learning proven methods to:
Build a stronger, more trusting partnership with your horse.
Overcome common challenges like rushing, bolting, or resistance.
Understand your horse’s mindset and how to communicate clearly.
Gain access to exclusive video tutorials, step-by-step training guides, and personalized support.
Our members have experienced incredible transformations, from regaining confidence with difficult horses to creating true harmony in the saddle. This isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about learning how to work with your horse, not against them, to create a bond built on trust and understanding.
Ready to get started? Join the CCU Club today and start building the partnership you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s turn your challenges into triumphs and help you and your horse thrive together. Click here to learn more and join now!
Stay safe out there, and remember, building trust takes time and consistency. You’ve got this!
-- KJS
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