We used a flash

[chescar]

So I've just got back from riding Troy with a flash. YO helped me put it on and made sure it was fitted correctly, I put him back in his snaffle bit too.

He was not a happy horse at first, shaking his head, trying to open his mouth and I couldn't for the life of me get him going forward.

He settled after about 15 mins then worked beautifully.

Gonna hack out with it tomorrow to see if he behaves himself a bit more.

I really don't like the idea of closing his mouth, but I suppose I have to think of my safety first.

[dun blonde]

Sorry I must have missed something in regard to why you needed the flash?? but glad it worked out for you both,and good luck with the hacking:)

[chescar]

he has been opening his mouth and trying to bog off when out hacking
Everything has been checked recently so not pain related - just naughty cos he wants to go for a gallop when out - very well behaved in the school - just being a naughty boy when out hacking

[Catg]

Well you never know, if he gets the hint that you won't put up with his antics when hacking out you might not have to use it for long. What does your YO think?

[chescar]

YO suggested it in the first place due to this opening his mouth thing. She knows Troy very well and has seen him grow from a riding school plod to a muscle machine who just wants to go out and gallop.

I got a bit upset today and she said 'Well stick him in a field and fatten him up again and turn him back into a riding school plod if your not happy!' I soon shut up and got on with it! I love my YO

[Catg]

Don't you just love a straight talker! I meant what does she think about how long you will have to use it for? Sorry if I'm being thick I've never used one before! I'm just wondering whether you can use it as a training aid and can slowly stop using it. I.e only use it for hacking not schooling or will he just revert back to his old ways?

Anyway I think you're doing the right thing, there nothing wrong with using a flash if you have someone to help you use it the way it was designed to be used.

[chescar]

She thinks I just need to use it when out hacking this winter - he is very full of himself at the moment.

[Catg]

Sounds fair enough to me x

[CityLights]

you might not need to use it all the time or forever leave it on for a few weeks and take it off to see if he is still going to behave once he has learnt he cant do it he might decide to stop

[piccolo]

Sounds a good plan. Although i think flashes really are over used it sounds like he is taking the mick with his hacking!

[chescar]

I think you are right - he is taking the mick - but he is a big strong lad and I have to think of my saftey and the risk of him upsetting other horses I am hacking out with

[CityLights]

I think you are right - he is taking the mick - but he is a big strong lad and I have to think of my saftey and the risk of him upsetting other horses I am hacking out with

i think thats fair enough, i hack out in different tack to what i school in just incase they do something naughty, its a case of i would rather have it on then them do something naughty and not be able to cope with it