I think I might be turning a corner with Wilby the bucking bronco. This is the third day running he's been well behaved. And this morning we had 4 canters without one buck. And when I can feel him starting to think about misbehaving, I say "Wilby, no" and he settles down again.

I've had him 6 weeks now and been riding him for 4. How long before he settles down and gets used to his new regime? I can't help thinking that he's stringing me along and that next time he'll launch me into the heavens

9th

A couple of questions first:

1) What was he being fed before he came to you? And have you changed it?
2) Was he being turned out before and is he still?
3) Have you clipped him recently?

If you have changed his feed at all even just the brand it can affect some horses :rolleyes: Also now the weather is getting colder it can make them a bit sharper especially if you have clipped him out recently.

The only other thing I can think of is if he is on reduced turnout to what he is used he will have more energy to play you up with :rolleyes:

I would maybe suggest reducing his hard fed slightly and increase his hay and see how he goes but I would expect it to take about 2 months for him to settle down but about 6months to a year for you and him to "bond" properly.

HTH

Tracy :)

Tracey

A year to bond

He is being fed sugar beet and alfalfa, rather than horse and pony nuts which is what he was on before. He hasn't been clipped and he's out in the field from morning until it's nearly dark, with two other horses (unless it's wet, which it hasn't been for nearly 2 weeks).

His manners in the stable etc. are impeccable. He's just trying me out when we're out and about. But every day I win another small battle and his behaviour is improving :) He's getting better the more work he gets.

9th

p.s. He's ridden in the morning and he gets v.excited, coz he thinks he's going hunting! Obviously no-one told him about the ban :rolleyes:

9th

It might be the feed as sugar beet and Alfa and both quite high energy foods. I would try changing him on to a chaff (either molichaff or Hifi Light or something similar) as this will be lower in energy. Does he have any supplements? As i would probably suggest a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement as it is not having any complete feeds.

How much work are you doing with him? As this will affect how much feed he needs as well.

Lucky you with no rain my fields are soddern and I have got to turn out as that is their only exercise now they are retired :(

If you want to email my addy is in my profile :)

Tracy