How to retrain your hot horse the right way

When riding a hot horse you are doing everything that you would with any horse but with a few extra steps and more time.

Working on things for longer

With a hot horse, you really have to take much longer and work on simple things over and over again.  Even once your horse is trained, you will want to start every ride with working on these simple things.

Working On Relaxation

This is the most important part of the ride.  Working on stopping and having a break every time he relaxes for even a split second.  How do you get relaxation?  Using your seat to control the horse's speed, leaving your hands soft.  Slow the pace down by slowing down the movements of your hips in walk and canter.  In trot, slow down your rising trot.  By doing this, you will avoid pulling on his face when he runs off (which only makes him tenser).

Start in the walk and slowly increase the amount of relaxed time when he learns it is good.  Do the same in trot and canter.

Relaxed hands - Push through a tense horse

The things you should be doing while riding is the complete opposite of what you will naturally do.  Instead of holding with your hands you need to almost 'let go' by relaxing your hands and giving him the reins.  If he runs off a little like I said above, you will slow him down with your seat.  He will learn to slow down while being relaxed and reach down to seek your contact.  If he gets tense but doesn't run away, you will push him forward with your legs then slow him down with your seat.

*disclaimer* 

I am not a horse trainer or any other equestrian professional.  I only give advice on horsey topics that I have experience as a horse owner in.  Please don't follow my advice without contacting a relevant equestrian professional.  

TheRider'sReins