[myQHpaul]

We are in for a very chilly weekend so I won't be saddling up Paul but I do want to do some ground work with him. Any suggestions for what we can do. He is a horrible lunger and really needs to work on neck softening. thanks so much.

 

[jumper123]

hmm. well this isnt really hard, and wont help with softening his neck, but it is really fun try and get him to follow you without a lead rope, and then run over a jump, and try and get him to follow you (although if he is huge, i would not recommend this)

 

[Scoutrider]

You could try doing some Grooming and Showmanship with him. Like, walk and trot keeping his throatlatch at your shoulder and stopping with minimal pressure on the lead. Turns on the forehand and haunches, backing up, even setting his feet off of lead pressure. You can string the individual maneuvers together into a pattern for a challenge. I do this with my guys when the weather get nasty, and it keeps them from going totally stir crazy on me, and I have much better control on the next ride than if I let then veg out during bad weather stretches.

Also, on the softening his neck, you could try carrot stretches, or full blown lateral flexion to the halter or bridle.