[Mercedes]

He's not scared. He's just got your number. He knows you can't make him. He knows you can't hold him.

1. More turnout. If a horse has that kind of energy to burn, they need to have more time to run and play to blow it off BEFORE any kind of work can begin. He also looks to be in very good weight, so I wonder if an adjustment to his concentrates isn't also in order.

2. Enclosed area. Once they learn they can leave whenever they want, you're stuck. Work him someplace, where if he does get loose, he can't go far.

3. Longeing Cavesson. You have no control longeing in a halter. They can whip the head around and they are gone. A longeing cavesson applies pressure to the sensitive nose. A horse hits the end of that and they'll usually think twice about trying it again. The term is called 'leverage', and right now, you've got none and he knows it.

4. Wait for experienced help. You're in over your head at this point and a habit is being created that becomes infinitely more difficult to correct the more times it is allowed to happen.

5. Research. I'm not entirely convinced you do know how to longe, or that you've been taught properly...per the outcome with this horse. So grab a book on longeing and start learning on your own, so you can identify if the person teaching you firsthand knows what they are doing.

 

[Mercedes]

I will disagree. A correctly fitted halter will work very well

It can't possibly since you're comparing apples to oranges. Halter = loose = inconsistent pressure points. Cavesson = snug = consistent pressure point.

 

[Mercedes]

I would work on leading. I know you think he leads fine and the problem is on the lunge but he needs help leading.

Insert *thumbs up* emoticon here.

Totally agree, and excellent point to bring up. The horse does also have a leading problem.

 

[Mercedes]

In this case, a chain would work too. Run the chain from the ring on the opposite jowl piece, through the side ring, over the nose and through the ring on the near side. The head will stay down and the nose can be tipped in. But chains are not for people who can't give and take pressure instantly.

A chain? :shock:

When you give advice it really needs to fit the person and their abilities. To give this advice and then disclaimer it with your last sentence is silly. Clearly the OP doesn't know when to give and take or she wouldn't be in the situation she's in now.