i need advice

Question
Hi, i have a 16.3 hh thourghbred. hes very strong when hacking out. what should i do? is there any schooling techniques to help me gain more control over him? or is there any equipment i could use on him? please reply
thank you very much
alex

Answer
Dear Alex,
A big strong horse like you describe can certainly be at the least, an unenjoyable ride and at worst, downright dangerous. Be very wary about "equipment" that is supposed to create a solution- usually things like punishing bits and tie downs create more serious evasions.
I would take this horse back to the arena and go back to basics- circles, serpentines- lengthening and shortening stride at all gaits.
When you do go out- go with a sedate, well schooled other horse. Take several weeks of walk and trot- again with circles and lengthening and shortening the strides- keep the other horse close. Your horse may have a racing background and even if not- was probably race bred- in a way- you are challenging years of selective breeding to run. If he does get strong- circle and spiral the circle down rather than getting into a tug of war. I assume you are wearing an approved helmet- if not- time to do so.
Best wishes-I hope this helps.
S. Evans