heavy on the front end around turns

[jbabie430]

My 13 year old gelding is sound and doing great. He runs usually in the top to middle of the 2D and 20s-21s in poles. He's 14.3 hands and quick, but very front ended when he slows down. He doesn't turn on his front end, but his turns are still not collected and he doesn't slide around the barrel as nicely as i wish.

I've been using something similar to an argentine bit, but with a small port in the middle broken segment. I just bought a MJ Million dollar short-shank bit to see how that would work, but haven't tried it yet.

I've had advice to do slow work with him, but my other problem is that he is so energetic that I can hardly make him trot slowly, much less walk... barrels or not. I do have access to plenty of ace, which i use sometimes to get a good calm practice with him (sounds like a terrible crutch, but i've tried everything else). I also have limited access to a good arena... most of the time pastures are the only option (boarding while in school). Any advice? Thanks!

[acheela]

Don't keep your horse on ace! This horse sounds like he is hurting in his rear end. A horse that is "working" off his front-end is compensating for his rear end. Go get him checked by a chiro, and have his hocks, hips, stifles checked for soreness. I do adjustments, and you would be shocked at how many horses are gritting their teeth and trying to do a good job while in pain. At 13, he could be having problems with arthritis. As far as his being "hyper", check your feed. Some horses don't act very nice when they are on a "sugar high" from sweet feed, or high potent vitamins. A product I have had wonderful results with is calm 'em by finishline. It is just a b vitamin supplement. If they are diffecient in this vitamin, it will calm them down within a week. Finishline will give you a sample that is actually enough to see if it will work before you spend the money on it (about 10 days worth), and you only pay for shipping. When you have all this worked out, if he's not "fixed" or much better, take this horse back to the round pen and go back through your ground manners basics (clinton anderson is wonderful). Hope this helps!!