Conversation Between JBandRio and jedy

Hi!
My trainer got another horse riding with us yesterday and Seagull even look at it. We were also mixing with horses on out outing on Sunday and he didn't get the slightest excited. So I think the next step will be to find responsible riding buddy and that'll sort out my worry about meeting horses on the hack and will allow us to go farther in comfort, as he finds it very reassuring to have company.
But the trainer thinks it's time to raise energy levels, because Seagull is complying with everything willingly, yet doesn't give anything extra, it's like if he had no desire to express himself through the motion. Dull, in other words. I also noticed his play drive is gone, but he feels, acts, eats normally, I don't think he's sore.

Thank you again
Plan of action confirmed
I'l try to get someone to come out and take a video

Yep, you have to mean business, from the get-go, and you have to mean it every time. He shouldn't learn the difference, because what he should be learning is that leg means go, or else... Just make sure you have those longer whips for a good while after he appears to have learned that lesson, just in case

I think I've sent a message to myself instead of you
That how it goes:
thank you. I have what I call a 3/4 whip, but just realized it's not enough and getting two dressage whips is exactly what i was planning to do. I do worry, however, that he'll lear the difference between that and the other whp.
I know it won't fail. The only failure is me tickling him with the whip instead of meaning the business. Thank you.

I agree that a smart pony will figure out that a cracking lunge whip doesn't mean anything if it's just a noise. If you aren't already carrying 1, get a dressage whip. Carry 2. Use the one on the inside - every single time he even hesitates reacting to your leg. You can even go through a VERY short tutorial of legWHIP legWHIP legWHIP, so that he understands the progression. It might take that to really impress upon these types of horses that there ARE consequences.

I would put off using a variety of "wake up calls" until/unless you see that he's becoming complacent about the quick, *sharp* use of the dressage whip. You just don't want to corner yourself into the situation of having to run through a list of "what does it take for him to pay attention today" ideas

Thank you! It is really really hard to send him forward tho. He has just this laid back attitude. The trainer said he needs a loud wake up call, even if it is a crack of the lunging whip from the ground person reinforcing nice, light leg cue. The problem I have with that is that he's very smart pony and will have that number figured out quickly. I was thinking of it today and came up with a conclusion that if I vary the means of "loud wake up call" it'll lead to better connection between my leg and correction, as ultimatly the correction must come frm me.

Great news! Yes, sometimes you forgot to focus on one thing while working on another. Always remember that forward should never be sacrificed. You can put aside the other thing(s) you're working on in order to re-establish forward again, then pick up the "thing" again

Update: lesson went very good, he's nice and cooperating, started bending, has better balance and natural head carriage rather than lama. But fell behind the leg again! Need to work on instant reaction again byt try not to loose the calmness this time...

A quick update; my trainer was very happy with Seagull today, she said his attitude is different, he's more honest and forward thinking. She said the key to him is to trick him into doing exercises, and not to stirr arguments.
She said he looked well.
I think he likes french link more than myler, I'll leave him in it.