Tips for Riding a Hot Horse

The video on EquestrianCoach.com about getting a dull horse to become more responsive to the leg has helped my riding immeasurably. I am riding a very hot horse. Could you give me some tips or advice on riding this type of horse?

First of all, turnout and a change in diet can work wonders with “hot” horses. If you have already taken care of those management details, train very quietly, using a great deal of simple lateral work (turn on the forehand, leg-yielding). Lateral work makes horses start to slow and accept the rider’s leg. Use the size and shape of your training movements (circles, half-circles, half-circles in reverse) to control your horse’s speed, rather than the reins. If possible, train in an enclosed space at first. If your horse is ultra-sensitive to your leg, take your spurs off for a while. Finally, your position must be very stable and secure, as hot horses will over-react to the slightest movement of your lower leg, no matter how inadvertent. This type of horse can be rewarding to work with, but you must always have more time than your horse.

There are many considerations—

Is something physical bothering him?
Does he get ample turnout?
Does he get worked regularly?
Is he on a high grain ration?
Has he had rough riding in his past, to make him anxious?
Does the saddle fit correctly?
Have you, the rider, had prior experience with hot horses?
Have you gotten any professional help?

Those are a few questions to start with, so you can narrow it down somewhat.