what about the horse's confidence

[Suz]

What steps cam we take to improve our horse's confidence?
My mare has a history of pain (saddle, ulcers you name it we have been through it) but is fine now. She just seems to lack all confidence when ridden that everything will be ok. This leads to her freezing up and just not going forward at all.

Currently I am trying clicker training, as she really enjoys that on the ground but I'm not sure if it is being counter productive as each time she takes a step forward I click and then she stops for a treat. I tried extending it to 2 steps but that was (boom boom ching) a step too far ;D

Any advice gladly recieved

[2 bays & a grey:D]

I am no expert and I am sure the professionals will give better advice but, you have to take them past their comfort zone for them to realise actually it IS ok.
My Nancy has had ulcers and had to learn that in fact work was ok, we went at her pace but, we did have to go past her comfort zone which meant over reaction in behaviour in some cases.
Are you leading, longlining,riding with the CT?
My gut feeling would be to push her through the two steps, if she reacts ignore, wait for nice behaviour and immediately C&T.
Good luck

[fth]

great question -- some posts about it on the confidence blog www.effectivehorsemanship.wordpress.com

Cathy