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Post by carol666 on Dec 11, 2012 21:21:42 GMT 1
Thanks - thats actually a good idea. Although mine is a quiet road, I am now putting hay out in the field right at the fence at the road, so if he wants to eat, he has to stay next to the road.
I spoke to Morag, she didnt offer to come to mine, but said I am doing all the right things and to keep perservering.
I have also bought ear muffs to ride in, I think these may be helping slightly, - has anyone else used them for keeping the noise of the traffic down?
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Post by ruthp on Dec 12, 2012 12:37:01 GMT 1
The following thing can work really well. When we started a friend's youngster he didn't like traffic on narrow roads either. When ever a vehicle came towards us we'd turn him round as it went past and then follow it for a few yards. If vehicles came past us in the same direction we were going we'd get him to trot after it for a few yards. It took a long time but he is now perfectly ok on the narrowest of roads even with the biggest of vehicles.
Another thing, and this is very difficult, but try to make sure that you are not transmitting any negative signals to him. If you're expecting him to react, it's very difficult not to tense up yourself, which will in turn make him anxious. A bit of a vicious cycle. Make sure your breathing stays deep and regular, and don't suddenly take up the reins or add more leg as those are all signs of tension. Just try and ride as normal. As I say, easier to say than do!
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Post by carol666 on Dec 13, 2012 22:23:40 GMT 1
Thanks - funnily enough he looks very like the horse in your picture, and he is called Bally:)
He isnt as bad with traffic coming from behind, its worse for oncoming traffic. I had been thinking to turn away from the traffic was maybe avoiding the situation, but I will give what you have suggested a try.
The not reacting is a very difficult one - I understand stay calm and breathe deep, but I think if i didnt have a strong contact and encourage him with stronger leg he would just spin and bolt ever more often - sometimes with a strong leg i manage to get him past without turning back, even though he has defintely thought about doing it...
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