zann
Elementary Poster
Posts: 88
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Post by zann on Oct 1, 2014 9:30:30 GMT 1
I bought myself a sweet little cob, but she is very anxious of getting near a whip, and also of a sudden hand movement from behind and towards her face. This has caused a mini bolt when I've put my hand up (minus whip) to say "thanks" to car drivers, and she gets very edgy if I'm riding out with someone carrying a schooling whip. Generally she is totally calm and delightful to handle and it would seem she has been sent forward rather too vigorously with a whip during her breaking.
Ideas on best way to help her get over this without pushing too much too soon. I'm being very careful with my hand signals now when riding and never mount with a whip in my hand.
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Post by portiabuzz on Oct 1, 2014 10:38:18 GMT 1
Poor thing  Sent from my SM-G800F using proboards |
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Post by portiabuzz on Oct 1, 2014 10:38:35 GMT 1
So do you carry a whip?
Sent from my SM-G800F using proboards
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zann
Elementary Poster
Posts: 88
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Post by zann on Oct 1, 2014 10:58:42 GMT 1
Just carry a very short one to give a little back up on the shoulder for when she occasionally "sticks". but tbh have been leaving it behind of late.
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Post by lizpurlo on Oct 1, 2014 21:57:35 GMT 1
Probably just a question of desensitising gradually - I'd concentrate on getting her used to your hand and arm movements first before worrying about carrying a whip, as she really has to accept you putting your hand up to thank/slow down traffic. Maybe start on the ground, when you're grooming her, using advance and retreat principles, until she's quite relaxed about your arm suddenly appearing in her line of vision! She may simply be very green and not used to riders making sudden movements. Similarly with the schooling whip - advance and retreat, and I'd be doing this dismounted to start with. Whatever one's opinions of carrying a whip are, it's always handy to have a horse that doesn't mind its rider carrying something long and whip-like - I always used to carry a hunting whip when taking rides out on Dartmoor, the horn handle was incredibly useful for reaching gate latches if I was on a big horse, and the lash was handy for either using as an emergency lead rein or swinging at recalcitrant farm dogs.  My own horses were totally unworried by it. |
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My own horses were totally unworried by it.