Jeni
Novice Poster
Posts: 14
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Post by Jeni on Dec 13, 2011 17:20:16 GMT 1
I have entitled this subject quite badly I think as I'm not entirely sure stubborn is the right word for my mare - until I have learned to read her mind however it was the only word I could think of that would describe the issue I'm having. I have owned my 9 year old mare for 3 months and occasionally I have encountered some very strong rejections to being turned out in the field. Since I have been stabling her at night it hasn't been a problem, however this morning after her breakfast and change into turnout rugs she stopped and refused to continue to the field, so much so that I had to put her back in the stable so as not to be late for work. I asked someone else to try again later and apparently she went straight out no fuss. I would like to add that I have read up and asked advice from various sources who in the majority tell me to get control of the feet - no problem there I can lead her to kingdom come in these cases even down paths she has never encountered before but as soon as I turn her back in the direction of the paddock she'll stand stock still and not be moved. An annoying tickle with the schooling whip to move her on merely results in a rather agressive warning that I really shouldn't try that a second time. Any advice would be welcome and appreciated
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Post by Steve Reid on Dec 14, 2011 13:34:51 GMT 1
There has to be a reason why she seems reluctant to go to the paddock. Maybe it's something to do with the company there, or perhaps if there is not much grass...
However, it is important that a horse leads correctly and reliably. I wouldn't advice the use of any contact from behind to encourage her, because, as you've learned, she may resist such attempts to move her.
I would advise that you get a halter, and teach your mare to yield to pressure and to be responsive and reliable.
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Post by mandal on Dec 14, 2011 14:00:02 GMT 1
Agree with aengusog. Also have a think about what you are doing when she stops, also the footing/route, is there anything she is worried about. Are you expecting/anticipating the stop? Keep your mind on forward and keep focused. Kelly's book Perfect manners has some great ways to help with leading and ways to help you manage yourself to make it easier and clearer for your horse.
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Post by specialized on Dec 14, 2011 19:22:43 GMT 1
The critical thing here is that she went out no problem for someone else, meaning the problem is not purely paddock-related, so there is something that you are doing that needs addressing.
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Post by shan on Dec 14, 2011 22:21:49 GMT 1
Hi Jeni, I have a very nappy mare too - I find with both riding and leading that she's usually much more willing if I am very decisive and 'snappy', i.e. a sort of "right, come on, we're going *there and we're doing it quick" and she seems to go "oh, erm, yeah ok" lol! Not in an aggressive way at all, just a very decisive way. I'd also ask somebody else to take her to the paddock while you keep out of sight of your horse, and see if there's anything they may do differently to you, if not then she may just have learned she can be stubborn and eventually you'll give in. You may have to get up a bit earlier for a few mornings!  |
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Jeni
Novice Poster
Posts: 14
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Post by Jeni on Dec 15, 2011 17:15:52 GMT 1
Thanks everyone for your advice. Last night I had a friend come and meet me so I had a wing (wo)man in toe to address this problem which I had decided boiled down to ME not being firm enough and spoling her with too many comforts up at the stable. I lead her in her bridle to get some more control and used the lunge whip to tickle her on everytime she planted - well after much bucking and kicking out, I got her moving and we did this over and over again giving lots of treats and fuss whenever she went forward or got to the field. I then got up extra early again this morning and did the same again only this time without my wing (wo)man - I had to be strong on my own. It went much better today I am pleased to say but let's see how well it goes tonight. I shall keep persisting until I have cracked it because she is such a clever and amazing mare... and thanks Dolly for your help, couldn't have done it without you !
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Post by sarahbing on Dec 15, 2011 22:03:19 GMT 1
Some good advice here. Just to add, although I know it is tricky in these dark mornings, but try and avoid being under time pressure. It will only add to your anxiety and she will pick up on this. |
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Post by julz on Dec 18, 2011 11:44:34 GMT 1
Could she be in pain?
Used to have problems getting S out of the field.. If he was at the bottom of the field then he would plant, stop, get stroppy until we were about half way up the field (field was on a hill) if he was already half way up or at the top, he was no problem. One day I was actually stuck for two hours at the same place - I eventually gave up. he had already been diagnosed with advanced arthritis in both pasterns but never actually realised at the time that the reason he stopped was because he was in pain.
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Post by helenj on Dec 19, 2011 17:01:03 GMT 1
Well done for getting help and getting her moving.
I think only thing I would add is to be careful with the treats when she does move - its a who's training who question, and you don't want to end up in the situations where she only moves for treats, or the treats have to get better to achieve the same result.
I would steadily wean her off by making the primary reward for moving with you the release of pressure, and randomly rewarding with treats, making the gaps between treat larger as time goes on. If she doesn't know if they are coming, she is more likely to try "just in case".
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Post by shan on Dec 19, 2011 22:23:31 GMT 1
Agree with Helen - though a nice pile of hay / her tea / some treats waiting in the field give them a reason to look forward to getting back in there Hope it's all going well for you Jeni? |
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nomdeac
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 177
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Post by nomdeac on Dec 24, 2011 17:13:06 GMT 1
I have entitled this subject quite badly I think as I'm not entirely sure stubborn is the right word for my mare - until I have learned to read her mind however it was the only word I could think of that would describe the issue I'm having. I have owned my 9 year old mare for 3 months and occasionally I have encountered some very strong rejections to being turned out in the field. Since I have been stabling her at night it hasn't been a problem, however this morning after her breakfast and change into turnout rugs she stopped and refused to continue to the field, so much so that I had to put her back in the stable so as not to be late for work. I asked someone else to try again later and apparently she went straight out no fuss. I would like to add that I have read up and asked advice from various sources who in the majority tell me to get control of the feet - no problem there I can lead her to kingdom come in these cases even down paths she has never encountered before but as soon as I turn her back in the direction of the paddock she'll stand stock still and not be moved. An annoying tickle with the schooling whip to move her on merely results in a rather agressive warning that I really shouldn't try that a second time. Any advice would be welcome and appreciated Hi Jeni, I have practically the same problem. See the 'Won't go back out' thread. I'm going to try using a different gate to the field and giving my filly a feed when she gets out there. I'd be interseted to hear how you get on. |
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