cosmo
Olympic Poster
Posts: 776
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Post by cosmo on Apr 14, 2007 6:38:04 GMT 1
Does anyone have any tips on getting a horse to leave his comfort zone? My big lad can be quite nervous when hacking alone but we've worked through it with the help of rescue remedy and now hack out at least once a week alone with no major issues. Problem is I've made a rod for my own back - we always go one of two routes which take us around the same circuit of about 3 miles. I'd like to start going a bit further now but he has other ideas!
I asked him to turn off our usual route the other day and he had a big tantrum! He refused to turn and started backing up and then tried to cart me home. I managed to spin him round and try again but he was still having none of it so I made him continue on our usual route.
I know with hindsight I should have driven him forward and at least made him go part way up the new road, but my nerves got the better of me and I took the better safe than sorry option! He's a very big lad and has bolted a couple of times and this always seems to be in the back of my mind. He's pretty well schooled and responsive but can try it on on the odd occasion!
So does anybody have any tips on getting two big scaredy cats out of their comfort zones?
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Post by Casper on Apr 14, 2007 7:40:44 GMT 1
Would it be worth going out with another horse or two on the extended routes initially? Or having a good foot soldier with you?
If that isn't possible then keep really focused, pick a point along the horizon where the old ride joins the new (if that makes sense) and ride to it. Don't for a second think he isn't going to go there, just keep focusing on that spot and take your horse there. It could be a tree, a road sign, a clump of flowers, anything. But picture getting to it and you will.
Remember, your current rides were all new to him once - and just look at the two of you now! The new rides are just an extension of the current ones that's all.
(Don't think I'm being blase by the way Nic, I would be very worried too. Just trying to offer some practical support) x
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cosmo
Olympic Poster
Posts: 776
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Post by cosmo on Apr 15, 2007 7:19:39 GMT 1
Thanks Casper - don't think you're being blase at all. Hopefully going to try the route in company later today and then I'll see who I can con into coming on a long walk with me!
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Suz
Grand Prix Poster
ET & VHT practitioner Cranio-sacral Therapist
Posts: 1,994
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Post by Suz on Apr 15, 2007 13:40:37 GMT 1
Have you thought of going on the new route in hand first. My boy is much less nappy when in hand so i use it too boost both of our confidence.
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Post by amarche on Apr 16, 2007 10:30:13 GMT 1
Hi nic b! I'd suggest trying to find someone to help either on foot or as a riding companion but i know that isnt always possible. I had a mare that was very like your boy and she'd back all the way down the hill towards home in some fashion rather than go forward - I used to get off, lead her past the 'nappy' parts then get back on - I was lucky in that she'd only associate the one part of the ride as not going back towards home so after we'd get past that bit she was generally ok - I can also appreciate this might not be the same for you but you never know unless you try the other thing I tried doing with her was spook busting at home with tarps and plastic bags and stuff - it really did make her braver on the whole and approach new experiences differently. It wasn't a magic cure by any means but at least she'd listen to me a lot more than trying to b*gger of home good luck though, I can appreciate your concern, bolting on roads is not funny and certainly not something to be taken lightly
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cosmo
Olympic Poster
Posts: 776
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Post by cosmo on Apr 17, 2007 6:14:14 GMT 1
Thanks everyone. I'm afraid taking him out in hand is not an option - he's a huge tank of a horse and I feel I have more control on board than on the ground when he throws one of his strops! Amache - we also have on spot where he's guarenteed to try it on. Strangely enough its the farm where I rescued my old welshie from. He never did it before I took Pebs on, but now does it everytime we try and pass, there is no livestock there at all now and its not particularly scary. Very bizarre!
I'm going to see if I con someone into an early morning walk or if my friend will ride him round the new route a few times. I think perhaps he feeds off my nerves, so it might do him good to have a more confident rider on board to begin with.
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