I just bought a 7 y/o Arabian mare bred for Endurance Riding. Before I take her out I have been building our relationship on the ground. She is beginning to trust me finally, though sometimes she is still anxious about leaving the property for walks. I have only had her for 5 days, so we are doing pretty well. I work with her everyday. From tying to the trailer, walking around the property, and putting on her tack.
My current problem: When we are walking and I ask her to whoa, she stops but wants to turn her hind instead of standing still. I think she is trying to look back at the house, but I need her to stay focused and stand still. Any tips for correcting this? I tried a little slap with the rope on the offending side and she ended up turning around the other way. She is sensitive and from what I understand gets overwhelmed easily. I use firm, but gentle, tones and when she gets overwhelmed we stop what we are doing and regroup and try again.
Thank you!
My current problem: When we are walking and I ask her to whoa, she stops but wants to turn her hind instead of standing still. I think she is trying to look back at the house, but I need her to stay focused and stand still. Any tips for correcting this? I tried a little slap with the rope on the offending side and she ended up turning around the other way. She is sensitive and from what I understand gets overwhelmed easily. I use firm, but gentle, tones and when she gets overwhelmed we stop what we are doing and regroup and try again.
Thank you!