hi all
I have started loaning a new forest 13.3hh pony. She is very cheeky and tries to test you alot, and i have been riding her about 2 weeks now and i really need some advice to help show her who is boss. In the school she rarely wants to do what i ask and wants her own way and gets head strong and just trots or canters off where she likes. i smack her and she does pathetic little bucks. Oh and she napps too lol. However when she is good she can be really good but we really need to get this stubbornness sorted out.
and on hacks she refuses to go and is realllyyy nappy :-(
she is 8 years old and we ride english by the way =]
she loves jumping but seriously need to work on flat work, so after x-mas thats what im going to concentrate on
ADVICE PLEASE! =]
thanks in advance
The first thing that comes to my mind is that she is sore or hurting in some way. Generally horses try to do what we want and do not enjoy punishment.
Check that all her tack fits properly, that her teeth and feet have been done recently and lastly get a vet out to do a full exam.
If nothing is the matter then send her back. She's not your horse and therefore not your problem.
im pretty sure all her tack does fit. I think she has just got away with this behavior for years and just thinks she can have her own way all the time.
Its only a part loan and im going to work really hard with her next week. And if she is still taking the mick in afew weeks i might stop loaning, her but i am going to try to get her behaviour sorted with me before giving up because some days she is such a good girl x
Have you tried just going back to the basics after shes been checked out? Get her moving really well and nicely at the walk (loads of impulsion). Use lots of halt and walk transitions to get her thinking and lots of free walking and then medium walking helps as well. Perhaps carrying a dressage whip as well, could help (it worked on a mare of mine who had the same problem).
So keep working at walk and halt and then when she gets good at that move on.
I Hope This Helps You & If You Need Anymore Information Feel Free To Contact Me.
She sounds like an interlligent, overused for schooling or bored alpha horse to me. Which would mean she's messing with you because you haven't proven to her that you're in charge and she can do whatever she wants. Until you do, she'll do whatever is fun for her.
I'd take her to the ground and work on the lunge line until she understands that she moves when you ask. Then move back into saddle and the walk stop excersizes that were mentioned. You can work her though her 5 walking transitions as well, just don't let her get into that trot. Thats your call only. If she breaks into it, circle her until you feel like stopping, if she stops trotting, make her go again, in a circle until you want to stop. Basically, whatever she doesn't want to do. Make it a game. Eventually, she'll realize its her job to read you and start picking up your cues before you give them, almost reading your mind. With no more boredom and a timeconsuming job, she has no time to nap, act up of think of mean tricks.
Have the vet check her all over. If she is sound then work on groundwork with her. Make her listen to you, lunge her, don't be afraid to bring out a crop or lunge whip. If there is a roundpen available then I would suggest using it and working her hard for a medium period of time and keep her at a steady pace, DON'T let her stop and rest, keep after her, chase her around till she Moves. Once you are satisfied, call it quits, and repeat it the next day and constantly on a daily basis or as often as possible. She needs to understand that she needs to listen to you, get after her. Don't allow her to do what she wants. If she takes off, DON'T pull her to a slow, work her faster, and keep her at a fast pace. She'll soon realize she cannot get away with everything anymore and your rides will be more enjoyable for the both of you.
I don't think running her is going to solve anything.
Working transitions is a good suggestion. Also, riding patterns and lateral work can be very helpful in your situation. Instead of simple walking, trotting, cantering training, add serpentines and figure 8's. Make sure that your "ask-reward" mindset is being completed with even the simplest things.
Although you may feel that you need to show her that you're boss, first teach her that you are a team. Ground manners, as mentioned, can also improve her respect towards you.
Ask yourself these questions, if you really think this is a disrespect issue.
-When you hand walk her, is she pulling or lagging?
-Does she back if you ask her too or willingly follow?
When undersaddle...
-Is she really disrespecting your aids, or are you unclear while giving them?
She should move off of your leg immediately when asked. She should respond to your rein aids as well. Going from a trot to a halt, does she resist your hand? Using this as an example, you should hold until she halts and softens. The instant she does, open your fingers, push your hands forward, or give her more rein to let her know that was what you wanted. Use this technique for everything you do. If you are riding correctly and following through, you will see results.
Haven't read the other posts but just thought I'd quickly drop my 2c in!
The mare I was leasing and just recently bought had begun to get really piggy aswell, if she became nappy I would tap tap tap with the legs and crop she would go forward, and then really enjoy herself while we were out trail riding. Also I found lunging helped HEAPS! It re-established my dominance and got her listening to me. I was lunging her twice a day for three days and it virtually sorted out the piggyness. Now shes wonderful (most of the time!)
& I would suggest to not stop loaning/leasing! Its really the best fun and if shes great on some days then don't give up! It's really rewarding having a challenge then fixing it and your pony will teach you alot during this time.
My first pony was a little welsh mountain mare, and she was the naughtiest thing on four legs! I used to finish every ride crying... i was ten. She would decide she didn't want to go somewhere, and stop, and when i tried to make her move she would rear and spin. She would rear when i tried to mount her, she would spook ALL the time, and basically she was stubborn and new every trick in the book! I had no instructot/trainer and my parent knew nothing about horses.
The only way i succeeded with her was to perservere. I NEVER gave up. She didn't want to go somewhere, I would find another way to get there. I would never get off no matter how scared I was. I would carry a crop and get really mad when she was naughty. Eventually she realised she wasn't going to beat me, and she turned into the sweetest little thing, and is now a beginners pony.
My advice for you is simply, don't give up. Ponies are veryyyy good at testing new riders, and it takes a while to get past it, as they are very clever and know lots of tricks! Be tough but fair, and be very consistent. I would ride lots of trails, and work on getting her forward. Use your leg gently, and if she ignored, more leg, and if she ignores again, very firm with the crop. make going slow uncomfortable and going forward fun. Let her have her head if she wants, go for some long canters, let her enjoy herself. She will soon realsie that riding can be fun and you are not going to quit.
I agree with everyone. My first pony was called the Bayside Monster at our barn. She was young and had been trained but then had a baby so was off for a long time. I was about 8 I think. She threw me off nearly every time I rode her. I did have a good trainer though. But I loved her so much. My mom ended up buying her for me and I actually got to help train and break her baby. It was the most wonderful experience. She turned out to be a champion small pony hunter and her baby took my brother to many leadline ribbons. Be tough and confident.
and ask anyone at your barn to help, most people are more than willing.
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Horse Forum
3.4M posts
92.6K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!