horse has lost her mind

Had a fabulous ride with Honey on Saturday - just the two of us for about 4 hours on the trails. Not a bit of trouble getting her tacked up. She started out trying to turn around and go back to the barn, but I just kept turning her in circles whenever she did that. It didn't take long until she figured out that we would be going the direction I wanted her to go and she knocked it off. She's definitely testing things, but by going back to some basic groundwork and riding her through this, I seem to be getting my position as "lead mare" reestablished. I guess I was spoiled since she'd been so cooperative until this - I should have expected some challenges along the way. I'll keep working at being assertive with her, thanks for the tips and support.

Magic is still in a separate field and Honey is sooo much more relaxed.

Alicia - That's a good point, but I don't think she was in heat. She hasn't behaved differently during heat before (unlike our other mare). Its really hard to even tell if she's in heat, she's just so laid back most of the time.

WSArabians - Unfortunately I can't talk too harshly to the kids that have bugged her, she's staying on their great-grandpa's land with their father's horses (for free). Father gets very defensive if you correct his kids (even though they often need it). I try to "teach" the boys gently and by example as much as possible. The good news is that they aren't around the horses too often now that its cold. We'll be getting them out of there soon.

Kevinshorses - As I said in my earlier posts, I am "correcting" these behaviors and she will be going to a trainer - thanks for letting me know that we are to "blame". I asked for help, not condescension.

i disagree that you are to blame- it sounds to me like you are thinking of what is best for your horse, and also coping with things well; i have always found circling and talking calmly is a good way of dealing with thesee little issues to. . and it sounds ideal that the trainer is someone you know and can work with her so close to home. can you also interact with her training while she is with him when ever you can, so that she learns and you learn together. i do think with any young horse you get occasional issues, and you seem to be working them through calmly and kindly. i would just continue with your plans, and not stretch her too much in terms of what she is doing- let her develop at her own pace.and put her into place gently but firmly when she gets a bit out of order

Thanks, lillie. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about how to train her better and give her the best care possible. We don't have a lot of experience with horses, but we have a lot of friends helping us who do and this forum has been a great resource. Besides, no one is born a "horse expert", I have to start somewhere. Thanks for being supportive.

The trainer will absolutely let me work with him and learn along with her. He's a friend that with whom we often trail ride and he's been helping my husband finish up our barn. He's not had any "formal" education as a trainer, but I've been able to watch him interact with his own horses for a long time so I trust him (unlike our other neighbor who I won't let train her at all - he borders on abusive, but that's another story).

She's back in the field with the mean mare. She was jumpy and obviously stressed again today when I worked with her, but she wasn't at all aggressive, just nervous. It is easier to be "firm" with her, now that I've seen it work. We'll probably be able to move the girls down here in about 2 weeks, so things should really improve after that. The barn and fence have taken much longer than we planned (these things always do, right?). I can't wait to get them home!

well we all have to start somewhere!! my best advice is always take the horses point of view into consideration, take things nice and slow;dont turn things in to a battle, and dont be pressurised into doing something which doesnt feel right, even if it is an "expert" suggesting it! ( remember you know your horse better than anyone) and remember the whole horsemanship thing is a continual learning experience! (or at least it should be- unfortuneately some of the worst sort of horse people are the ones who think they've learnt everything, and ussually arent very good, because of that thought !) and never be afraid to ask for help.

I'm wondering (as you were) if she wasn't getting confused by Magic bossing her around and then having to figure out where you fit in that whole picture. It sounds like you're getting back on track. I think there could be a bit of the "honey moon is over" syndrome as well- I know I went through this with my new boy big time. Since things are improving, sounds like you're on the right track.

For me, I had to really step up my game with Tanner and not let him get away with anything (even shifting a foot forward while grooming, etc) and actually instead of starting softly with corrections, getting bigger right away was more effective with him. Of course he's a gelding and a TB, not to mention all animals are individuals, but there's a light at the end of the tunnel, I think you saw it saturday! And don't be surprised when some days out of the blue she tests you, just keep your calm and reassert yourself, just because you know the reasoning behind her behavior doesn't mean you have to accept it, she still needs to know you're in charge here!