Monty says that we should look in the mirror when join up fails. It does sound as if you had numerous distractions which would make it difficult to achieve a good join up. There have been many responses to similar distress calls on forum in the past so perhaps use the search bar to bring some of these up. Watch as many of Monty's videos as you can before trying again and try to discover where you went wrong. If you can find a smaller venue with less distractions and no grass I am sure you will find it much easier.

Could you pen off a corner of the large menage to make yourself a smaller area to work in, away from the gate? I have tried it myself in a big paddock and it's exhausting trying to keep up, much easier in a smaller area. According to Monty it needs to be about 16 metres in diameter - round is better but you can do it in a square space at a push. You could use portable jumps or electric tape to make a temporary area - as long as she is OK with tape and not likely to go charging through it. And a good sand surface is safer and less distracting than grass, I agree with Maggie that you will probably find it easier in a more suitable arena.

thanks Maggie and Em. I did think that next time I would try to electric fence off a smaller area. it's just that it's a shared area and we can't even book time in there so it's using it when it's free. I also think that she was ready to come in a lot quicker than Montys suggested 15 laps so maybe I should listen to her next time. thanks for your advice

Hi Louise - if you are finding it difficult to keep up with the mare in a larger area and you are restricted in your access to the work area would it be possible to travel your mare to a facility where there is a good round pen - it may seem over the top but the time taken may be worth the end results and could perhaps short circuit any more difficulties for you. Join Up should be a rewarding not frustrating experience for both you and your mare. Good luck and whatever you do I hope it goes well. Cheers Jan

Hi Isteen,

A round pen is ideal there is no doubt about that but join-up can be done in a square one as well.

Something that you could try is "ropeing" off an area of this larger one, about the fifty feet Monty recommends and try again. Ropes can also be tied at the square ends to make it mostly a round area.

Try to keep people away right now so there will be as little distractions as posible.

The 15 laps are a suggestion that Monty makes on a scienctific study that shows that is the approximate length that a horse would travel.

Watch the join-up tapes over and over and perhaps try the motions with a human first to get the feel of what is needed and be comfortable doing it.

You can do it, don't give up. Let me know how it goes.
Oh yea the ropes are easy to put up and take down when you are finished.

Hey Louise - as Star says you can use any area for join up. I did join up in a 5 acre paddock on a little mare I found that had been badly beaten and treated very badly. She is now 6 months pregnant, very happy, comes when called and follows me everywhere and it is a joy to see the change in her. I referred to finding a round pen (or square yard) to use as I thought it may make it easier for you after the frustrations you have had and the fact that you seem to have trouble getting use of the menage where you are. I do wish you well and like Star would love to hear how you get on in the future - best of luck. Regards Jan

It´s a good thing to remember that the Join-Up itself gives the horse the right to ask questions and have you involved in her/his lfe and you are the one answering! It is a process, and you will be able to have a dialog with your horse for the rest of your life! So, keep up the good work and keep answering your horses questions! Warmest Ann