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Horse Behavior and Training

Nappy horse - won't hack on her own

By:

jessica.gibbons

Date:

2012-Jul-28 at 01:37PM

About a month ago I took on a share loan of a lovely thorough bred mare. We've come a long way in a month, since joining up she's been more confident in the school and about the yard, but she still isn't good on a hack. In fact I can't get her to go far on her own. I want to take it slowly and build up her confidence but want to make sure I'm doing it the best way.

She will go about a small distance but then starts napping and if I push her on too much she just fights it. With other horses she is better, but obviously I want her to be led by me and not others. Does anyone have some advise on how to manage this?

Many thanks

Jessica

Miriam (Holland&Germany) 2012-Jul-28 at 06:31PM

Hi Jessica,
I don't remember where I read Monty's answer to this kind of question. Look at the Q&A tag at this site, maybe you'll find it.
In principle it goes as follows:
You ask a couple of rider-friends to help you with this problem.
They need to agree to act exactly as you ask them to. You ask the first one to ride out ahead of time, so no.1 horse is there at the point where your horse starts to be nappy. Nice surprise! Riding on you might meet another friend, maybe even more of them.
Next ride ask one of them to be at another point on the trail, a little bit further from home this time. Slowly your horse will get the feeling there might be a nice surprise along the trail.
This is a short description, it might take a few rides and very faithful friends, but it's worth it!
Will you keep us posted?
Good luck,
Miriam

Kleinne - Utah, U.S.A. 2012-Jul-28 at 07:23PM

There are lots of threads on here that cover this problem extensively check them out and I think you'll probably find your what you're looking for.

jessica.gibbons 2012-Jul-28 at 08:03PM

Thanks guys, I'll look out for Monty's advise and ask my friends to help me out!

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia 2012-Jul-29 at 10:59PM

A similar version as Miriams explanation of Monty's solution is to ride her out where you know there will be other horses along the way for her to see in their fields. This tended to help Pie and she soon really enjoyed going out. She used to just bail up completely when I first got her. She still loves getting out of her paddock so I try to lead her out off Ouyen whenever I can.

ruthy - Gold Coast, Australia 2012-Jul-30 at 11:22AM

Definitely watch the "Walter Won't Go Forward" lessons here on the uni! They cover this problem. I have used this technique on a friend's horse after watching the series and it worked a treat!!! Such a quick result with the blinkers and the wip-wop rope.

ruthy - Gold Coast, Australia 2012-Jul-30 at 11:22AM

jessica.gibbons 2012-Aug-06 at 09:04PM

I watched the Walter won't go forward lessons and have now tried the pacifier and giddy up rope it has worked wonders, I really can't believe it and how much more fun it is knowing I can take her out safely!!

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia 2012-Aug-07 at 03:20AM

Well done Jessica. It is great when problems can be solved as easily as this!

Miriam (Holland&Germany) 2012-Aug-07 at 06:51PM