A bad case of napping or something else entirely?

[pollymouse88]

My 18hh horse use to be good when hacking out only spooking at things by staring and then walking really far around them. But now in both company and alone he has started to stop and sometimes when i company stick himself behind the other horse or when alone and in company do several of these stop suddenly, go backwards, spin around, rear up, go into hedges and just be a total toss pot! I have been solving this several ways if he turns around make him walk backwards he eventually gets annoyed and will go forwards or leave him to calm down and then ask him to go forwards again. Is this napping or is he being rude? Does anyone know how to solve it as well? Any help appreciated.

 

[Oddjob's Wife]

It sounds like napping to me, which I would also class as rude, particularly when you describe the reaction you're getting.

What you're already trying sounds as though it's working, so my view is keep doing what you're doing and only introduce something new if it stops working. Just keep on being determined and not give in.. When out with others, you could try the one overtaking the other game so you're not in front for long and your boy gets some protection knowing another horse will be in front again at some point. Might need someone very patient to ride out with!

I can't decide that coping with this when you have such a giant makes it easier as there's lots of horse to grab if needed, or worse as you're so far from land and there's a lot to fight with!!

Good luck and maybe others will contribute more good ideas for you

 

[MerrySherryRider]

If he used to good but has now changed, there must be a reason for it.
Possibilities;-

Recent loss of confidence -could be due to new environment, losing his field mate, another rider unwittingly causing a problem or a recent scare.

Physical; pain or eyesight. Has he any issues with tack, teeth, joints, feet, muscles etc ?

 

[pollymouse88]

If he used to good but has now changed, there must be a reason for it.
Possibilities;-

Recent loss of confidence -could be due to new environment, losing his field mate, another rider unwittingly causing a problem or a recent scare.

Physical; pain or eyesight. Has he any issues with tack, teeth, joints, feet, muscles etc ?

From all the loss of confidence points you have made none of those fit to him, i am the only one to ride him and he hasn't changed fields and his mate's are all the same.

I was wondering if it might be his tack, especially as its always near a down hill part but never known a horse to rear because of tack issues. Feet have just been done and they are fine. He is fine in the school and does everything i ask then, would he be the same in the school if it was teeth joints or muscles?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

but never known a horse to rear because of tack issues.

It depends on the horse, some have a tendancy to rear while others will be more likely to buck.

Alot of napping is caused by a lack of confidence. Are you less confident?

I agree that the other main cause of napping is pain - so get that checked out.

Also, would you describe him as backwards thinking?

 

[pollymouse88]

I wouldn't say i am less confident with him, though i think he may of lost some confidence with himself and me cause my friend tried him today and he went behind ok and went off in front at one point.

I think the saddle doesn't fit i think he has filled out a bit since we had it fitted. Especially as he is usually good to catch and today he walked off a couple of times.

Not quite sure what you mean by backwards thinking. But he does like to have something to concentrate on, he is also very babyish. I am also now getting concerned that he is to big for me and I am over horsed when he plays up!