A little ypdate on my sharp, rearing new horse

[R2R]

Having attempted the consistently calm approach for the past 2 months, I thought I would update you on my sharp, rearing new horses' progress, for anyone who is interested!

We have taken away the spurs, the pony club kicking, and the tight contact and gone for a softly softly approach with lots of praise, some sheepsking blinkers, and a softer workload.

We have come 7th at our first dressage, jumped 1.40 ( ) and been clear round a Pre-novice xc course.

He really is my dream horse, and thank you all for all of your advice and patience with me moaning about him

And to anyone who wonders why they own the horse they do...sometimes a different perspective goes a long way

 

[skint1]

I haven't followed your story but I just wanted to say that's brilliant news, and quite an achievement!

My daughter has a rearer, started last spring, they worked through it using a lot of the same techniques you mention and all was well though the mare was still very strung out when we took her to shows so no competing yet from them.

 

[R2R]

Thank you. The talent was always there, it was just a case of finding out how to get the best out of him!

I am sure your daughter will be fine - I have made it a weekly rule that we go out somewhere - even if it is to my friends yard to school. No pressure = horse takes it in his stride, he was completely different when we went competing last time.

 

[swalk]

I've just bought a rearer and have been mulling over the idea of trying blinkers on him (although he is coming on in leaps and bounds). How useful have they been for your horse?

 

[R2R]

Well his rearing was to do with him being really looky - it was more of a major spook (typically, usually at nothing). It became apparent through his behaviour that he was majorly insecure and when you asked questions of him he would just turn himself inside out and go up (bolt upright!) The blinkers have helped because they make him focus and therefore a bit more secure in himself. I have also found that changing to a fixed ring bit (told you ,small things!!) again made him feel more secure...

I would give them a go if your horses rearing is to do with insecurity/spooking, they have been a bit of a godsend for me

 

[swalk]

Bob rears in nappiness....he naps through the left shoulder and then spins and goes vertical. So far I'm working on his flatwork so that I can control that shoulder and it's going pretty well but he is at his worst on the road which is where I was thinking of using a blinker on the left. I haven't been out on him for a couple of weeks as my mum has gone and broken her leg and I haven't managed to get anyone else to come and ride out with me yet. It's very frustrating!

 

[teddyt]

We have taken away the spurs, the pony club kicking, and the tight contact and gone for a softly softly approach with lots of praise, some sheepsking blinkers, and a softer workload.

In the majority of cases there is a good reason why the horse behaves in a 'bad' way- its up to the owners to find it. IMO less usually works far better than more and im pleased that your success demonstrates this.

Lots of posts on here recomend the opposite- use whips, harsher tack etc so thanks for sharing your story that it can work another way.

Congratulations on you achievements and obviously making your horse happier