Advice / Tips please

[Brambridge04]

I started breaking my mare in a few weeks back, she is leading properly, bitted, saddle, been sat on, and lunging well, listening to stand walk and trot (unless the cows are being naughty in next field) yet when i try to long rein just just trys to run off!!? and starts pratting about!

 

[Brambridge04]

anyone?

 

[dotty1]

Have you got someone to help you, just by leading her/standing by her head whilst you ask her from behind?. If you are trying on your own she may just not understand what you are asking her to do and getting confused.
She will soon get the idea.

 

[tuppence's fortune]

try a body wrap. it will get her used to something near her bum and it will also help her become more balanced and co-ordinated.

as a friend to hold her and you put a bandage round her next (best to use elasticated ones for this) tie in place at the base of the neck using a quick release knot. ask your horse to walk forward a few steps, then stop , keep doing until she is used to the feel of it.
tie a second bandage onto the side of the neck wrap and carefully bring the wrap along the side of your mare, around her quarters and under her tail. hold the end in your hand and ask your friend to walk your mare on, then halt again that may cause your mare to move off briskly but again repeat until she walks calmly. if necessary hold the wrap a little more loosely until she gets used to it.
once she is happy to walk with the wrap attach the end you are holding to the other side of the of the neck wrap (also in a quick release knot. (about 15 inches from the first knot)draw back the first wrap so it sits just behind the withers and forms a bridge over the back (bandage should be snug but not too tight) then practice walking and halting again until you are confident she is ok with it.
try this a few times if you can and then move on to a long line x i hope that might help you. it really worked wonders for one of mine. good luck x

 

[Shilasdair]

anyone?

She could be running off for a few different reasons;
1. The long lines, especially if you use white lunge lines may look like electric fence tape to her - try using different colours/types.
2. She may be reacting to the feeling of something touching her - get her used to long lines draped all over her whilst feeding or being given treats as a positive reward.
3. She may feel insecure without a person/horse to follow (and you are presumably behind her with the long lines) - Try getting someone to walk beside her.
4. It is really hard if long lining a sharp horse from the bit, not to catch them in the mouth (try long lining off cavesson rings initially).
Hope this helps
S