Arena phobia

[Luclila]

Hi, looking for some advice.

I’ve have a Welsh mare who is normally a bit spooky but manageable.
Her saddle became too small for her recently so have the fitter coming and have done groundwork whilst waiting in fields due to the heat.

However, when she went back into arena today in hand and her breathing picked up and she started panicking a lot, especially on the left rein where unlike the right, she couldn’t calm herself down and became unmanageable. She showed some of this behaviour on the day we realised the saddle was too small but this was worse. She’s recently moved yards due to people being dishonest and riding her in secret without our permission. As soon as she left the arena her breathing calmed and throughout the short session she tried to leave the arena.

We think something may of occurred as she also became very untrusting and wary but we aren’t fully sure.

Has this happened to anyone else or something similar? We can’t figure out why she is doing it even when just standing so all helps welcome. And any tips on how to work with this aswell

Thanks x

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would try feeding her next to the arena then work on getting her to the gateway, then just inside the arena etc etc. The act of chewing often helps horses to relax/calm down

 

[Luclila]

I would try feeding her next to the arena then work on getting her to the gateway, then just inside the arena etc etc. The act of chewing often helps horses to relax/calm down

That’s a good idea, thanks!!

 

[Bellaboo18]

I'd say she associates the arena with the pain she was feeling in the saddle that didn't fit. Feeding in the arena is a good idea and just building it up slowly.

 

[Luclila]

I'd say she associates the arena with the pain she was feeling in the saddle that didn't fit. Feeding in the arena is a good idea and just building it up slowly.

We did think that to begin with but after physio and today I think it’s something else