Battle of Wills!

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hollykb

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My beast has been out of work for a while and have just started riding her again last week. Went for stroll along the lanes with a friend and although very on her toes was fine. Did the same on monday night and slightly more relaxed. Last night did exactly the same route but on our own. We were going along fine but got to a certain point and encountered a dreaded hedge monster. No matter what I did she would not budge!! Decided that she was not going to win so start by pushing her on, talking nicely, then talking firmly, progresses to kicking and talking angrily! All the while cars keep coming so have to keep turning back into nearby driveway. Tried circling, tried walking back a bit and taking a bit of a run up at nice brisk walk but slammed on the brakes in exact same spot! Lady from yard I was outside came out and tried leading her for me (admittedly she was a bit useless but at least she tried), she got some treats and tried to bribe her but no luck, lent me a stick but that just made her buck (why I don't have a stick usually). This went on for 20 minutes!! In the end I got off and dragged her past myself. Got back on and no more problems after that, no problems on the way back past it either, typical as heading for home!
Is there anything else I could've tried?? Did I do the right thing getting off and leading her? I seemed to have run out of options and it was on a road so couldn't just sit and wait forever. Help!
 
I had this problem with a field full of cows! I ended up getting off and leading him past them the same as you did. I was going to try to go past again last week but the cows were gone so couldn't! I think you did the right thing, I read somewhere this is the right thing to do but you never know!Try to go past again, try to keep positive and see if she goes past!
 
yup did the right thing trying everything whilst on board, and then by getting off and leading her past it, I think (personally) you did right because you got her past it, got on and carried on as normal!

I think if you do it again on your own it should be easier as she has walked past it on her own etc. Even if it means another try everything and end up leading

After a couple of times she should get over it!
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I've had to do this many a time and still do occasionally. There are some schools of thought that say that by getting off and leading you are showing your horse that you are his leader and thereby giving them confidence from the ground.
My opinion is you've still won the battle, whether on board or on the ground
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[ QUOTE ]
I've had to do this many a time and still do occasionally. There are some schools of thought that say that by getting off and leading you are showing your horse that you are his leader and thereby giving them confidence from the ground.
My opinion is you've still won the battle, whether on board or on the ground
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[/ QUOTE ]

Totally agree - you won!
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I always win the battle of wills, I would never, ever let my horse dictate something like that if he was just mucking about! Well done, you won and the next time the horse will remember there's nowt scary and you should be able to kick her on past it.

Winning is all that counts! :P x
 
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