Cob spooking at pony in field

[ponymom]

My cob (recently acquired) is a quiet steady novice ride 98% of the time!
But when I try to hack past a field minutes from home with two grazing horses she spooks big time,locks up and tries to spin on the road.We would pass other horses in fields when out hacking and she doesnt blink an eye!One of the horses is an unusual dun, aged with not much mane & tail.I am a novice rider slightly nervous and lost my nerve last week.I got off and lead her past but felt defeated afterwards.Have tried riding her on and 'head away' but she spins so quickly she's turned to run before I can work it out!!Any help appreciated.

 

[muddygreymare]

If getting off and walking gets her past, do that for now and take someone with you just as a precaution really. Once you are more confident after doing in hand walks and have a stronger bond with your horse try riding past again, first with a helper and give lots of praise if she even just puts one foot forward.

Also, try not to look at the horses and presume she'll spook as you'll tense up and she will think there is something to be scared of, when you need to just try and ignore them and stay calm. I know it's hard, i've been there but it is possible to overcome it. Positive, positive, positive is the way to go

Everyone has some issues, don't be ashamed, you'll get there Good luck!

 

[WestCoast]

I'm probably going to get slated for saying this but afraid I'd use a sharp smack on the bum in this situation. It sounds like she's learnt she can get away with playing up there.

Paula

 

[Pearlsasinger]

There is absolutely no harm in getting off and leading the horse past, she will have done what you wanted so you will have 'won'. I certainly wouldn't be getting into an argument with her at this stage.

I have had 2 Clydesdale mares which took fright a 2 different fields of colts. The 2nd one took off with me at a very fast trot - her preferred pace- and I couldn't stop her until the colts couldn't run alongside us. I got a PeeWee bit which meant that the brakes and steering were more effective (although I hadn't really noticed a problem previously). We never had another problem.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine.