Confidence Ready for the Hunting Season...

[Mizzbecx]

I took my Section D hunting last year and he was a nightmare, he completely flipped out, trying to drag me and literally pulling his head of my hands and too the floor then bolting again.

Me and my friend turned back and got off, my friend is by no means small and is strong and it still too the two of us to hold him all the way down the mountain!! Result two finished hip flasks once they'd calmed down as the OH was waiting for us with the box!!

I've now got a new mare Mallie, she is fab out (a little nappy out on her own) but although she is forward she will follow all day and even if she's walking and falling back she won't trot to catch up unless asked love her.

Thing is I really want to go hunting this season but the thought of last year is on my mind.......

Any ideas how to think positively about this season as I don't want to be left out again........

 

[JenHunt]

I suggest you get in touch with your local pack and find out about going out on hound exercise (slow, steady, and great for fitness work too!) and autumn hunting (early mornings, but beautiful, and calm and just wonderful!) to get you and your horse more settled. they soon learn that hunting isn't all charging about and getting hyped up!

I was always taught that you wouldn't take a kid to a party and expect them to sit still, so a horse is no different. It's just a case of how you manage it and how quickly they learn that standing still is ok. You need to stay positive - think about making him do something (walking circles, walking away and back again etc) rather than stopping him doing something else (fidgeting, throwing himself about etc). Then you can reward him for keeping listening to you and not flipping out!

 

[Mizzbecx]

Thanks for the advice .......I think my new mare will be much better tbh she has a fab temperment, where as my gelding I took that knocked my confidence was a very nervous horse..

As long as Mallie is following I think we'll just go with the flow haha

 

[Bernster]

I'd also try and do practice by hacking out in a group, doing sponsored rides and some xc training if you jump. Helps get you fit. Find out how she is in crowds and open spaces and gets you more confident in her. That's my plan for my new girl, even though she's been a few times, but not with me. Ad it's fun