Confidence when leading

[Debb]

Morning everyone
Iv got a rising 3 cob mare. Iv owned her since she was 6months old, had contact since 12weeks old.
At around 9months old she became a complete nightmare to lead this got progressively worse and then I fell pregnant and it got to the point where she would try and chase me in the paddock rearing up and lashing out. However once I'd had the baby I brought a dually halter and things have improved ALOT. Shes now a changed horse BUT the only problem I have is my confidence. In an electric paddock I will do absolutely anything with her my confidence is sky high but leading her out of this security and Iv got none which she picks up on. I'm scared of her getting away from me and running off or getting hurt. I physically can not lead her out of our 7acre field she is still to strong even in a dually she will attempt dragging me rearing and bronking. Iv been told to take her on long reins to give me more control I won't attempt it due to my confidence. I'm completely on my own so don't have any form of back up or someone to help out.
Can anyone please give me some tips or advice who has been in this situation. She knows her strength and will happily use it.

I'm absolutely fine with all my other horses and other peoples it's just her 😔

 

[Debb]

Bump

 

[justabob]

.Put a bridle on her.

 

[JillA]

She needs to learn to respect your space, and you need a longer line (12ft minimum) so that she can't get away from you.
Respecting your space is a really easy one to learn but hard to explain - here goes.

Decide what for you is your "bubble" of personal space, for me it is what I can reach with outstretched arms. Lead your mare in a safe area, with your lead rope (ideally 12 ft line) in a loose line between your two hands. Keep an eye on where she is and as soon as she crosses that line into your space, turn and face her with the rope as a barrier between your outstretched hands. If she is too close or doesn't stop, back her up quietly but firmly. The first time she will probably take no notice, but do it again (she will be slightly more hesitant) and again (she will begin to understand) and again. Lead her a slightly longer distance but the same thing applies - as she crosses into your space, put up the barrier and if necessary back her up until she is outside your "bubble". Do it a few more times next time you fetch her in and then, whenever you are leading her, watch for her coming into your space (you need eyes in the back of your head lol). That is a rigid rule - your space must never be encroached on, throughout the rest of her life.
You MUST be consistent in where that bubble starts and ends though otherwise you can't expect her to know to respect it. I have seen that exercise work wonders, and former bargy horses learn to follow quietly and respectfully behind - all of mine do.
If you want to lead your horse at your shoulder, to begin with you will have them following behind you. Then you can gradually allow her to come upsides, but again, not in your space.
Good luck - it does work if your timing is good in the turning and backing up.

 

[Auslander]

She needs to learn to respect your space, and you need a longer line (12ft minimum) so that she can't get away from you.
Respecting your space is a really easy one to learn but hard to explain - here goes.

Decide what for you is your "bubble" of personal space, for me it is what I can reach with outstretched arms. Lead your mare in a safe area, with your lead rope (ideally 12 ft line) in a loose line between your two hands. Keep an eye on where she is and as soon as she crosses that line into your space, turn and face her with the rope as a barrier between your outstretched hands. If she is too close or doesn't stop, back her up quietly but firmly. The first time she will probably take no notice, but do it again (she will be slightly more hesitant) and again (she will begin to understand) and again. Lead her a slightly longer distance but the same thing applies - as she crosses into your space, put up the barrier and if necessary back her up until she is outside your "bubble". Do it a few more times next time you fetch her in and then, whenever you are leading her, watch for her coming into your space (you need eyes in the back of your head lol). That is a rigid rule - your space must never be encroached on, throughout the rest of her life.
You MUST be consistent in where that bubble starts and ends though otherwise you can't expect her to know to respect it. I have seen that exercise work wonders, and former bargy horses learn to follow quietly and respectfully behind - all of mine do.
If you want to lead your horse at your shoulder, to begin with you will have them following behind you. Then you can gradually allow her to come upsides, but again, not in your space.
Good luck - it does work if your timing is good in the turning and backing up.

I am under the impression that barging isn't the problem - the mare tanking off is the issue here. If the Dually isn't working, I'd second the bridle suggestion to keep the OP safe in the short term, plus getting some experienced help to sort out the problem long term. Yes, the training needs addressing, but being able to lead the horse safely is the most important priority at this point. OP is nervous of the mare, and the mare knows this, and knows that she can get away from her. Breaking it down into bite-sized chunks - 1; get control, by any method that works. 2; Get help. 3; work on improving manners, with experienced help. 4; commit to consistently reinforcing the new techniques so that her behaviour doesn't slide again.
OP - where are you? Someone may be able to help if we know your location.

 

[RunRunReindeer]

To bring one of my mares in, I have to lead her away from her 'home' field which she shares with her two friends, across another 30 acre field. Both she and I know she can/will get away from me in a headcollar and leadrope, so I just bridle her (bitted) and it saves a lot of hassle. I also feel more in control with reins rather than a leadrope.

 

[Auslander]

To bring one of my mares in, I have to lead her away from her 'home' field which she shares with her two friends, across another 30 acre field. Both she and I know she can/will get away from me in a headcollar and leadrope, so I just bridle her (bitted) and it saves a lot of hassle. I also feel more in control with reins rather than a leadrope.

Annoying - isn't it?

I have one who is extremely mannerly to handle/lead, apart from when he has one of his periodic "moments". One minute he will be walking nicely beside me, and the next he's disappeared in a puff of smoke. I've given up trying to stop him when he does it - he's in his 20's and its a long established game! I can hold him in a bridle, and he knows it, but anything else on his head is considered a challenge that he just has to test - Dually/Be Nice halter/control strap/chain - you name it, he's escaped whilst wearing it. I just let him go now - he's safely enclosed in a 13 acre field, and just goes for a 10 minute hooley, then trots back up to me looking smug! If he tries it on and doesn't get away, he's a real handful to deal with, but once he's made his point and returned, he's as good as gold. Do sometimes wish he wasn't such a big"personality!"

 

[Debb]

I'm in the DE65 area.
Iv had so many people offer there help and so far everyone has given her another bad habit which iv then had to fix 😣
She isn't bitted im hoping to take her bitless. Simply due to me attempting long reining ect bitted and it leads to her bucking and rearing so I'm at abit of a dead end

 

[Debb]

Iv always used different types of snaffles on her next a full rubber bit

 

[JillA]

I am under the impression that barging isn't the problem - the mare tanking off is the issue here.

No but establishing a good leading habit as I described makes you............a leader . Then tanking is a thing of the past, because they get used to following you. I have a new livery here who I turn out in the mornings. I was advised to shut all gates and not clip the lead rope on so if he got away he couldn't come to any harm. Two minutes in his stable with an American halter asking him to back up when he got too close and he led out nicely and politely, and has done every morning ever since. No need for a bit, the need is for training.

 

[Debb]

No but establishing a good leading habit as I described makes you............a leader . Then tanking is a thing of the past, because they get used to following you. I have a new livery here who I turn out in the mornings. I was advised to shut all gates and not clip the lead rope on so if he got away he couldn't come to any harm. Two minutes in his stable with an American halter asking him to back up when he got too close and he led out nicely and politely, and has done every morning ever since. No need for a bit, the need is for training.

She following me like a donkey and the all of a sudden she's off in front and wanting to go and if taken out the field she's a nightmare

 

[Brightbay]

Debb, Google "Connection Training". Good way to train the horse, but also a really good way to give the handler confidence, and very "bitless" friendly if that's your aim

 

[JillA]

Well maybe you need someone who can show you - Mickey Gavin is your part of the country http://truehorsemanship.com/wordpress_6/, anyone off this list is good, http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/specialist-horse-training.html or you could ask Barbara Robinson at Millfields Stables near Carsington might come and help http://petsitting-derbyshire.com/Horsey-Goings-on-
If you have had this cob since she was young you might need to take a close look at the relationship you have with her

 

[Debb]

Well maybe you need someone who can show you - Mickey Gavin is your part of the country http://truehorsemanship.com/wordpress_6/, anyone off this list is good, http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/specialist-horse-training.html or you could ask Barbara Robinson at Millfields Stables near Carsington might come and help http://petsitting-derbyshire.com/Horsey-Goings-on-
If you have had this cob since she was young you might need to take a close look at the relationship you have with her

Yes had contact since 12weeks and she came to be at 6months old

 

[Brightbay]

Just seen where you're located, OP

Max Easey is your woman. Give her a call! http://horse-charming.com/

 

[Debb]

Would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave me advice and ideas.
I did however go and purchased a rubber bit and tried her in that today she was an angel even when her field companion decided he wanted to gallop around and show us all his hand stands she kept 100% focussed on me and listened immediately. I only had to pull on the lead line once.
Will hopefully be able to post in another or so and share some more good news on how it's going