Did we do the right thing? - another long winded post!

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DBrasnett

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www.brasnett-pratt.co.uk
Seems I am having a bad horse bank holiday weekend (See my post about nappy pony!!)

Yesterday a girl from my yard and I went for a nice long hack, or at least that was the idea. On the way down the lane from the yard the other pony got badly spooked and span round and went for home (only got a few strides). My pony followed!! After that bit of excitement was over we pointed them in the right direction and off we went, for about 10m before the other pony stopped and refused to move!! my pony isn't a good leader and also refused to walk on. after a few mins of arguing - one pony routed to the spot and mine dancing every way but forwards I got off and lead them forward a few meters. Got back on and all was ok for about 50m when the other pony did the same thing!! eventually I got off again and lead them both into the woods, got on and they were great for about an hour. On the way out of the woods something spooked the other pony and he routed him self again. This time my patience wore out. There was no way I was getting off and climbing back on my 16.1 pony! So, I growled loudly at my pony who with alot of hesitation and spooking did take the lead and get us moving again. He lead for at least 10 mins through a village (spooking at EVERY thing, but that was ok, we were going forward). By the time we got to some boys playing football against a wall, a skip and some blowing washing my pony decided enough was enough and ground to a halt. He was doing lots of backing up, so I decided to use this to my advantage, spun him round and backed him past the skip and washing, but it didn't work for the football. So off I got and led them past the scary stuff. Once back in the woods they were both fine again and my pony lead all the way home at a trot and the odd canter. He was very tense and spooky, but he was leading, so I was happy.

The pony's are field buddies and neither are leadership material. Both are young and stubborn. I think they initially were feeding off each others anxiety from the first big spook, but after that I am not sure they weren't just being naughty. What should have been a 2 hr hack took us over 3...

Did I do the right thing by getting off and moving us forward? I just felt we would have been hours if I hadn't.

One sliver lining to a very grey cloud is my pony led more then he has done before!!
 
Personally I would have said yes, my horse used to be a nightmare to hack out he would plant, spin and walk backwards before repeating it and at first nothing I did would get him out of this and I often had to get off and lead him then remount. He napped partly because he was allowed to in the past and also he had confidence issues with himself and the new environment and rider.
It isn't always idea to get off and lead, some may take it as getting away with their behaviour and wouldn't learn from it but mine certainly benefited from it and now if he ever naps it is quickly resolved with me remaining mounted.
You did what you had to do, I hope they get better hacking out.
 
Thank you jesterfaerie. It felt like the right thing at the time, but now I am questioning it! Both are normal great hacking out! We have hacked out together in more familiar territory with no problems and both horses have done the yard we did yesterday on different occasions. GRRRRRRR Ponys!!
 
As you say, it got you moving forward and your pony led, so it worked
smile.gif
 
Yes, you did absolutely the right thing. As inconvenient as it is, you were showing leadership to your horse by doing just that. You may find that you have to do it on several occasions but eventually your horse will start to gain confidence. I would suggest however that you try and ride out with another horse who doesn't have the same issues as yours as you may find you end up doing more walking than you anticipated! I find that even a person walking in front or someone on a bike is enough to give my horse confidence.
 
I sometimes get off to lead my boy past scary things. He's quite a worrier, and makes me a bit anxious when he gets tense, so we don't help each other. Personally I think it's better for them to walk past something with a confident handler on the floor, than argue with someone less confident on their back. Usually with him, the next time we go past whatever it was he's fine because he knows he's already seen it. But I think it depends on whether they're genuinely worried or just being naughty.
 
As others have said, if it worked then it was the right thing. Can imagine how frustrating it was though! well done for taking the lead!!! wasn't your horses fault, he was just reacting to other one it sounds like.
 
Absolutely did the right thing. My horse was extremely nappy when I got her 3 yrs ago. Wouldnt go off the yard and used to back up and threated to rear. I got her confidence by riding out on our own, having to lead her to get off the yard. We started on small routes and built it up slowly, keeping to familiar routes and adding a bit more on as time went by. I also ride in spurs and always carry a schooling whip. The spurs mean to her that I mean business, dont get me wrong she doesnt have holes in her sides. It just meant that I didnt have to keep legging her on and she knew that I meant business and in a potentially sticky situation with traffic etc, I got the response quicker to avoid any problems. She now hacks out solo with no problem. Its about building up her confidence and trust in you and the feeling of achievement is fab. It didnt happen overnight and took a lot of patience but I now have a more confident horse.

Good luck with yours.
 
Yes you did, you showed your youngster leadership and that there was nothing to be afraid of. He will have learnt to follow your leadership and that if you are not afraid of something then there is nothing to be afraid of. You have really boosted his confidence.
 
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