Eliminated through napping

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samp

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I did post this in competiton, but think I may get more response here?
Well went SJ yesterday and what a disaster. We warmed up in the collecting ring ok though still being very gobby and snatching the reins (like she has been past few days when ridden). Also would say did not totally trust her not to rear (just had this feeling). Anyway the first class she would not go off leg - stopped at first, then came to third (near gate and again stopped and reared). I was well fed up.

Went back to warm up for the 2nd class and she was trying to nap by my dad, however I rode her forwards. When it came to the 2nd class she tried to nap when entering the ring so she got sent forward. This time jumped first hesitated at 2nd and made her jump from stand still (simple upright). Came to 3rd a different fence by the gate and this time we went in to a huge napping fit, we just reared up several times. I was fuming. Madam was having none of it! So we went and jumped fence 2 again.

Any ideas what I should do? Shall I pay for someone else to compete? Put it down as a one off and take her to a clear round next time so I do not waste my money? May be in pain in the ovaries as guess time of year to start coming in season (and she reared for no reason about this time last year). Put it down to a pain response due to soreness?

She is a great horse and when she is good she is fab. She can be quirky and I thought we had overcome that. I want to persevere once again, but I realise if it continues I will have to send her away and sell her
 
I think I would firstly deal with the napping and by this get an expert in who can sort it. I think its money well spent. No point in getting to a comp and being chucked out the ring, because she is winning. Its a shame, because you cant stay in the ring and sort her out, the bell goes and thats that!
 
My mare can be like that I have also had similar episodes with her, she has been much better since I put her on Feel Good 30's Hormonal Mare. Last month I took her to a local SJ venue, her fieldmate was there, we had dreadful behaviour, got her in the ring, beautifully round to fence 6 (by the gate) she slammed on then reared up! (No reason whatsoever, apart from her friend being in the collecting ring!) Gave her one hard smack, she took one canter stride and popped the fence before I even asked her to! and finished the course off!!

I took her there again yesterday with no expectations, her fieldmate had gone elsewhere, and she was fantastic, jumped two double clears, we got two 2nds!!

Its so frustrating when nappy behaviour ruins it, as you say on good days she is fantastic!

I would try a supplement, then start with a clear round, if she's good in that, do the next class?
 
Thanks, it is very frustrating we have attended about 6 jumping shows now and 6 dressage shows and it is the first time she has done it? She is normally so well behaved. She is a bit attached to my dad and he was standing by the gate but I can not ask him not to watch. I will try a supplement, also have physio out this week as she has not been checked over for about 8 months. She doesn't do little rears but verticals and I was eliminated before I could even get her near the fence. One smacj probably would have been great. We did jump a fence before leaving though
 
I think your comment about snatching at the reins the last few days might be an important piece of information. Is this something she has done before? Is there a specific circumstance where she does it?

It sounds to me like the horse is in some discomfort and the show situation pushed her over the edge. If she's not behaved this way before then something has changed, even if it's not something obvious. My best guess would be either neck/back (issues here often make horses "snatch") or possibly with her teeth. I wouldn't be surprised if your physio/chiro turns something up and you have her sorted out.
 
She has laways been a bit sensitive in the mouth, however the snatching etc is def a new habit. I know it sounds horrible but I do hope the physio finds something. She can be quirky admittedly however she is normally fairly honest. i.e. if she seems something new out hacking she can be wary but evetually we get her forward past it. The same goes for jumping if there is a new filler then she may stop to investigate but will jumpe second time roound. The rearing at a fence is also a new reaction
 
rearing is just an extension of the napping. My guess is she might be in pain. I would get her checked def. My mare has physio often, and it helps her no end. She has been a lot more comfortable. Also get teeth checked - check she isn't sore in her mouth. Check your tack as well - do you use a special saddle or a general purpose? The other thing is if she continues it and you've ruled those things out then it might mean she needs more reassurance - a good trainer can help. I wouldn't compete her until you know the above though, and I would get someone else to compete her and see if she is the same. It sounds like she may have just got herself in a bit of a tizz and panic especially if not happened before.
 
I ride her in a Albion K2 jumping saddle with flair. This is being checked in 10 days time. She generally loves jumping, if a fence is up in the school when she is loose she will often pop over it. I have physio out hopefully Thurs, if saddles ok and physio finds nothing I will get vet to check her and poss scan ovaries?
She is generally laid back though can be easily stressed so we feed her Alfa oil, Speedi Beet, Topspec and Saracen Releve
 
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