Ex Racehorse Problems

[Bella1991]

Now I appreciate I’ve not had my mare long, 9 weeks in total which isn’t even to become accustomed to a new environment.
I had an accident with her which resulted in me dislocating my shoulder.

ridden work is phenomenal she’s switched on and really tries.

however the problem, if another horse is visible and then goes out of sight, she turns herself inside out, she’ll reverse nap, become quite stressed. I am keen to take her to shows, pole clinics and fun rides. What’s the best way to improve this behaviour? Without causing harm to her or me?

 

[Trouper]

Irrespective of how long you have had her, she has spent all her life living and doing things "in a herd" and it is one of the common issues in taking on an ex-racer. There are lots of posts on the forum about dealing with separation anxiety - which this is basically - so if you have no experience of coping with this I really would advise contacting a recommended behaviourist who can come and give you advice and a programme to work to. So much better than trying to re-invent the wheel yourself!! Your vet may be able to point you in the direction of a good one.

 

[littleshetland]

As above really, a behaviourist would help but if I may feel tempted to try something, perhaps start by riding in an arena with other company, then just before the other horses leave the arena, dismount. Have treats ready, lunging equipment - things to soothe and/or distract. If it all gets hairy, have other horses re-enter the arena. Try building up the separation time by tiny increments with lots of positive reinforcement when she focus's on you.

 

[humblepie]

As above - try to find an RoR accredited trainer in your area. Mine had raced for 8 years, perfect manners but would get upset if other horses left him - not to the extent of your horse but it is only natural when they have done everything with their mates. Initially I took him to arena hires with another horse and we could work independently but he had a friend with him, then I did some riding club clinics with an instructor where I could work him with the others but also he had to go and do things on his own. It is time and patience and working through it gradually. He sounds cracking. You have to build his confidence in you up.

 

[Birker2020]

Now I appreciate I’ve not had my mare long, 9 weeks in total which isn’t even to become accustomed to a new environment.
I had an accident with her which resulted in me dislocating my shoulder.

ridden work is phenomenal she’s switched on and really tries.

however the problem, if another horse is visible and then goes out of sight, she turns herself inside out, she’ll reverse nap, become quite stressed. I am keen to take her to shows, pole clinics and fun rides. What’s the best way to improve this behaviour? Without causing harm to her or me?

I had this with a previous horse, would go to a fun ride, see a horse in the distance, frantically want to catch up with it, but as soon as we were alongside it couldn't have cared less and was on to the next horse in the distance and so on and so on.

At the end of the ride my arms and shoulders would ache where it had pulled me.

Three fun rides in and horse didn't care anymore.

 

[Squeak]

As above - try to find an RoR accredited trainer in your area. Mine had raced for 8 years, perfect manners but would get upset if other horses left him - not to the extent of your horse but it is only natural when they have done everything with their mates. Initially I took him to arena hires with another horse and we could work independently but he had a friend with him, then I did some riding club clinics with an instructor where I could work him with the others but also he had to go and do things on his own. It is time and patience and working through it gradually. He sounds cracking. You have to build his confidence in you up.

This would be the way I would approach it too.