Flatwork issues

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Reeis

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Hi everyone,
I have a very strong tb mare who is easily bored and gets silly when she’s bored.
She absolutely hates flatwork, she loves her jumping, XC & hacking and behaves lovely however when we try to flat she gets silly. She naps, bucks & sometimes resorts to rearing. I’ve tried short sweet sessions, giving her new things to focus on (circles, poles, constantly doing something different, transitions etc) but she just will not relax and work nicely? It’s coming to the point we get 5 minutes in and she starts acting up. Any one have any similar experiences or tips? She’s not in any pain, she’s been vet checked, saddle fitted, feet/teeth are good plus she behaves lovely when not doing flatwork. I’ve also tried her in various different bits to see if it’s bothering her or anything but she’s the same. She’s in a French link eggbut snaffle. Thanks :)
 
I would question again whether she is in pain. It may be that when she is asked to work correctly through from behind and over her back that it triggers something which doesn't happen when she is jumped and perhaps not quite as round.
Horses do their best to tell us when something hurts - very few horses act up for no reason.
 
What happens if you school around the jumps? Can you get her circling and working over her back on lots of circles with only an occasional fence?
 
I doubt its boredom, schooling shouldn't be boring. If it is you are not working the horse correctly. What is she like with another rider? I would get a professional in and ask them to work her a few times for you and see what happens.
 
I said it’s getting to the point, not that she is there yet. Maybe read it properly before being rude?
 
Leandy said:
I doubt its boredom, schooling shouldn't be boring. If it is you are not working the horse correctly. What is she like with another rider? I would get a professional in and ask them to work her a few times for you and see what happens.
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I will do this- thanks for the tip!
 
Leandy said:
I doubt its boredom, schooling shouldn't be boring. If it is you are not working the horse correctly. What is she like with another rider? I would get a professional in and ask them to work her a few times for you and see what happens.
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Will do thanks!
 
Fanatical said:
I would question again whether she is in pain. It may be that when she is asked to work correctly through from behind and over her back that it triggers something which doesn't happen when she is jumped and perhaps not quite as round.
Horses do their best to tell us when something hurts - very few horses act up for no reason.
Click to expand...
She has her back checked frequently by a chiro and vet as she is an ex racer, is there anything else you think I could look into with her back? Thanks for the help
 
My pony was like this. He got physio and was so good. Then I went on holiday and he went backwards again. He has put on weight since I went away. So I’m hoping it’s a mix of not being ridden/a bit of podge as he’s like yours and is so good to jump and hack. I’ve also started him on a gut balancer as I’ve heard it can be due to hindgut ulcers
 
Are you riding on the same surface for the jumping and the flatwork?

Be conscious of what you are doing on the flat when you are warming up for jumping and see whether you are acting any differently when you do the same exercises before a flatwork session. It might be that you are asking for too much contact too early, or she's picking up vibes from you of 'oh no, its flatwork and she's going to be naughty' - so she is.
 
Reeis said:
She has her back checked frequently by a chiro and vet as she is an ex racer, is there anything else you think I could look into with her back? Thanks for the help
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it could be any part of her body giving her pain - not just her back. It could be her feet, her stifles, hocks, suspensories - it could even be ulcers (which develop as a result of pain). They don't have to look lame and if it's something bilateral she could be lame but not visible as it's equal. Given she's an ex racer I would say there's a high chance her issue is pain related - sorry, I know that is probably not what you want to hear.
 
Has she always hated flatwork or is this new behaviour?

I would try going for a hack for half an hour first and then attempt a short schooling session afterwards. The hack should loosen her up and get her supple and you can see if this makes a difference to how she schools. Good luck!
 
Fanatical said:
it could be any part of her body giving her pain - not just her back. It could be her feet, her stifles, hocks, suspensories - it could even be ulcers (which develop as a result of pain). They don't have to look lame and if it's something bilateral she could be lame but not visible as it's equal. Given she's an ex racer I would say there's a high chance her issue is pain related - sorry, I know that is probably not what you want to hear.
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Thanks very much for your help
 
Upthecreek said:
Has she always hated flatwork or is this new behaviour?

I would try going for a hack for half an hour first and then attempt a short schooling session afterwards. The hack should loosen her up and get her supple and you can see if this makes a difference to how she schools. Good luck!
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She’s never liked flatwork but always been tolerant of it, this behaviour started when the flatwork got more difficult for her (using herself if different ways, self carriage etc). Thanks for the suggestion I’ll try it!
 
SEL said:
Are you riding on the same surface for the jumping and the flatwork?

Be conscious of what you are doing on the flat when you are warming up for jumping and see whether you are acting any differently when you do the same exercises before a flatwork session. It might be that you are asking for too much contact too early, or she's picking up vibes from you of 'oh no, its flatwork and she's going to be naughty' - so she is.
Click to expand...
Thankyou for the help!
 
You could teach her some lateral work it might help as she will have to think more which I think often stops silly behaviour, I have Arabs that spook and can be sharp and silly in the school, I do a bit in all 3 gaits shoulder in haunches in, leg yield on a circle it helps with suppleness as well so working properly in a straight line becomes very easy then.
 
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