lottiepony
Well-Known Member
Was interesting to read the responses as also have a mare who can be a bit selective regarding going through water jumps! (she will walk through puddles, fords and has been in the sea, and has also been in lots of water jumps over the years - she's now 15!)
Saturday was first XC schooling session in must be at least 3 years. All was going fairly well until we reached the water which was nice and open but she point blank refused to go in and we had a very experienced nanny horse with us (we used to do pairs and as a rule follows him anywhere!) Nothing was working so we went to the other water jump which is more enclosed on the way in, in the hope it would channel her in/keep her straight etc.
Anyhoo in the end we opted to try something which has worked in the past and that is backing her into when stood on the ground then walking her through it. For me it means very wet feet for the remainder of the session and probably a horse who thinks it highly amusing but after she went through no problem at all then proceeded to canter through the other water without even a lead from the other horse!
Here's the little madam below:
Jays 10.04.2011 024 by lottiepony, on Flickr
Success!!
Jays 10.04.2011 028 by lottiepony, on Flickr
and one of her enjoying herself
Jays 10.04.2011 013 by lottiepony, on Flickr
feel free to laugh as much as you like. Next time I'll take my waders with me
Saturday was first XC schooling session in must be at least 3 years. All was going fairly well until we reached the water which was nice and open but she point blank refused to go in and we had a very experienced nanny horse with us (we used to do pairs and as a rule follows him anywhere!) Nothing was working so we went to the other water jump which is more enclosed on the way in, in the hope it would channel her in/keep her straight etc.
Anyhoo in the end we opted to try something which has worked in the past and that is backing her into when stood on the ground then walking her through it. For me it means very wet feet for the remainder of the session and probably a horse who thinks it highly amusing but after she went through no problem at all then proceeded to canter through the other water without even a lead from the other horse!
Here's the little madam below:
Jays 10.04.2011 024 by lottiepony, on Flickr
Success!!
Jays 10.04.2011 028 by lottiepony, on Flickr
and one of her enjoying herself
Jays 10.04.2011 013 by lottiepony, on Flickr
feel free to laugh as much as you like. Next time I'll take my waders with me
