Getting a Horse to Settle at shows? Also in CR

oscarwild

oscarwild

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Been to a few small local shows this year and my mare has been lovely and settled. Yesterday we went to another local small show and again she was nice and settled most of day until we went to jump. First class was a little spooky but she went round and was happy. Then collecting our rosette she heard the commentator on the tannoy and she went nuts. Next round was a handful coming past the loud speaker box and refused to pass and did a lovely circle in which we got a refusal as we crossed our tracks but went past. In our 3rd class we had two refusals as 2 jumps but both just beside the load speakers and we had to retire as she I couldnt get her past the speakers. And there was no noise coming out the speakers at the time but she figured out where they were.

We had the same issue last year at the few shows we went to which had the loud speakers at aswell.

Does anyone have any ideas what I can do to try and help my mare with the loud speaker issue?

Thanks for your help
 
Homeopathic remedy Phosphorus is excellent for steadying animal's nerves, especially duing fireworks and a lot of noise and commotion.

Rescue Remedy is another I would definitely recommend, for a few days before and on the day.
 
No quick fix sadly. Only way is to keep taking her out, no need to enter, just hack on the ground for hours and then take her again and again and again until it's all old hat to her.
 
Quick fix ear plugs! but try them at home first as some horses dont like them/learn to shake them out!

Also ride in your school at home with radio blaring! My horse was scared of clapping in indoor rings so made a tape up of clapping noises and played it every time i rode got some one to stand there turning it on and off making it loud and quiet

hope it works xxx
 
Thanks for the hints. Will try the radio when we school her and also have to have to make a clapping tape as she ok when its low level but has moments when its loud or she right next to it. lol.

And if needs be will also try ear plugs in case they help a little too. Its not something I want to mask just make her comfortable and happy to be out. And will just keep taking her along to things and get her clocking up more miles on the clock. haha
 
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