Getting horses adrenaline down

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Having a problem that I can't work out how to solve

When we are hacking, alone or in company, if something spooks my mare we can go from being on the buckle to her adrenaline being so high suddenly that she starts jumping at everything, spinning, half bucking, just from one spook. To the point that I have to get off.

She doesn't even calm down when I'm on the ground leading her. She still is jumpy and spins and spooks.

I've tried getting her to do some work when she's like this, so flexing and yielding, I've tried just giving her the reins, I've tried transitions....i cannot get her adrenaline down once she is gone.

Any ideas/thoughts?
 
Sounds similar to my daughters mare - if something upsets her you just lose her completely, can't get her attention back to focus and get over herself.

We had someone out to help with this last year. She taught her to lower her head (during adrenaline rush the horse lifts their head and by lowering the head it has the opposite effect and calms them down). We practised the head lowering on the ground, just with a gentle tug on the lead rope or rein, and she picked it up really quickly and responded well. Teaching from the saddle took a little longer and the aim was to teach a cue that didn't involve reins but we aren't quite there yet.

It's definitely helped her, particularly on the ground where she now automatically lowers her head, but it takes a lot of practice and timing needs to be spot on.

I've just noticed you are in Kent - I'd recommend a session with Suzanne Halsey, she's been a huge help to us in dealing with this (and other issues).
 
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And consider magnesium deficiency. Magnesium acts to block the effect of adrenaline and is easy enough to check by giving daily magnesium oxide for a couple of weeks.
 
Good tips above, the other thing to do is to make sure that the rider/handler's adrenaline is lowered as well. If you find yourself tensing up (which is almost inevitable when the horse won't settle) take several deep, long breaths, lower your shoulders and drop your weight. This *will* help your horse to calm down, along with the magnesium and head lowering.
 
I'm always amazed people get off, lol .. I would much rather be on top of a horse being stupid than underneath it! Hats off to you if thats your thing but I cant think of anything worse!
 
Caramac71 said:
Sounds similar to my daughters mare - if something upsets her you just lose her completely, can't get her attention back to focus and get over herself.

We had someone out to help with this last year. She taught her to lower her head (during adrenaline rush the horse lifts their head and by lowering the head it has the opposite effect and calms them down). We practised the head lowering on the ground, just with a gentle tug on the lead rope or rein, and she picked it up really quickly and responded well. Teaching from the saddle took a little longer and the aim was to teach a cue that didn't involve reins but we aren't quite there yet.

It's definitely helped her, particularly on the ground where she now automatically lowers her head, but it takes a lot of practice and timing needs to be spot on.

I've just noticed you are in Kent - I'd recommend a session with Suzanne Halsey, she's been a huge help to us in dealing with this (and other issues).
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I can second Suzanne Halsey as she is really good . She is in the Sittingbourne area , although she does travel.

I have also heard that Jason Webb, who is near Cranbrook , is good also.
 
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