Hello All

[Liz111]

Hi, I've just joined this forum so please bear with me whilst I try to understand exactly how I find my way around I bought my 1st horse after 26 years out of the saddle, just 1 month ago. I'm working really hard building trust between the two of us and being a relative novice, I'm stuggling a bit. My mare is nearly 7, I don't know her history but she is quite spooky and I would love to hear anybody's tips for building a great relationship and also helping her to become less scared of things like gateways, signs written on the roads and speed bumps. Well anything really. Schooling too.....I need lots of tips on schooling and how to get her to go off my leg. Thanks everyone, Liz

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Hi Liz. Welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on getting your mare.

My own mare was very spooky when I first got her and she also didn't like 'SLOW' painted on the road. She used to aim for the L and then carefully step over the bottom of the letter as if it was a trotting pole. She soon became used to white markings on the road and now ignores them. Really it was confident riding on my part (and trying to give her confidence), plus her seeing the marking many times that helped. There are still some things that make her spook, for example pigeons noisily taking off, but she is a lot, lot better. I did find that singing to her helped (AC/DC's 'back in black' was a good one to get me thinking forwards and when I was thinking forwards it definitely had a positive effect on her).

For schooling, I would recommend having some lessons with a good instructor. This should also help you to deal with any blips out hacking.

 

[Princess16]

Welcome and congratulations on getting your first horse. As for bonding I would suggest lots of grooming, rubbing, talking to her - spend lots of time with her. Do plenty of groundwork with her.