Help for Hacking

BlizzardBudd

BlizzardBudd

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hi, i would like some tips on how to stop my 20year old Welsh section D cob type, loan pony spooking on hacks.
i am wanting to go hacking a little further afield, the only problem i have is that she has just started spooking. she doesnt like being taken away from her friend, and if she goes out without her she has a massive stress, but the other day i went out with her and she did a massive spook. her owner on the other horse was very shocked and told me that this is totally out of character (which it defo is). she is fine if i go out with a friend walking with me, but it sometimes isnt fair/practical to drag a friend around the moors.
sorry for the essay! :o

i dont have any access to an areana either.
:D
 
Horses are less likely to spook when they're concentrating on the work that you're asking them to do. Sometimes a nice positive trot can be better than an ambling walk, if you are walking make sure its positive and the pony is listening to you. If there's any chance that you're nervous and the pony is feeling that try singing! Gives the pony something to listen to and it makes sure thaty you are taking nice deep, slow breaths.
 
My horse is also very, very spooky out on hacks/ in the arena- I try doing lots of transitions with him and little circles to keep his mind on something else. I also turn his head away from the spooky object and also looking in the opposite direction away from the scary object stops him from spooking.

And also if I feel a spook coming on I keep a steady leg- Keeping him going forward- and maybe a little tap with a crop/ schooling whip to bring his focus back. :) x
 
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i have tried singing and sometimes i do get tense when i shouldnt do, i do feel this helps but i get embarassed and stop when a car is coming :)
i need to get her get going a little more forward too :D
thank you for the advice wellsat
 
Strawberryroan said:
My horse is also very, very spooky out on hacks/ in the arena- I try doing lots of transitions with him and little circles to keep his mind on something else. I also turn his head away from the spooky object and also looking in the opposite direction away from the scary object stops him from spooking.

And also if I feel a spook coming on I keep a steady leg- Keeping him going forward- and maybe a little tap with a crop/ schooling whip to bring his focus back. :) x
Click to expand...

as i only have access to roads, should i try doing lots of transitions when i am next out. i will deffinatly try turniong her head away, knowing her she will try and turn around :)

i dont normally carry a whip as her owner feels she doesnt need one, but i could start as she wouldnt mind. thank you :D x
 
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