help needed desparately but who?

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helbe

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Im having problems with my mare she is not wanting to come in from the herd,there`s about 10 other mares with her. I bring her in and she rears and spins around,lots of looks from other liveries,of pity I think!!
I really need someone to get us on track and help me with her but cant afford to pay loads of money as funds very low at the moment. I have just returned her to a livery yard for the summer so she is still settling in (2 weeks)but am dreading getting on her when she is like this,we seem to make each other nervous!
 
It might help in getting responses if you mention area.

I know someone very good with ground problems in Devon. But it isn't free advice - cost about £35 a session plus £20 travel!
 
When I got my new horse he did exactly the same, I tried everything and also ended up with bruises on my arms where he bit me too. I bought a rope pressure halter and just insisted every day, twice a day that he leave the herd. To begin with I would just ask him to leave the herd, then I asked him to leave the field, then tie up for 1 min and so on. That was 6 weeks ago and now he is a star. I think he was worried that he wouldn't be allowed back with the herd, but after time he realised he always went back!
 
A difficult situation - you may need funds/support to solve problems that require more experienced professional help. In short term suggest bribery! FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! When ctaching and when you get her in every time. Other options, work to a daily timetable/routine or fit with others who catch in, buy a control headcollar, wear your hard hat/gloves, do NOT let go ever and instead lunge her around you if she is being a prat! It gets them at least going forwards. If you cannot handle the horse you need help before she becomes problematic and causes you harm. Good luck.
 
You've got some good advice alrealy. I have a Monty Roberts dually halter and find it very effective, it comes with a how-to-use dvd. I know money is an issue but I do think it would be worth your while to invest in one session with a trainer, my preference for your kind of problem is natural horsemanship. Would it be possible to ask around the yard, maybe a few more people might be interested in a one off session with someone and that might keep the cost down for everyone... Best of luck.
 
Sorry to hear you are having a hard time....try not to worry about other liveries...if you are worrying about them then you wont be concentrating on her and she may also pick up on the fact you seem worried by something.

She is new to the yard....some horses are just maniacs at first and will settle so try not to panic. I would go for a hat, also get a long rope for when you bring in, take a stick with you...not with the intention of using it...just to keep you safe if she is really invading your space.

Make coming in positive, as soon as she is out of the gate reward her, if she does not feel safe then she is bound to hide with the herd...my boy can be an angel in the field...then when he comes to taking him up the busy yard he can become very big!! he is out of his comfort zone but is improving all the time.

I hope the other liveries are supportive.
 
Where abouts are you?

You need Kelly Marks book on perfect manners but also an experienced outside person before there is an accident!
 
Rope halter and long rope.if you can get your hands on a Richard maxwell book or dvd and learn how to use the halter and rope effectively, Hat, gloves, rope halter and long rope,my bolshy big lad was much easier to handle when he was schooled to its use, theyre to big and powerful to get away with not respecting you
 
Don't always ride but make coming in and being with you a special treat.

My mare almost gives the others the finger when I fetch her in as she slips neatly through the gate, wether it's for a nice groom, a hose off in the summer or a big fat hay net while I faff around her.

TBH, I have more trouble keeping her out there, because if she hears my voice or sees my car, she shouts for me.:rolleyes:
 
GGRider said:
In short term suggest bribery! FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!
Click to expand...

Really really bad idea to involve food with a wound up mare in a large herd :eek:

Lots of good advice and other things to try but make sure you keep yourself safe first - hat, boots, gloves and a bp if you have one!

Don't assume the other liveries are thinking pityingly of you - maybe they are wondering if you want a hand but don't want to interfere. Is there anyone at the yard that is particularly experienced?

Good luck :)
 
Agree totally with the dually purchase advice - not sure that BP is going a tad too far as personally I would prefer to be able to dodge out of the way and a BP can be very restrictive but would hate to be seen as anti H&S (which I am totally) but hey ho!
 
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