Herd Mentality

[FreeSher50]

I moved my boy to my friends fields for the winter as she has grass. He's gone up with our TB and in with my friends 5 horses.
Since being there he has started napping when I try to get him out alone, something I've never had a problem with before, his usual direction now is backwards. If he is with one of the other horses on a hack he's fine.
I really want to ride alone on him, has anyone any advice? Please tell me he can be fixed x

 

[ImmyS]

Sounds clingy to his new friends.
If previously hacking out well alone then probably just a matter of confidence.

The best way I have found to build confidence hacking alone is to lead out on a circular route a few times. Then tack up and lead out, then mount when you are very nearly home. Each time you go out lead initially then get on further away from home each time until you start the ride on board.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I have one that naps I will lead him on a very short route several times then get on about half way round a few times until he seems happy then try and ride the whole route.

I will tend to do this if I want to try a new way or go a bit further, I have found his happy about going out for about 45 minutes tops and I try to hack and prevent any kind of nap if that means getting off I will I would rather do this than have an argument with him.

I used to try and force him but found it's not worth getting him upset I would rather we both have a happy positive experience, his 16 now so I think his about as good as he will ever be.

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Go back to basics. Get into the arena and make sure your stop and go buttons are working. Ie: he should go forward immediately you put your leg on. If not give him a lesson to the leg using your whip with a tap, tap, tap behind your leg, if he doesn’t immediately go forward from your leg and rewarding by ceasing the tapping the moment he goes forward - and reward with voice or a pat.

If he wants to go backwards out on a hack, all good and fine. I would turn him around and have him go backwards on the hack. It’s hard work and he will get tired of that quickly and be happy to go forward as it’s easier.

Every time he goes backwards, I would spin him around 180 degrees and say “ ok mate, you want to go backwards - I can go backwards for as long as you like”.

Make sure you reward him when does the right thing as well. Be clear about what is good and easy for both of you. It will solve itself swiftly if you are.

 

[FreeSher50]

Thank you all your advice is really appreciated x

 

[Winters100]

This is probably not a popular opinion, but if he were mine, and had previously hacked alone without problems, then I would be being very firm. If you are not confident to do so maybe find someone who is, but I would want to nip these problems in the bud.

 

[Trouper]

He seems to be finding more security in the bigger herd making him unwilling to leave on his own so I would start gently at first - walk out and then ride back a few times to see if that sorts it. Just don't resort to always riding with someone else - you need to stop this behaviour before it becomes entrenched.

 

[FreeSher50]

UPDATE

Spent a good amount of time back to basics and then played the turning and reversing game until he was quite tired, suddenly I growled really loud and he walked on.
I only took him a third of our usual route and he did try to turn a couple of times but leg on, then release and a few more growls followed by praise when he went forward and we did it. Came home, praise and carrot treats and although I am now shattered I am very happy. Will be repeating regularly. Thank you so much for your advice. It really helps x

 

[Velcrobum]

The turning round and reversing works quite well as it is harder work than going forwards. It usually sinks in quite quickly!!!

 

[Lois Lame]

UPDATE

Spent a good amount of time back to basics and then played the turning and reversing game until he was quite tired, suddenly I growled really loud and he walked on.

I only took him a third of our usual route and he did try to turn a couple of times but leg on, then release and a few more growls followed by praise when he went forward and we did it. Came home, praise and carrot treats and although I am now shattered I am very happy. Will be repeating regularly. Thank you so much for your advice. It really helps x

Great update.

 

[Bonnie Allie]

UPDATE

Spent a good amount of time back to basics and then played the turning and reversing game until he was quite tired, suddenly I growled really loud and he walked on.
I only took him a third of our usual route and he did try to turn a couple of times but leg on, then release and a few more growls followed by praise when he went forward and we did it. Came home, praise and carrot treats and although I am now shattered I am very happy. Will be repeating regularly. Thank you so much for your advice. It really helps x

great update - sounds like you both had a really positive experience.

 

[eahotson]

I have one that naps I will lead him on a very short route several times then get on about half way round a few times until he seems happy then try and ride the whole route.

I will tend to do this if I want to try a new way or go a bit further, I have found his happy about going out for about 45 minutes tops and I try to hack and prevent any kind of nap if that means getting off I will I would rather do this than have an argument with him.

I used to try and force him but found it's not worth getting him upset I would rather we both have a happy positive experience, his 16 now so I think his about as good as he will ever be.

Very sensible.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Very sensible.

Thank you

 

[Trouper]

UPDATE

Spent a good amount of time back to basics and then played the turning and reversing game until he was quite tired, suddenly I growled really loud and he walked on.
I only took him a third of our usual route and he did try to turn a couple of times but leg on, then release and a few more growls followed by praise when he went forward and we did it. Came home, praise and carrot treats and although I am now shattered I am very happy. Will be repeating regularly. Thank you so much for your advice. It really helps x

Great job - well done.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Great update op onwards and upwards