HHO Mega Vibes & Advice Needed

Archiesmummy

Archiesmummy

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Firstly, I apologise, cos I am sure some of you will be feeling a bit fed up of my erratic behaviour on here. One minutes full of nerves, next full of new found confidence and vice versa.

I have been feeling very positive about things ... up until today.

I got Archie a lovely little companion a couple of months ago. All has been fab but they have bonded, a little too well.

Upon returning to the yard after a ride he has upped his paces when he hears her calling. Up to today he was manageable.

Today, a friend of mine rode and all I can say is that I witnessed a horse I had never seen before, Archie took off with her down the bridleway to get to get back to his field and his companion pony.

My friend managed really well but it was totally unexpected.

I am now a jibbering wreck full of what if he does it again, what if I can't stop him ...

I really am getting too old for this and am within a hairs breadth of giving up because my nerves are well and truly shot.

In all the time I have had him, 4 years, he has never, ever done anything like it. Could it be he was taking the p out of my friend, who to me was riding him well enough. Have I made a huge mistake getting him a companion, who 99% of the time fits in very well, but I can't have him tanking off to the field to get to her every time he is ridden.

I am so upset and whilst I adore my boy feel I cannot cope with how I am feeling. I have a thumping headache.

Oh, what shall I do?

He is the most darling horse ever but appears to have bonded too well.

Please help.
 
First, don't beat yourself up!

He's not done it to you before. Quite possibly he won't. And if he did, what would happen? He would go try to go home, and either you would stop him, or you would go home with him. Either way, the only way to find out is to get on and go for a hack! Can you take someone with you, on foot or another horse, to give you confidence or help you if he does go funny?
 
Is him getting overexcited/hurrying home only started by his companion calling to him? If it is would there be any way of distracting said companion so it stays quiet at least til you arrive back at the yard. i know it doesnt exactly solve his behavior but......
Sorry Im no good at advice but (((hugs))) anyway!

x
 
Oh no, they really lose our trust when they do things like this. Probably was just trying it on with your friend though, and it is spring so they can be full of it at this time of year. My mare was messing about on our hack today aswell, especially passing other horses. I would go back to whatever you feel most confident with and if poss school him away from his friend. Could you separate them occasionally so the bond doesn't get too strong? Most of all don't let it get you down, at least when you take him next time you will be ready and keep a firm contact so that he can't get away from you.

Sending lots of vibes that you get your confidence back with him v soon
 
it sounds like your gelding is in love with the mare.I would suggest that you look into getting a gelding to keep your gelding company and separate the mare from them so that they can't touch each other over the fence.Unfortunately some geldings can not be kept with mares because of this reason and will do anything to get back to their mare. I suggest you work him as often as you can keeping them apart as much as possible and work on getting your gelding's full attention so as he is listening to you and not wanting to be with his mare. Also on your return from a hack if he is not listening then make sure you work him further until he is listening to you before allowing him back to her, IE lunge him or continue past home and carry on with your hack.
 
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As this has really knocked your confidence, which was just beginning to reassert itself, I suggest that you work on the ground with him until you have convinced yourself that he is not going to rush back to his friend on a regular basis, or that if he does try it you can stop im. Just lead him up and down past the companion until he is absolutely sick of it and decides to behave. Of course it could just have been a one off because your friend was a bit inattentive.
 
I think your gelding is in love with the mare. I moved my gelding before Xmas to a yard and as there was only one mare there and 7 geldings he got turned out with the mare and two geldings. He totally changed character he was not interested in the geldings but became obsessed with the mare. He took off with me in the school and was bucking and leaping something he has never done before (at least not the bucking and leaping) I actually got off him which I have never done in the five years I have owned him - he really frightened me so I understand what you are going through. He also barged out of his stable after her and would call to her constantly if she was out of sight. Again he has been on busy yard for 5 years with a breast strap and has never barged out. He became totally distracted and unpleasant to be around - just uninterested in me, wouldn't settle to be groomed and was totally focussed on the other woman - "b*tch". He has now been separated and his behaviour is returning to normal. Personally I would not turn him out with a mare ever again - some geldings just can't seem to handle it.
 
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