Horse frightened of shows

[welshied]

Has anyone else got a horse frightened of shows. I have a coloured that everyone always tells me could do really well in showing on looks yet when i have taken him to shows he really panics you can see his sides move his breathing is that heavy then when he goes in the ring we are fine in walk but anything else he runs to the exit and either trys to push his way out and even jumped out with me (ended up on the floor lol) then we went back in and was told he was the judges fave. Anyone got a horse like this?

 

[CrazyMare]

Sounds like he needs to go out and see things with no pressure.

I'd hack to my local RC to show him the sights then hack home, gradually taking him to do more - i.e. ride around the field, then the working in, then a HC class before competing properly.

 

[Tnavas]

Take him out to shows as often as you can - not necessarily to compete but just to observe with no pressure.

Lead him around to take in the sights, if he is settled hop on him to ride around the show ground. If there is a ban on horses being at the show and not competing then enter one class but don't bother to go in.

Once he realises that it's not all so scarey he should settle down.

I took my 4yr old out a few months ago and he was fantastic in the lorry stood like a lamb while I plaited him but the moment he came off the lorry he was a fire breathing monster. We walked around for a while then loaded up and went home again. I was a bit surprised as he had been out once before and had been very well behaved!

 

[Britestar]

I have a mare thats hates going to shows, and group lessons. She did go when she was younger, but gradually got worse and worse, so now I simply don't take her.

Occasionally I'll take her for a lesson with one of her yard mates, but never with horses she doesn't know.

Not a lot of help, sorry.