Horse hates beach!!

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MrsNorris

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I am lucky enough to live within a mile of a great beach that we are allowed to ride on in winter. We don't have an arena, so schooling on the beach should be a great option but, for some reason, my horse hates it!!
After a bit of work, I can now get him off the end of the slipway and onto the sand, and he will go forwards warily, but how can I persuade him that its actually quite fun and that he doesn't have to tiptoe about as if the grounds going to give way beneath him!
He does seems genuinley nervous about it, which is out of character for him, he's brilliant in every other respect. He is better in company, but thats not often an option. Any ideas on how I can change his mind about beaches. Thanks. :)
 
How many times have you taken him?

Some really dislike the feel of the sand, and find the sound of the sea rather overwhelming.
 
I grew up with direct beach access and I can tell you I have seen some very different reactions!

Maybe try going down with a horse that is really confident on the beach, as the big open spaces and as AM says the sounds etc can be very daunting.

Maybe also try lunging down the to acclimatize?

x
 
Keep trying. Took at least 10 goes to get mine down and going 'normally' on his own. Just had to do a little bit more with him each time but stay within his 'tolerance' zone. I make sure he gets loads of praise when he tries. He still doesn't like the water so I don't push it unless the waves are really flat, he's good on the sand and we are able to school reasonably sensibly - unless there happens to be any nosy dogs!
 
We had an agarophobic one. We took her to the beach in very beach-safe company and she simply ran backwards. Got her forwards eventually, but she was a pony and maybe their brains are a bit more rational.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, he hasn't been down that often as I've always had an arena or transport to take him places. Sadly don't have either this year so if I can't get him used to the beach it'll just be roads and very muddy BPs :(
I think you may be right AM, he seems very unsure about the feel of it, even though he's worked in sand arenas for years! He also hates the waves although has no problem whatsoever trawling up and down rivers!
Sounds as though perseverence may be the key, I will try to go when the tide is miles out and stay as far from the water as possible. Lunging's a good idea too, will try that next week.
We also have lots of dogs to contend with, but he's not too bothered about dogs usually. Would just love to be able to do 15 or 20 mins proper schooling with him concentrating, instead of worrying about whatever it is he's worrying about! :)
 
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We started off by leading and have now progressed to riding, but he's lacking confidence about something and is too busy worrying about it to concentrate on his schooling, silly boy!
 
hollybear said:
We started off by leading and have now progressed to riding, but he's lacking confidence about something and is too busy worrying about it to concentrate on his schooling, silly boy!
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Please don't lead him on the beach. Make sure you're on board.

As for the waves, yes, lots of horses are quite disorientated by them. Think about how it feels when you stare down at them and then look up - remember that feeling of dizziness you get??

And don't worry about the schooling. Just go down daily and pootle about until he's happy.
 
hollybear said:
I am lucky enough to live within a mile of a great beach that we are allowed to ride on in winter. We don't have an arena, so schooling on the beach should be a great option but, for some reason, my horse hates it!!
After a bit of work, I can now get him off the end of the slipway and onto the sand, and he will go forwards warily, but how can I persuade him that its actually quite fun and that he doesn't have to tiptoe about as if the grounds going to give way beneath him!
He does seems genuinley nervous about it, which is out of character for him, he's brilliant in every other respect. He is better in company, but thats not often an option. Any ideas on how I can change his mind about beaches. Thanks. :)
Click to expand...

Which beach are you going too?
 
My arab hates the beach.

It smells funny, there's too much water and the sand feels unstable under hoof :o.

They do get used to it eventually.

I was watching some police horses the other day. They took them for a blast and they were totally up for it and really enjoying themselves :D.
 
My Forester is water phobic as well. Took him to the beach a few weeks ago with his bestest friend and another one. He wouldnt go any where near the waters edge. The other 2 were swimming and playing in it for ages, while we stood on the beach and watched. Took him for a walk, then got back on and tried to ride him, but he wasnt having any of it. I ended up very bored, even though i had kinda expected it
 
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