How to handle spooking and build confidence

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alcraw

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Just to set the scene, I'm a novice rider, loaning a cob for the last 2 months. In this time we've done a lot of hacking in company and today attempted our third short solo hack.

Started off fine. We made it past the scary donkey without incident, so I decided (stupidly in hindsight) to go past the pig field. Tara doesn't like the pigs, but goes past them in company (ok, she planted herself once, but we still got past). The worst she normally does is get a bit joggy. Today we had the usual snorting and jogging... then she wheeled right round, nearly losing me in the process, and set off in a brisk trot for home. I was far too slow to react and let her get away with it, which I'm annoyed at myself for, but what should I have done?

I'm sure it's genuine fear rather than naughtiness, but I want Tara to have enough confidence in me to keep going when I ask her. I didn't let her go straight home, as obviously I don't want her to think spooking = home, and she was fine for the rest of the hack, just a little more looky maybe.
 
As I have discovered recently my very unspooky cob also has a ‘pig’ problem.

The first time I took him past he span and ran too, I caught him quick and stopped him, but I had to get off to lead him past (haven’t done that since he was 4).
The next day I took him down there again, I had to beat him past (oh wait for all the bunny huggers), the first time, but then I made him go up and down about 100 times, until he was well and truly bored. Yes he was generally scared the first time but I’m sorry he had to listen to me and go past, I was telling him it was ok. He got lots of treats and pats afterwards though.

What is it with pigs, does it go back to the whole wild hog days?
 
is he any better if you lead him in hand? I don't normally advocate jumping off but if your horse is genuinely scared of the pigs, maybe jump off well before getting to the spot where the pigs are, lead him past (putting yourself between him and the pigs) and them jump back on once you're back into safety?
 
Thanks both. I thought about leading her past, but she can be a bit of a bulldozer on the ground, and I actually feel more confident when I'm on.

My plan at the moment is to try the pigs again later this week, in company, so we have a successful ride past, then try again solo the next day. This time I'll be ready for her if she spins, and will get off if I really can't keep her going forward.
 
try french blinkers my 5yr old hated the ,but was told have enough contact wrap legs around and ride positively my 16.2 mare was better today as i tried this but does hate poo bags at 50 paces.
 
sounds like a good plan to go out again with another horse buddy to build her confidence.

When you then re-try taking her out past the pigs on her own, could you convince a friend to walk with you on the ground - kinda a half way house between having a horsey friend and going out alone, to maybe help a bit?
 
As has been suggested, you must ride like you mean it, deep seat, plenty of leg on and a whip to back it up. You have to get there fast, do not let them think about being scared for too long. You must try your best to be the confident one in these situations and make them think there is absolutely nothing to be worried about. Good luck
 
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