i am happy but just dont get it! (sorry long)

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clairefeekerry1

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i hacked my normally very nappy mare out again today, and she was ace, not even a hint of napping, even when i met other horses that were hacking the other way to me. I'm over the moon, however still feel very very dubious/confused. how can a very nappy horse, that has been since she was backed suddenly change so much? i have struggled for years with her and tried all sorts. i did have a IH person out on friday but my horse didn't nap to the level she normally does as she knew peope were watching so was a bit of a non starter. i don't think i feel different and the only thing i'm doing diff is riding with very loose reins as the IH lady thought i may be blocking her slightly with my hands. could it be as simple as this? i've done things/gone places this weekend i never ever thought i could with my mare but can't help feeling bit weird as nothing really has changed-apart from her, its like she's had a brain transplant. is it as simple as she's stopped napping so get on with it or could it indicate a more serious issue like seasonal/hormone issues? has anyone else had a horse with a vice that just disaaperaed one day??
 
I would stop worrying about it and just enjoy riding her!!
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It is very probably you. You find someone to come and see how "naughty" your horse is, sub concisous kicks in and you are a little bit angry that the pony is making you look/feel stupid and you are a little bit annoyed that you are spending good money on the pony. Therefore you ride with more "yes you are doing it this way" than the usual "will you please, oh ok, sorry to have asked". Pony immediatley picks up on your different attitude and a couple of half harted attempts of the napping (read your earlier post) and you deal with it and suddenly its coming together. Big pat on your back, be a little angry (make sure its in a "controlled" manner), if it makes things happen - but never ever use anger on the horse, it is destructive beyond belief and you can never say sorry to an animal - they dont understand the words or the actions and a short tempered outburst can destroy a relationship - I have seen far too many of the consequences of "outbursts", and they usually end up with the horse being sold. Ride positive, you will look back on your posts next month and say "numpty, what on earth was I going on about"
 
just feels bit weird, after being used to the same old crap every week then suddenly it changes, its like having a new horse!! she also goes really nice in the school with loose reins but as soon as you take a contact she gets crabby again. her teeth and back and tack have been checked 1 million over, maybe she really really resents any form of contact? I'd kick myself if it turns out all she needs is to be ridden with loose reins- i have been to hell and back with this mare- hence my confusion.
 
Oddly I was only talking to a lady on the yard today about her 18yr old gelding (she's owned him since a yearling) and what he was like as a youngster. She said she went through hell trying to get some brakes as he was very brave but incredibly strong (to the point of being dangerous)

After exasperating several instructors, an entire bit banks worth of 'heavy metal' bits, the vet, the back lady, even the farrier! She switched to a mullen happy mouth snaffle and, because she had stopped fighting, he did too! Maybe your mare is the same and just likes a very gentle contact?
 
Could be you dropping the contact. Years ago I had a ex racehorse who came with a very bad napping history. (I was brave in those days, unlike now, and liked a challenge ha ha
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) Anyway he never napped if you had very little contact or rode with reins in loops, but was a horror if you tried to take up the reins too much. Sadly it wasn't his only problem, but that's another story.

Anyway fingers crossed you might have found the key to her!
 
A few months ago I had a good IH person out to help me with my strong-willed, bolshy cob, who had started to rear when being led and he literally changed over-night after having an hours work with this person. Like your experience, when the chap turned up and led him out he wasn't half as naughty as he was with me and I felt a bit silly to be calling him out but it was the best thing I've ever done and even a child could lead him out now.
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