I need some ground work ideas for a nervy/stressy horse?

[Girlracer]

Well Saph has been here over a week now, and is settling in nicely.

I've sat on her a few times so know she won't throw her dolly's out the pram but i've made the decision to hold on with her education under saddle for a little while, and mainly work off the ground. I plan to sit on her once or twice a week so she doesn't forget about it but other than that work off the ground.

A bit of background she was bred to race, raced 4 times then retired to the field (honestly i've never seen a horse less suited to racing!) she was in the field for years, had a bit of handling but no 1-1 'work'. I don't know if she's had a bad experience, i wouldn't like to say either way but of course it's always possible.

Before i took her on they warned me she could be difficult turning out and bringing in but once settled was fine. As she was a project this didn't bother me and i had her on trial so it was worth a shot. I noticed before i agreed to have her she was a bit 'bolshy' on the ground.

Anyway when i first turned her out she was ok, spent a lot of time running round but was better than they'd made out. But what i realised was it wasn't so much being turned out but more so being led. As soon as you clip the leadrope on she got edgy she would run a circle round you (and un-knowingly nearly flatten you!) and become very nervous, once on the yard she would rub on EVERYTHING in a nervous energy kind of way - if that makes sense? If i put her straight in she would box walk rubbing on the hay net etc etc. I got her a hand held lick on the second day and it seemed to relax her a little. She's a lot better to turn out and bring in now but it's still, and on the ground she finds it hard to relax yet she seems to seek reassurance from me, in a situation she finds worrying she does everything to get as close as she can to me (sometimes too close).

So i really think it would be worthwhile me working on the ground with her for now, and getting her to relax a little more (her lip flaps when she's nervous so you can tell!). I've done a few things that seem to be making a difference, just after a few ideas/tips if you've got any to offer?

She's such a sweetie so i want to be patient with her and give her a real chance rather than rush her, my 2 week trial is up tomorrow but i spoke to them yesterday and have agreed to have her their very happy

A little photo as that was so long hehe

 

[YasandCrystal]

You could try a supplement calmer to take the edge off her stress like RelaxMe. You could also use lavender oil on a rag on your hands and let her smell it - that is a good quick calmer for a horse. You can safly soak and hang a lavender rag in her stable and then she will associate the smell with calm and comfort when you use it leading etc.
I would definately concerntrate in the groundwork - I reckon with patience, firmness and consistency she will be happy. She sounds very green and has probably had little done in the way of groundwork.

We have a WB like this and he is 17hh - it is no joke that he didn't respect our personal space, but now with consistent handling and messages he is 100% better. We used a Monty Robers dually headcollar to start with (not now) and we still make him back up when he is reluctant to do something or he does something we don't want him to do. We have also used a clicker with him - he really quite likes that and picked up what it was about very quickly. Good luck she looks sweet enough!

 

[Marydoll]

Check out the richard maxwell thread in new lounge and get his book or d.v.d itll be the best money you'll spend it gives lots of in hand exercises

 

[debbielushy]

I just wanted to say it sounded very similar to my horse Chevez who is a x Appaloosa. Although he is out in the field 7/24 I don't have that problem of having to lead him in stables etc. When I first got him two months ago, he too was very bolshy with me and nervy and I knew that he has not been taught any manners or had any work done with him. I was prepared to be patience and work with him and like you, I didn't want to give up on him as it wasn't his fault that he is this way. Now, he is a lot better and not bolshy at all, have learnt to trust me and is calmer. I press on his chest to tell him to back off and and give me space, he learnt that quick. However he is not good with the farrier and failed twice to have his hooves clipped. Again, I tried as much as I could by lifting his front leg one by one over and over and then when he did this I gave him a treat and praised him. BUT...now when I touch his upper arm ready to go down to lift his feet up, he paws the ground and have accidentally kicked me in the leg....I don't know what I have done wrong here but have left it for now as I think I may have confused him as to what I want him to do....I have decided now that I am in no place to teach him all the groundwork or proper manners and I really want the best for him. He hasn't been broken in yet and is 5yrs old. I have been taking him out of his field for little walks and this is all new to him as he snorts and keeps looking around like a new puppy experiencing the new atmosphere, so far so good but I will be sending him off to a Horse Whisperer who will train my horse for 6weeks and I'm hoping that he will come back a better horse. I just love him to bits as he is so sweet and there is just something about him that I just cannot get rid of him!

Good luck with your horse and no doubt she will be right as rain soon with your patience, loving and care.