Is this a good idea?

Cornish on the Cob

Cornish on the Cob

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 May 2011
Messages
328
Location
Hayle,Cornwall
Visit site
I am a nervous new horse owner and I have a Gypsy Vanner. She is an angel but she spooks at things that appear from nowhere around the bridlepaths where she stays. She is fine if she sees it coming but when something appears i.e someone waling roung the corner with a dog, she jumps feet! Would it be a good idea for me to take someone out with me and I lead her and get them to 'suddenly' appear round the corner and then after she has done her thing, get them to give her a treat so that she thinks that things that come around the corner are not going to eat her!
 
I wouldn't be too bothered about the treat bit - even just get your friend to walk up to her, talk to her and giver her a rub - but, as long as you make sure you're safe (long lead rope, wear gloves/hat etc) I would have thought that some desensitivisation work would be good :)
 
As Trish C said :) I would steer clear of treats, you don't want her to end up expecting treats from everyone! LOL! Just lots of praise and fuss from the person on the ground and you the rider. Let us know how it goes :)
 
even though I am a clicker trainer and therefore give my horse treats ;) ..... I do so agree with the above. Apparently random ( to the horse) treats from various people can lead to mugging / biting.

I think most of us ahve a little startle at things we dont see coming but the more she and you get used to stuff the less she will react.

have fun with her ;)
 
Give her and yourself time to grow in confidence together. She's in a new home and you're are nervous,( aren't we all with a new horse ? Self preservation is pretty prudent !) ...-but its not a problem as these cobs are usually very sane and trustworthy. It just a matter of time spent in the saddle getting to know each other and for you to grow in confidence as an effective leader who can be trusted to keep her safe, enabling her to relax.
My horses are bombproof hacks but if I sent them out on their own with a rider who was nervous or tense, they would be more spooky and nappy and generally quite different animals.
The spooking will diminish if you can keep chilled and ride through her uncertainty as though nothing was happening. Ride with a person on foot/bike or another rider so you can get to know each other comfortably. The more you ride, the better she'll be. Cobs are often very food orientated, so while giving treats can help, it may cause mugging and rudeness, so I wouldn't look to using tit bits as a first port of call.
 
If you manage to see someone before your horse (your eyeline is much higher) call out Hello to them, or Morning or something. They will reply & I've found this prepares the horse to meet someone before they actually catch sight of them. This is a rubbish idea if it's a dog out on its own round the corner mind you !!!!!!!!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top