Napping/ Bolting

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Smith88

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I have a very naughty pony she has almost always napped when out alone, but this is usually a very half hearted stop and turn around, which is fine she also used to refuse to go forward but I managed to stamp that out however she has a new trick. Lately she has taken to bolting home as soon as she knows where we are, I've tried giving her food, getting off / stopping her ( she starts off jogging then just goes ) but she just won't have it. It has got to the point where i don't really want to hack her out, this hasn't been helped that I've had some nasty falls off her this month so am not feeling my most confident which she has picked up on. It is so frustrating because she will hack out in company perfectly and with people on the ground. I just don't know what to do or if I can actually stop this behaviour.
 
Just lay off for a bit till you have your confidence back, and pony has hacked out with others, obviously try to do circular hacks with plenty of diversions, change the route and pace format as much as possible, maybe a few lessons to sharpen up and push a few boundaries. When schooling do it constructively, not the same old same old: 101 exercises will help you set a program.
When hacking out with others make sure you decide where she has to go, front, and rear, upsides etc. There seems to be a bit of uncertainty as to who is in charge at the moment, and that will be sorted out , not by treats and fluffy bunny stuff, but by setting boundaries, riding , and handling. Tack up tied up for example, groom tied up , just change things a bit to suit you rather than her.
Cut out treats, molasses [lickits, apples, carrots, sugar beet nuts, pony nuts etc]. NO treats, they have a negative effect, pony knows when you are pleased, she needs to make an effort to please you, so keep your praise to a minimum not a maximum.
It can help to get a good rider to take her out, but that does not mean some girl who thinks she can ride, but is the only one who thinks that , lol.
 
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Don't take her out on solo hacks if she is fresh, rather do 40 mins in the school, walk trot canter, gridwork, cross poles, then take her out for a cool off, in hand if necessary.
More work usually reduces naughty behaviour. Less sugar in the diet and a magnesium calmer for 30 days to see if she is deficient.
When schooling use a schooling whip to ensure she responds to your leg aids immediately, a few lessons in quick succession might do the trick.
 
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my pony can do this if she is allowed to get away with it. It happened once with me when I first got her but I learned to stop her by basically grabbing one rein quite harsh and spinning her round in a circle as soon as she tried to p off with me.Unfortunetly she sucessfully tanked off home with someone else riding galloping across roads and by some miracle no one got flattened. But Ive had her years and hack miles by myself it is easy to stop this now I have the hang of it. She rarely attempts it. Once in full pelt it is hard to stop and too late but you have to nip it in the bud before it happens. There are ways to help avoid or prevent it but really you need to know what to do to stop it before it starts! I would get an instructor or someone to help you before this becomes a dangerous habit. Then you will feel more confident knowing you can stop her doing it anytime, when she realises it doesn't work like mine she probably won't bother anymore
 
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