Napping

[jillcrewe]

I have an 11 year old mare who has a horrible napping problem. Some days I can't get her to lead the yard gate. She will spin around and refuse to move forward.
In company, she is actually quite brave and doesn't really spook at all. Lead in hand alone also she is fine and will follow me everywhere.

Down through the years we've had three big incidents of her spooking and running for quite a distance while hacking alone. I wonder I am subconsciously projecting my fears on to her? If anyone has any advice of what to do I'd really appreciate it

(She is happy to move forward when ridden alone in a field or with another horse so don't think it's a pain issue. Physio said she looks good)

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I have one that naps the only way I found worked was find a short circular route like 15 20 minutes, lead that route every day for a week, then second week get on half way round then 3rd week attempt it from the yard.

Then once they do that route happily repeat with a different route and gradually get further, I only managed a half hour route before he would start to jog and chuck himself around, at times he would still spin and try and turn for home if something scared him.

His 18 now and I just don't hack him on his own now it's to stressful for both of us and I only do short hacks with someone else or my oh comes on foot, his fine with this and its a positive experience rather than him getting in a state.

 

[IrishMilo]

How long have you had her? Has she already been like it or has it got worse over time? Would she follow someone on foot with a couple of treats? I'd start with doing that and increase the distance between the person in front with the treats and you.

 

[LEC]

You actually need to be on foot and have her slightly ahead of you to build confidence. At the moment she is ducking behind you for her confidence. This is why long reining is quite a powerful tool. Personally if it’s safe I would spend your time ponying back and forwards. You are literally aiming for one step further than last time and then you turnaround ride around 10m then go back to where you were and aim for one step further and turnaround and rinse and repeat. You are just going to the point they are comfortable and no issues arise. It’s time consuming and you need to be chilled and not get frustrated but gradually you can get further and further with this method. This is pretty much how I start young horses if I don’t have company.

My old yard was wonderful for young horses as straight out onto a bridle path and no traffic with hedges. The current one has two socking big ditches either side and a lot of traffic so not so safe and easy to do. I have one very nappy horse but is weirdly fine if we box up places or if you walk her to the place she feels then fine about it all and you can carry on.

 

[jillcrewe]

I've had her since birth. She was always nervous alone but has got worse in recent years. I will try your method LEC