Napping

[st8ce]

Hey guys so a few months back we had a scenario when a friend we were hacking with took off and my horse started napping , spinning and rearing at this . ( this isn’t something she does) however that situation made things escalate, however my question is we done the same route tonight for the first time since it happened and the napping was back but not to the same degree. My question is is she associating that place with that last experience as this behaviour doesn’t happen anywhere else and I’ve had her almost 2 years. I am aware that’s the only uphill on the way home also so not sure if that is something to do with it . Otherwise open spaces haven’t been an issue but that specific route seems to be . Any ideas ?

 

[smolmaus]

Very possible she is just remembering the stressful time she had last time. They have good memories for things like that. Could also just be the vibe there tbh, there is a completely non-descript bit of road on our usual hack route that is always a bit spooky and I have no idea why but several horses pick up on it.

It being uphill wouldn't concern me if she is fine going uphill every other time with no hesitation. Can you do it the route backwards as a test or is it an out-and-back?

 

[paddi22]

I find some horses keep associations with certain areas where stressful stuff happens. but generally they are reacting to feeling a physical change in the rider, theres a good chance you tensed up without knowing as you got to that area and the horse picked up on it.

 

[st8ce]

Very possible she is just remembering the stressful time she had last time. They have good memories for things like that. Could also just be the vibe there tbh, there is a completely non-descript bit of road on our usual hack route that is always a bit spooky and I have no idea why but several horses pick up on it.

It being uphill wouldn't concern me if she is fine going uphill every other time with no hesitation. Can you do it the route backwards as a test or is it an out-and-back?

Yeh im thinking I’ll do that next time

 

[st8ce]

I find some horses keep associations with certain areas where stressful stuff happens. but generally they are reacting to feeling a physical change in the rider, theres a good chance you tensed up without knowing as you got to that area and the horse picked up on it.

That’s the only time I’ve been since that happened otherwise the rest of the hack was fine

 

[SEL]

Even my very sensible pony still sidesteps past the place in the hedge 2 drugged up young lads left their car. The hedge has grown back but she associates meeting the tow truck trying to yank it out I think (the noise was awful!)