Nappy Pony - Long Reining ??

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DressageDiva1962

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I've just bought a lovely 15 year old gelding but he's very nappy out on a hack, he'll go so far and then stop and refuse to go forward, he's been a competition pony for most of his life and his previous owner didnt hack him out on his own because she was too young to hack out on her own, so I do feel this is a confidence issue on the part of the pony, I dont have anyone to ride with so we've got no choice to work through this....do you think that long reining would help ??? any suggestions and feedback will be greatly appreciated ... Thank you.
 
DressageDiva1962 said:
I've just bought a lovely 15 year old gelding but he's very nappy out on a hack, he'll go so far and then stop and refuse to go forward, he's been a competition pony for most of his life and his previous owner didnt hack him out on his own because she was too young to hack out on her own, so I do feel this is a confidence issue on the part of the pony, I dont have anyone to ride with so we've got no choice to work through this....do you think that long reining would help ??? any suggestions and feedback will be greatly appreciated ... Thank you.
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Yes.
What also worked with a very nervous horse I had was to walk by his head but holding reins as though riding, and then kind of move back behind his shoulder so that he is in front, then if he gets scared or starts backing off you can quietly move to his head, then back to his shoulder when he's happy again. Hope that makes sense.
It'll take a little while but once you can complete an outing without having to go to his head you can try riding him. It's better than having a big battle with the napping and probably easier than long reining if he's not used to it, as in itself this can be a challenge.
 
Definately. It gives them confidence to go forward on their own. Rather than at the side of them. Start just by long reining round the yard or field and then as confidence grows. :)
 
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