Nappy pony!!

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sparry

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My sister has a very sweet 14hh pony who has started napping while out on hacks, out at shows and when jumping. He is a very handsome thing and did very well last season showing however now that he has started napping my sister is starting to get very peed off with it and is wanting to do less and less with him. Whenever he hacks out or is at a show or jumping at home he rears and spins and he dosnt care what he throws himself into. Hes started now striking out with his front legs and the rears seem to be getting higher! We really dont know what to do with him we've had his teeth checked and nothing was wrong there, does anyone have any ideas on how to stop him??
Thanks :D
 
If a pony has suddenly started to nap, it may well be from discomfort/pain, for example if the saddle is pinching, so do make sure this is not the case - sometimes as a young horse grows and gets fitter, he changes shape and the saddle is no longer a good fit. If you have had someone to check this (and you are sure they know what they are doing) then it may be a lack of confidence for some reason, or he is trying it on. However if you say he normally has a sweet temperament, then this is the least likely reason.

Does he hack out happily with someone else? Has he pair bonded with another horse at the stables and now doesn't want to leave the yard because of his new friend?

Try to think if anything has changed in the last year. Meanwhile tell your sister to not pick a battle she can't win - there's no point trying to make him hack out if he is rearing up and striking out with his front legs. Stay safe in the school or hack with someone else until you work out what might be the cause.

If he is just being naughty, then you need a good instructor to come out and talk through the options. I would ring the chief instructor at your PC and see if she can offer some ideas or would recommend one of the branch's instructors to come over and see what they think. It does sound as if he is getting dangerous, and I'm not surprised your sister is losing heart.

The refusal to jump does make me think he could be in pain somewhere though, so do explore this option fully.

Let us know how you get on.
 
I have to say that in my experience pain is the most usual cause of this kind of new behaviour. Horses often mis-behave in stressful situations (e.g. doing things on his own) if they are already in pain. Can you get a vet to have a proper look at him and advise you?

Maybe also have a word with your mum and explain how important it is that you get regular lessons on him. If this is a training issue you need someone on the ground to help. The alternative is either a dangerous pony or a field ornament.
 
I think we'r going to have to get someone to help us. Its weird how outside of the show ring he's a little devil but in the show ring he's a complete angel! He's to smart and talented to be wasted. Thanks for your help guys :)
 
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