Naughty or insecure?

G

gable

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 January 2009
Messages
403
Visit site
My horse naps at dressage competitions - I have only owned him for 3 months but took him out to our first comp last week. He was very reluctant to go forward, napped at the gate, if I'd have took my leg off he would have stopped and ran backwards.

I took him to a different venue today thinking that the more exposure to the situation the better he will get (both comps at spooky indoor arenas).

He warmed up beautifully (lots of other horses around)
Took him in the test and he was terrible. Wobbled up the centre line, ran backwards when he spotted the judges box at C, Bucked when I gave him a little tap, more leg - he just ran backwards again - get the picture?

Napped at the gate - wouldn't go forwards. Bucked most of the way round when I gave him a tickle with the whip - I couldn't put anymore leg on than I already had on. I tried to sit as still as possible - kept everything the same - didn't give in - kept my contact.

I have never had a nappy horse before so a bit unsure of what to do.

This little horse seems to enjoy an argument. The more I'm firm with him, the more he says NO!

My friiend who came along suggested he needs a good smacking - I know that a firm smack with the whip and he will protest even more.

So...is this behaviour naughty or just because he is insecure?
I'm guessing both need a different way of fixing and I don't want to get it wrong.

Advice please.

Thanks in advance
 
You say you have only had him for 3 months. Has he been to competitions with the previous owner? Maybe worth giving them a call to see what he was like before.
 
Make sure he is on a low sugar high fibre diet and supplement with eg Steady-up which can be upped in dosage near the time.
Expose him to a bit more experiences at home, avoid drilling round the arena every day, mix it up a bit and ask your instructor for advice on his behaviour, I tend to tap on my boot with a whip rather than hitting the horse.
Good firm leg aids are ESSENTIAL!
Lean back in the saddle to "push" him forwards.
 
gable said:
Thank you
So is napping at competitions naughty or just due to being insecure? Or both?
Click to expand...


Insecurity, you have only had him 3 months so the relationship is stll very much a new one. If he is happy in the warm up and in ridden showing classes (when he is with other horses) and only like this when he is asked to be on his own, it all points to insecurity and giving him a good beating as your friend suggested will not help. A backup tap with the whip behind the leg however, is a must. Try to be confident yourself and some of it will rub off on him.

Take him out on his own as often as possible until it becomes second nature to him. Sadly you will have to go through some ritual humiliation but it will get better - been there so feel for you.
 
I think you need to do a lot more preparation and confidence building for you both before you start competing with this horse.

If you start being violent with it you will do no good at all, sell it now before going down that route.

Time and patients is the key, there are no shortcuts to success in this game.
 
If he only does this in the ring then my guess would be that he's sensitive to your apprehension. Try desensitisation by riding a test at home with some people viewing and ask for critic, just to re-create some of the tension you feel when competing.
Its a new experience for him with a new partnership and he needs to familiarise himself with a different type of competition.
 
I have to say that your horse sounds very much like mine and her ' naughtiness' definitely stems from insecureties. trust me, the worst possible thing you can do to your horse is give it a smack as it will explode!

My suggestion is lots of ground work. Hack your horse out with another who is calm and if it wont go out on its own just lead it out in a bridle around the lanes or bridlepaths ( will get you fit as well lol )

Go to places where you are under no pressure to perform ie clinincs or hire out facilities on your own or with 1 or 2 others.
 
He hacks out perfectly on his own - completely bombproof.
Hunts with impecable manners.
Goes away from his mates and allows his mates to leave him without too much of a fuss.
Just hates being left alone in the school, hence the dressage problems
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top