Need help with my new girl.

[RolyPolyPony]

As above really. She really isn't keen on too much contact on the reins. Have washing line reins and she happily plods along, increase the contact and she gets tense and ends up winding herself up. Is there anything i can do to improve this? Her old owner said that he always rode her on a long rein. So could this be a reason why? I eventually want to be able to spend time schooling her with her working in a nice outline.

 

[BobbyMondeo]

The best thing you can do is just do it gradually and when she gets tense just keep your hands still, talk to her tell her its ok and she will realise its nothing to be worried about after a while. Had this problem with a rescue that came the yard a few years ago and was used before we had him for a blind child who would just hold the buckle she did the same as your describing just paniced with contact on the reins. The girl who rode him had him going nicely within a few months though so you should be fine, just take it easy. Good luck

 

[LauraWheeler]

Agree with Ginger_Nut. Just take it nice and slow with lots of praise when she relaxes. Good luck

 

[spotty_pony]

Have you had her teeth and back checked?

 

[Coffee_Bean]

I was about to say, first and foremost, teeth checked?

 

[Toffee44]

Ditto on teeth. And when she does take contact just reassure her and give her a scratch on the withers

 

[RolyPolyPony]

Yes i had both teeth and back checked as soon she came to me.

 

[Meandtheboys]

How about back to basics with some lunging with side reins so she learns to not panic with contact...