Irishsportgirl
Active Member
Hi everyone, I've recently bought an irish sports horse from ireland 14yo - previously done XC/school master. However I'm having issues..
Recently I tried to mount him to ride for the first time but he had a complete panic, shaking/whites of eyes going etc. He let me sit on for maybe 15 seconds whilst literally shaking in his boots till his 'flight or fight' kicked in, bronked, bucked and bolted off leaving me on the floor.. Has anyone experienced similar or can help us overcome this? It's as if he tries his hardest to stand and be ok but then the panic just overcomes this.
Just a bit of background - He has only been with me in the UK for just over 2 weeks however he seems very settled in his field/on the ground with me, very cuddly boy and a gentleman, lunges perfectly. He does seem to be nervous with new things for example first time I went to catch him he came straight up to me but took a few goes to get a headcollar on - this has been the same with putting a fly mask on, picking feet up etc, so hes proving to be a very nervous horse bless him, but once having a couple goes its as if he 'remembers how' and is fine. Had farrier and was fine, passed a 5 stage hunting and jumping vetting in ireland just before arriving (have videos and docs, I've also spoken to his previous vet and no issues there).
This might just be a 'timing thing' which I am happy to work with however I also don't want it to progress and not be able to ride him..
Thanks in advance
Recently I tried to mount him to ride for the first time but he had a complete panic, shaking/whites of eyes going etc. He let me sit on for maybe 15 seconds whilst literally shaking in his boots till his 'flight or fight' kicked in, bronked, bucked and bolted off leaving me on the floor.. Has anyone experienced similar or can help us overcome this? It's as if he tries his hardest to stand and be ok but then the panic just overcomes this.
Just a bit of background - He has only been with me in the UK for just over 2 weeks however he seems very settled in his field/on the ground with me, very cuddly boy and a gentleman, lunges perfectly. He does seem to be nervous with new things for example first time I went to catch him he came straight up to me but took a few goes to get a headcollar on - this has been the same with putting a fly mask on, picking feet up etc, so hes proving to be a very nervous horse bless him, but once having a couple goes its as if he 'remembers how' and is fine. Had farrier and was fine, passed a 5 stage hunting and jumping vetting in ireland just before arriving (have videos and docs, I've also spoken to his previous vet and no issues there).
This might just be a 'timing thing' which I am happy to work with however I also don't want it to progress and not be able to ride him..
Thanks in advance