Opinions please.

[lucy007]

Hi, my 14.2hh gelding has been napping recently, not just refusing to go but rearing and spinning. He used to rear in a previous home due to how he was handled, but has literaly only been doing this with us for the last 2 weeks.
The main issue at present is the xc start box, which has never been a problem before. He would be reluctant to leave the collecting ring but has never protested like he has the last 2 events, the lastest being today. Once he is going he is fine and flies round the course.
He is the only gelding turned out with five other mares, and we believe this problem has everything to do with us buying in a 2 year old filly approx 2 weeks ago.
I want to nip this in the bud as my daughter also rides this pony. Is it something that will settle as they do, or is there anything I can do to stop it now.
Opinions grately appreciated.

 

[Bowen4Horses]

ahhh... do you think he's fallen in love?!?! is he overly keen on the new filly? is he napping for the new filly at home? maybe the novelty will wear off? they'll have a tiff? oooh, i don't know.

i can't offer any useful advice, as i'm such a chicken, if my horse ever reared i'd jump off, and never get back on again. my last horse was a rearer, and it was during a particularly bad rearing session that she fell on me and broke my ribs/knackered my back etc. so... be careful.

xxx

 

[lucy007]

Thanku, they do stay close to each other in the field, sniffing and grooming. He does not nap at home but has tried when riding off of yard to go hacking, but a smack on the shoulder on the side he spins toward does the trick.

He does not gain anything by playing up as he always gives in eventually, and I am hoping that persistance will win the day and the novelty will wear off.

I am not worried by his tantrums atm, but I do not want it to escalate any further as I have 3 children and safety is very important, lets hope that it is just a bit of spring fever, and all will return to normal soon.

 

[scarson]

Im not to sure on any tactics to use but have known 2 eventing horses like you say nappy at the start box both horses had nothing wrong they were just being really nappy so owners (fearless event riders) gave them a good telling off and rode them through it they both got over it. - one took 2 weeks as owner had a start box and took him in it everyday the other can still nap so he gets a smack and manages to get round pre-novices! If your brave enough then keep ridding through it but be strong with him but if your not maybe ask a more stronger rider to take him a couple of times?? Just to clafify with anyone whos worried i dont mean giv the horse a beating just simply be strong and do tell it off becasue napping like that can be sooo dangerous. Best of luck with him! keep safe!