Blondie_2008
New User
Morning! Im looking for some tips & advice on how to help a horse that panics easily. I have had my new mare 2 1/2 weeks now (not long i know so i understand she is still settling!) She is such a sweet little mare, will walk to me in the field when i get there, follow me around while im poo picking etc.... and will let me ride her in the school (admittedly i havent done much ridden work as shes settling) as well as being really good on the lunge, listening to my voice.
However in some situations, she will panic. For instance her feet.... i was told she wasnt good at picking her feet up, so have tried to persevere with her. She now lets me do the fronts after lots of praise & treats, but as soon as you ask for either of the backs she panics & will move & kick until youve dropped it. I asked my vet what he thought and he tried & she did the same, he said shes not being nasty shes panicking. The same when shes tied up. If ypi groom her while holding the head collar she is fine, tie her up to the hitching post (we have only shetler no stables) she will stand and eat her hay for 5 minutes, then suddenly panic and pull back until the bailing twine is broken & shes free. Once shes free she just puts her head down & eats the grass and relaxes. When it comes to tack up time, shes fine for the bridle, but when we get to the saddle she will move & fidgit. She is now 7, but wasnt broken until 5 1/2 so she is very green. She really has not got a nasty bone in her body & has never bitten, kicked etc to be nasty.....just panics & then calms down.
Is it still because shes settling? Does anyone have any tips on how to get her to calm & relax? Any informations would be greatly appreciated!
However in some situations, she will panic. For instance her feet.... i was told she wasnt good at picking her feet up, so have tried to persevere with her. She now lets me do the fronts after lots of praise & treats, but as soon as you ask for either of the backs she panics & will move & kick until youve dropped it. I asked my vet what he thought and he tried & she did the same, he said shes not being nasty shes panicking. The same when shes tied up. If ypi groom her while holding the head collar she is fine, tie her up to the hitching post (we have only shetler no stables) she will stand and eat her hay for 5 minutes, then suddenly panic and pull back until the bailing twine is broken & shes free. Once shes free she just puts her head down & eats the grass and relaxes. When it comes to tack up time, shes fine for the bridle, but when we get to the saddle she will move & fidgit. She is now 7, but wasnt broken until 5 1/2 so she is very green. She really has not got a nasty bone in her body & has never bitten, kicked etc to be nasty.....just panics & then calms down.
Is it still because shes settling? Does anyone have any tips on how to get her to calm & relax? Any informations would be greatly appreciated!