Pony focused too much on others

[littlen]

Probably common behaviour from a young horse who hasn't seen much I would expect but I'm unsure of the best way to go forward.

So pony can work nicely and happily until there's some distraction. Other ponies cantering or jumping nearby warrant a full on rearing and bucking fit. She will settle after the initial silliness.

She never does anything like this at home, she's nappy but does not rear.

She hasn't been out much at all so very green, part excitement and part fear I think. She's a very dominant and nappy pony anyway this is particularly explosive when it happens.

What's the best way to deal with this type of behaviour?
It it usually a case of the more they see the better they get?

 

[scats]

I had a welsh part bred who was like this, but he did it at home as well. Exposure wasn't the best thing for him. If the manage was busy, we went out there and just found a quiet corner and I worked him and kept him busy.
He eventually got much better.

Perhaps take your mare out to some clinics where there are other horses around? Or hire an arena with a couple of friends?

 

[DabDab]

Maybe you have some kindly friends who could do some arena hire with you and you could just walk round while they jump/school, with the main aim to just get her walking quietly, then call in a day.

As a general note, nappy horses are rarely 'dominant' by nature - they are usually desperate for someone to take control of things for them and give them a bit of support