jumpthemoon
Well-Known Member
A while ago I put a post on here to see if you thought rearers could be managed/cured. Well, here's how I'm progressing with my little monster...
He has been particularly naughty out hacking lately, spooking and rearing at paint on the road etc (he's not bothered by vehicles!), but yesterday we had a breakthrough....the dressage lady on the yard put some flower boxes in each corner of the school to work her horse round and left them out. I knew Canto would spook at them so I thought it would be a good opportunity. Sure enough, he would only go halfway up the school before he started rearing and spinning round.
I had one of those moments when I thought - oh sh*t - shall i get off and lunge? - then I pulled myself together and thought - dont you dare! I really got after him to make him work as I've been practising in my lessons, only put more effort in - and after about twenty minutes he was trotting round the flowers really well.
Anyway, tonight, they were still there, but although he tried to do the same thing, I got straight onto him and it was like something had clicked....he sort of said 'oh - ive got to work - alright then...' and worked really nicely!
To cut a long story down a bit, I think it was the fact that I rode him so much more positively and my lessons have really helped. I know he's not perfect yet, by any means, but I feel we have at last made a step towards him behaving!
So anyone out there with naughty horses (if you're still awake!) don't give up - persevere!!!
He has been particularly naughty out hacking lately, spooking and rearing at paint on the road etc (he's not bothered by vehicles!), but yesterday we had a breakthrough....the dressage lady on the yard put some flower boxes in each corner of the school to work her horse round and left them out. I knew Canto would spook at them so I thought it would be a good opportunity. Sure enough, he would only go halfway up the school before he started rearing and spinning round.
I had one of those moments when I thought - oh sh*t - shall i get off and lunge? - then I pulled myself together and thought - dont you dare! I really got after him to make him work as I've been practising in my lessons, only put more effort in - and after about twenty minutes he was trotting round the flowers really well.
Anyway, tonight, they were still there, but although he tried to do the same thing, I got straight onto him and it was like something had clicked....he sort of said 'oh - ive got to work - alright then...' and worked really nicely!
To cut a long story down a bit, I think it was the fact that I rode him so much more positively and my lessons have really helped. I know he's not perfect yet, by any means, but I feel we have at last made a step towards him behaving!
So anyone out there with naughty horses (if you're still awake!) don't give up - persevere!!!
