Rearing in stable

[dreamcometrue]

I got a sec D mare a few months ago. She is delightful. However, in the last week she has reared a couple of times in the stable when I was in there with her. Not very high and she din't strike out, it was more like playfulness or being a bit tetchy.

She is 7 years old but spent the first 6 years more or less untouched as a brood mare and was only backed last summer. She was stabled for the first time last summer too. She is still getting used to being handled.

Today she did 2 little rears whilst I was putting her stable rug on her. She was demanding treats at the time so I am thinking to put a stop to treats and also to rug her, groom her etc whilst she is tied up outside.

In all other ways she is lovely. Maybe she is in season and getting stroppy.

Does anyone have any tips about what I should do if she does this again (other than exit stable)? I must nip this in the bud!

 

[Suziq77]

It sounds like she is just confused about how to behave around humans. Unfortunately she's fully grown so putting manners on her is more daunting for you. Getting angry will be counter productive and confuse her (I note you weren't suggesting you should get angry). If you have the spare cash to get an IH person to come out to do some groundwork with you that would really help.

http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk/specialist-horse-training.html


Alternatively Richard Maxwell has written an excellent book about training youngsters which is actually very helpful for anyone who has horses of any age IMO.

ETA - if she does it again I would go for calmly saying "no" and putting your hand on her chest to push her backwards a couple of steps if she is calm. If she is flying around then get out of there fast! I'd also wear a hat when you're in the stable with her for the time being.

 

[LouS]

Mine does this but not in my space, he usually does it when I'm telling him to get back and he's excited to go out and he'll bounce backwards. That's the only time he does it when I'm in there but he does frequently do a tigger impression at his stable door when he's excited.

Is she doing it just when you put the rug on? Its possible she's quite sensitive, I'm actually not sure what to suggest without understanding exactly what she's doing. Where are you stood at the time etc? If she's not putting you in any danger I'd just ignore it, however if you feel she's trying to push you around I'd push her back and away from me and mean it so she knows it is not acceptable.

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

My Welsh D does this at dinner time. He used to do it alot more, like when being wormed, having forelock tidied up.... it's a tantrum thing. I found with Danny that if you said 'No' strongly and then ignored the bad behaviour and overly praised the good behaviour all his behavioural issues pretty much disappeared!

 

[dreamcometrue]

Suziq77 I don't get angry with horses. Its not my style so no worries on that account. I agree that some groundwork is in order so I will look into doing that as you suggested. Thanks. The weather has just been so awful that it isn't a pleasure to go in the school at the moment.

LouS she has done it when I am moving around in her stable doing things like changing her rug (which doesn't bother her at all) or brushing mud off her belly (which she doesn't like).

Tinsel Trouble, that is exactly what it is like. Sort of slight annoyance that you are doing something faffy around her. 99% of the time she isn't bothered at all by whatever you do.

Turnout is a bit less at the moment due to boggy fields and she thrives on work so maybe she is a little full of herself.

Will try all your suggestions. Thank you