Tierra
Well-Known Member
Quote from Wiki:-
"A horse may also neigh loudly or snort when rearing."
How random!
"A horse may also neigh loudly or snort when rearing."
How random!
REARING
- Thread starter debs_07
- Start date
TarrSteps
Well-Known Member
We've kind of got off topic . . .
To the OP, it REALLY doesn't seem your horse is any type of a rearer. It's a pretty rare expression in mares anyway and she doesn't seem to be showing ANY signs. The whole point of longeing for exercise (rather than work) is to let the horse get its jollies out whilst you are NOT on it, so don't worry too much about what she does then. Be happy she knows when it's appropriate to leap about.
If your horse is balking or "getting light in front" when you ride her then you MIGHT possibly have a problem brewing but that doesn't seem to be at all the case.
NOT related to the OP but I've worked with a fair number of rearers (over represented in the stallion group) and have always found a multi-pronged appraoch to be far more effective than a "one off".
First, of course, is to determine a cause. If the horse seems to do it habitually - when being led, turned out etc. - I might be more inclined to see it as merely an expression. It is a dangerous one, to be sure, but not necessarily indicative of a horse who is more upset/difficult than one who bucks etc. All that said, I would have the horse and the tack checked out thoroughly first off and then move on to possible training holes.
For a horse who just stops up a bit sometimes turning in a small circle with stong aids and then riding forwards works fine. Some are better if one canters agressively forward every time they think about balking. Some might benefit from a tack change or addition. Some might need more work or less food or some other management change. Some might need a saddle check or a vet visit. Just punishing a horse who actually has a basis for it's behaviour might, in fact, effect a change but it isn't a solution.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for discipline, but I tend to think the vast majority of horses are not out to get us. They are big and quick and if they wanted us dead none of us would be here.
To the OP, it REALLY doesn't seem your horse is any type of a rearer. It's a pretty rare expression in mares anyway and she doesn't seem to be showing ANY signs. The whole point of longeing for exercise (rather than work) is to let the horse get its jollies out whilst you are NOT on it, so don't worry too much about what she does then. Be happy she knows when it's appropriate to leap about.
If your horse is balking or "getting light in front" when you ride her then you MIGHT possibly have a problem brewing but that doesn't seem to be at all the case.
NOT related to the OP but I've worked with a fair number of rearers (over represented in the stallion group) and have always found a multi-pronged appraoch to be far more effective than a "one off".
First, of course, is to determine a cause. If the horse seems to do it habitually - when being led, turned out etc. - I might be more inclined to see it as merely an expression. It is a dangerous one, to be sure, but not necessarily indicative of a horse who is more upset/difficult than one who bucks etc. All that said, I would have the horse and the tack checked out thoroughly first off and then move on to possible training holes.
For a horse who just stops up a bit sometimes turning in a small circle with stong aids and then riding forwards works fine. Some are better if one canters agressively forward every time they think about balking. Some might benefit from a tack change or addition. Some might need more work or less food or some other management change. Some might need a saddle check or a vet visit. Just punishing a horse who actually has a basis for it's behaviour might, in fact, effect a change but it isn't a solution.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for discipline, but I tend to think the vast majority of horses are not out to get us. They are big and quick and if they wanted us dead none of us would be here.
PoppyPony
Well-Known Member
Heya, I can really understand where you are coming from, having totally lost my confidence in jumping about a year and a half ago.
What worked for me was very gently pushing my comfort zone - i.e. going over a ground pole. For you I would suggest just ride your mare a few times around the school in walk, praising her regularly (which will make you feel positive). The next day, ride for a bit longer and add some trot, carrying on with ridiculous amounts of over praise!
Use your lessons to really push your comfort zone under supervision, and the next day go for a gentle hack.
After a few weeks of this, with her not rearing (which it looks like she won't do) you will be surprised at how confident you feel.
Also - don't lunge! The experience - whatever it was - clearly shocked you. It would be more beneficial to you both, if lunging will make her show the behaviour but riding won't, just to ride with a long rein, just in walk, large round the school for 20-30 minutes.
Sorry this turned into a bit of an essay but I really hope you get your confidence back - I can promise you it feels amazing when you do
What worked for me was very gently pushing my comfort zone - i.e. going over a ground pole. For you I would suggest just ride your mare a few times around the school in walk, praising her regularly (which will make you feel positive). The next day, ride for a bit longer and add some trot, carrying on with ridiculous amounts of over praise!
Use your lessons to really push your comfort zone under supervision, and the next day go for a gentle hack.
After a few weeks of this, with her not rearing (which it looks like she won't do) you will be surprised at how confident you feel.
Also - don't lunge! The experience - whatever it was - clearly shocked you. It would be more beneficial to you both, if lunging will make her show the behaviour but riding won't, just to ride with a long rein, just in walk, large round the school for 20-30 minutes.
Sorry this turned into a bit of an essay but I really hope you get your confidence back - I can promise you it feels amazing when you do
debs_07
Well-Known Member
coming to think of it she didnt curl her legs, she just when up abit .. wouldnt say it was a full rear but even just taking their front feet off the floor and i panic .. anyways .. i think again its just me making a moutain out of a mole hill ... some really good ideas flowing .. i think im going to get someone in to school her for me in the school ... maybe i can see for myself what shes like in the school .. as i havent yet ridden her in there .. only out on a hack .. and whith me only having her 4 weeks .. weve only be able to get out about 4 times ... with the weather having been soooo bad . shes young enough now to start her dicipline .
thanks again !!
thanks again !!
Theresa_F
Well-Known Member
I used to have a WB called Vertical Limit for a very good reason - she jumped like a stag and would hold vertical. She had great balance and never went over but was frightening for those watching to see.
I totally lost my confidence on her - not the rearing but I got injured on the ground in a freak accidence and lost all trust in her. She was a lovely mare to handle, but in the saddle she had an edge to her that a lot of people said made them uncomfortable.
I spent a couple of months working from the ground until I was totally confident again and then had someone lead me round the school like I was a little child on a seaside donkey for several weeks.
I very slowly progressed until I was able to jump her again, but never bonded with her like my other horses which was a shame.
Perhaps you could get someone to start leading you, then progress to the lunge - all at a walk until you feel confident to have the lunge removed and continue to work on a circle, build up to going large and eventually start to trot etc.
Take your time and have someone on the ground who is sympathetic but will slowly push you forwards but never have you feel uncomfortable.
Even my old clydie occasionally gives a little rear in play and if you saw my gypsy cob in one of his mental 5 mins you would never consider sitting on him.
I totally lost my confidence on her - not the rearing but I got injured on the ground in a freak accidence and lost all trust in her. She was a lovely mare to handle, but in the saddle she had an edge to her that a lot of people said made them uncomfortable.
I spent a couple of months working from the ground until I was totally confident again and then had someone lead me round the school like I was a little child on a seaside donkey for several weeks.
I very slowly progressed until I was able to jump her again, but never bonded with her like my other horses which was a shame.
Perhaps you could get someone to start leading you, then progress to the lunge - all at a walk until you feel confident to have the lunge removed and continue to work on a circle, build up to going large and eventually start to trot etc.
Take your time and have someone on the ground who is sympathetic but will slowly push you forwards but never have you feel uncomfortable.
Even my old clydie occasionally gives a little rear in play and if you saw my gypsy cob in one of his mental 5 mins you would never consider sitting on him.
Clodagh
Playing chess with pigeons
Just take things very very slowly. Don't let anyone tell you to go a bit further or do a bit more, not until you are ready.
I also really rate Rescue Remedy...its good stuff!
I also really rate Rescue Remedy...its good stuff!
jennystreek
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
i was told that but flint rears vertically and quickly and spins in mid air, not enough time to get an egg out ! someone mentioned if u do feel them back off turn their heads, this does work.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to agree with you so much there!!! My horse rears, then spins, then rear plunges etc...generally not nice and the thought of taking my hands off the reins to get an egg then lean forward to crack it would be near on impossible! At those times i just need to be as balanced as i can and keep my leg on to send forwards. nice idea though
i was told that but flint rears vertically and quickly and spins in mid air, not enough time to get an egg out ! someone mentioned if u do feel them back off turn their heads, this does work.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to agree with you so much there!!! My horse rears, then spins, then rear plunges etc...generally not nice and the thought of taking my hands off the reins to get an egg then lean forward to crack it would be near on impossible! At those times i just need to be as balanced as i can and keep my leg on to send forwards. nice idea though