Refusing to go

[Lizzie R]

A few weeks back we encountered some pigs very close to a narrow bit of road - our horses were really terrified and refused to go past and not having much time we backed them up and took them home

Last week we rode them back to the other end of the same village , which is also a narrow bit of road and with some additional roadworks - this time they were not frightened but refused to go - we got them through with some sideways, backwards and zig zags - but it took almost a hour

They have never done anything like this before and we are not at all sure how we should proceed from here - they are half brother and sister, coloured cobs and both showed exactly the same behaviour on both occasions . can anyone advise ?

Thankyou

 

[mini_b]

have you encountered these situations or anything similar on them before?
Are they new horses to you?

they might be genuinely terrified - positive strong riding, lots of praise for moving forward/getting closer. Gradual introductions to the situation, ensuring a positive experience each time. Eg. Getting close to pigs without passing (the scary bit which is the breaking point) but also not running away and then building from that.

they could also be trying it on a little bit when it gets “scary” and one can set the other off being silly.
My lad does this depending who I ride out with, he copies and just needs reassurance and confidence from me.

horses are horses and do find things terribly scary, I think them being related isn’t anything to do with them producing same behaviour.
Sounds like they were spooky and were looking to each other for guidance in the situation rather than their rider.

 

[Dyllymoo]

Apparently pigs are seen as predators to horses (which I found out on here) so that first incident seems like it was genuine and they were worried.

Are the horses new to you or have you just moved? They are probably looking for you to be their confident people to guide them through.

All horses can have times when they are worried or not sure or just say no so I would find a route that is circular and do that a few times and then gradually build up the route. Can you go out on your own or with a different horse to see if that makes a difference?

 

[L&M]

I found that when my cob was younger, and he was genuinely scared of something, if I got off and lead him past, he would be more confident (would carry a lead rope on the saddle d). I found if I lead him back forth past the 'scary object' a few times, I could then remount and get him past ridden too......not ideal but can work if on quiet country lanes, and you have some time.

We also had pig issues - fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you want to look at it!!), pigs were introduced just down the lane from where he was kept. After a very near miss with a tractor, I decided rather than risk meeting then again whilst mounted, to long rein him back and forth past them. I also took a bucket of feed down prior, so he had a food reward, and within a few goes had him eating right next to the pigs. Never had a problem with pigs since......

 

[Lizzie R]

Thanks for all these - really helpful - will have a go with suggestions - pesky pigs !

 

[mini_b]

So you're essentially a solo-mother with horrible family-in-law that constantly berate and abuse you. You have a husband who wont stick up for you and even calls you a cad in public.

......?