Sharp spooking help please

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4April

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I have owned mare nearly two years now. She is fed low energy everything. She is a 16.3 hanoverian polish warmblood type 10 years old.
On the ground she has the sweetest nature although if i was leading her past a field of galloping horses she will jog bounce and snort.
Riding is mainly the issue. She is a lazy mare on the flat. But if something triggers her she hollows rushes forward and bouncey rears and bucks and snorts. Ive been told to kick her on in these situations rather than pull. But she can be quite frightening being a huge mare eventhough im 5'6 there is alot of power from the supposidly lazy mare! Today was a bad day to ride with the wind so had a quick 15 mins on her. i was walking her off and our indoor has an open side and the jcb drove past and she panicked. she goes crazy and rushes and bounces and you can feel her body lift when i stop her. it's the same if i was to ride in the outdoor and if a horse is galloping around the field which is next to the outdoor. i love my horse but i dont want her hurting me. i genuinely think she gets terrified.
i have lunged before riding before but she isnt fizzy. shes slow and lazy until a bsd spook when shed expolsive. any help appreciated please.
 
She needs confidence from you in these situations, I would (after donning brave pants) wrap your leg on and turn a circle immediately. It's harder to bounce when you're turning and being sent forwards, it's also something else to think about. Good luck, it doesn't sound fun!
 
I've spent 9 years with a warmblood who is exactly the same. He's dead in the school but out hacking he can jump 6 feet sideways or do a 180 degree spin in a split second and I've lost count of the times he's dumped me over the years. Luckily I've not been badly injured - just bruises and bumps. I'm convinced he uses his spooking as an excuse to be cheeky and see what he can get away with. I find I have to keep him concentrating on me the whole time and then it's not so bad. he is also better on the ground. Food makes no difference with him, it's just in his character. Not very helpful I know, but I do sympathise massively.
 
I have the exact same problem with my mare she can go from donkey to very explosive in seconds. I have found instantly turniing a very small circle with her nose almost by my knee really helps. As above keep your leg on to give assurance and talk to her too.

I usually do two or three circles then straighten to see how she feels. If still stressy I will repeat on the other rein. Worked a treat this morning :)
 
I would use a neck strap, a running martingale [not tight] and let my leathers down1/ 2 holes when hacking, also think about an air jacket, certainly a good helmet and a back protector.
Ride forwards.
I would tend to make her a bit more tired at the end of a session, assuming she is reasonably fit, get a good old fashioned instructor in and explain you want to be "put through your paces", see if she is needing more work than she is getting
Try to hack out or school in company with a steady horse if possible.
There is not a great deal you can do, but always be awake, no texting, or wandering along in a daydream
 
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I've ridden alot of sharp horses and easier said than done but you really need to get in the zone and feel confident before a ride and then predetermine the spooks so be ready and aware but be one step ahead, leg on, secure seat, ready to pull round and circle and drive on, don't wait for the freeze and explode (I know it well)! get her attention on you before that happens, lots of soothing voice and wither scratching and lots of praise when going well or passed something spooky. No holding onto her head and gripping with knees in anticipation. All easier said than done and it does take time to build a trusting relationship. x
 
thanks for the advice. much appreciated. i'm going to try circling and work her more. i think because shes laid back and i am we dont get much done....thus too much energy hiding potentially.
 
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