So it happened.....

T

TBmum

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Yesterday took my mare to her first "big show" on grass, she had a complete melt down and threw me off in the warm up area. (embarrassed)

The whole thing was just too much for her, didn't even make it into my class as got back on and she was still freaked by it all.

I plan to take her to more events over the next few months to mainly just get her used to it and for it to become normal to her, is this what everyone else would do?
 
Oh no! You poor thing! I would just take her and lead her round, not even ride her. Just get her used to the sights. Don't ride her until you are sure she is used to it. Then take her to a couple and just ride a round.
 
I would, as would I also participate in in-hand showing classes so she becomes adjusted to what will be expected later on (patience is key). How old is she?
 
I would, as would I also participate in in-hand showing classes so she gets accustomed to what is expected of her (patience is key). How old is she?
 
Wagtail said:
Oh no! You poor thing! I would just take her and lead her round, not even ride her. Just get her used to the sights. Don't ride her until you are sure she is used to it. Then take her to a couple and just ride a round.
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This is very sound advice and what I would do and recommend as well. Hope your not too bruised today! Get out and about as much as possible but use the event as a training tool and you'll be in the ring in no time and she will be thoroughly bored of the whole thing and behave perfectly :)
 
Yep, just take her out to as many things as you can, lead or lunge if you can so she learns it's not all that exciting really, and she has to work and concentrate. Good luck!
 
TBF I don't think she was being naughty she was genuinely scared and freaked out by the whole situation.

I've taken her to smaller dressage events previously and she was fine, I think it was the atmosphere and SO many horses, people and the tannoys etc.

I will be taking her to a slightly smaller, showing show in a couple of weeks and my friend is coming with her horse so hoping having a friend will reassure her. Also with no jumping and generally quieter should ease her in a little more.

I do hurt today but at least I now know falling off won't kill me as it's been a long time since my last fall. :)
 
FfionWinnie said:
I'd be going to clinics not shows and making her work hard / stand around until she learnt to do so.
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Funnily enough she was quite ok to stand there and watch everything going on (with a very high heart rate) it was when I asked her to start warming up that she lost it rearing and spinning until I hit the deck and then stood there looking at me in amazement that she'd finally managed to get me off!
 
First time my son took his ex polo pony to a local show she freaked out and we just walked about with me holding onto her.. being ex polo pony she had been to tournaments, but never a local unaffiliated show and the different atmosphere upset her.. she was ok the next time we went... could you go later in the day when not so many there, and just get your horse used to the noises and sights... good luck
 
Have you got any shows that you can hack to?

That's what I used to do with any of mine that used to get a bit fruity. I'd hack down and get them listening en route, a nice striding out walk with some trotting. I'd get to the show, send them straight into the warm up with everyone thinking me very rude because I didn't stop to chat, I would keep them going until they settled and if so maybe do a class with them, if not I'd hack right on out of there!
 
A local producer used to get up at dawn and work a horse in the indoor school if they thought it might be over the top and that was for eventing!

Make sure yours has a good long ride the day before.
 
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