Taking mare back to problem venue - advice? *long*

arwenplusone

arwenplusone

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So I've posted about my mare before but to cut a long story short - we went to venue A a month a go. Madam was a star, jumped beautifully and won competition horse class. She then had an incident where she *may* have been stung by a wasp/bitten because she turned silly and was broncing for england so did working hunter rodeo style (came third
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) and took her home. Took her back for comp horse season final and as soon as she got into the warm up area she just flipped and went silly again (repeated bucking and rearing - got dangerous). I couldn't even get her in the ring. total disaster.

Since then she's been out to 2 other venues and been fine. her back and saddle are fine. So am taking her to venue A again tomorrow when no-one is there to see what the issue is.

Ayway, I'm rambling on but do you think I should get on her and try and ride her through it again (bear in mind she REFUSES to go forward and persuasion makes her go up), or should I lunge her first? The dilemma is if I am not on her back the scenario is different and she won't behave the same way as she did at the show - however if she won't go forward I would have to get off and lunge her anyway - I am worried that by getting off I am positively re-enforcing the behaviour?

What are your thoughts? I will have someone on the ground to help me.

sorry so long!
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That was my initial thinking - but I do want to know what her problem is with the place and whether it is an association with me sitting on her there.

But nothing to lose by lunging her first I guess!
 
as you know twig has been doing this in the past week or so (jibbing and going up) took her for a lesson with margot tiffany on saturday (who i must say is excellent, she comes highly recommended) she said when she does this, simply do nothing, sit very quiet and simply turn in another direction not using your legs strongly or smacking - geldings yes, but mares no
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ive tried it and it works, no more confrontation - you dont want to fight it out them going forwards and there stress reaction to become rearing or else it will happen again in the future if you ask another question they dont want to do - i tried it on the lesson yesterday and tonight and it worked extremely well.

If you go to the venue i would personally lunge first - even if to simply make you feel better! if she behaves when being lunged its going to make you feel much more confident when you get on and this is what you need!

good luck! and keep us posted!
 
hey, saw your latest post & think you are absolutely right - came to the conclusion that I am pushing on too much with my legs and when she's being nappy.
I don't normally do the 'softly softly' approach but might be necessary here - I just don't want her to take the piss.

We'll see how we get on - fingers crossed!!
 
Is this your new girlie?
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I'm at a loose end tomorrow, so if you'd like someone on the ground then let me know.

I agree with the other posters though, get there nice and early and lunge her for a bit first.
 
Yeah - she's being a madam - she's either a superstar or a brat of the worst proportions.
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Got two on the ground tomorrow, and one is my instructor but you're welcome to join us. Bit of an early start though as we're going to Port Royal!

Think I will lunge first... seems to be the preferred option!

When are you moving in? did you decide on full livery?
 
Ooo good luck!
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Let me know how it goes!

How long have you had her for?

Moving next Saturday I think
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I've decided full livery is the way to go over winter
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More time for getting rid of the donkey's belly.
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Only had her since July. She's lovely but is pretty smart and a bit workshy so need to make sure she's not taking the P! Anyway, you'll meet her soon!

Can't wait to see your new boy!
 
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