Taking the pee v scared!

[beckieswann]

Okay, so this is in connection with a couple of posts on here! How can you tell when a horse is being genuinely scared and afraid, or when it's actually being naughty and taking the mick?

I mean there must be a fine line, as horses who are scared show it through bolting, napping, rearing etc... but when do you make a decision that actually this isn't being scared he/she is just being naughty?

I would just be interested to hear peoples thoughts really! As I know how a horse behaves is due to how he/she is conditioned to react to a stimuli, but what if it's never be taught to "behave" in a good way and has only been taught to "behave" in a bad way - is that being naughty, or miscommunication on our part?

I could ramble on for ages, but I won't - what does everyone else think?

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if i thought it was frightened i would give him a chance, but if i felt not capable to ride through this i would ask a better rider to help sort behaviour out. if horse was taking the P and rider is nervous about reactions to winning the co operation and compliance of horse i would either send off for schooling, get some lessons, or ask a prof to ride and sort out. if the rider isnt confident with horse in any capacity i would sell and find a more suitable horse! it costs as much to keep a bad one than a good one, and it is supposed to be fun!

 

[kirstie]

Hmmm, I think it all depends on the situation, horse and how well I know the horse.
Having ridden and worked with horses for quite a few years, I think you get to kind of instinctively get to know when they are trying it on and when being silly. Just a feeling you get.
Sorry, that probably doesn't help much!

 

[beckieswann]

nah it's good!! Just interested in peoples thoughts!

Obviously a lot of it is down to instinct and making a decision there and then whether it is bad behaviour or fear... but what would you do if it was fear, and what would you do if it is bad behaviour? Like ofcourseyoucan has said above, would you spend time rectifying the behaviour, or sell him/her on and find something more suited?

 

[Mickeymoo]

When I bought Mick I can only describe him as a 'spoilt, mardy brat' who had been allowed to get away with whatever he wanted.

This can make it difficult as you say to decide whether he is taking the 'mick' or v scared. I found that the more you get to know the horse, the better judge you can be of a situation.

I did get it wrong a few times - both pee and scared.. And I think if 5 years ago I had the knowledge and instructor that I have now, I would have progressed a lot quicker.

But on the positive. I have learnt a lot along the way. Think I could handle and improve almost anything that came my way and I have ended up with a fantastic horse.

 

[spike123]

i know with my horse if he is genuinely scared of something I can feel him go rigid underneath me with his head high and snorting.He literally locks his muscles.If he is taking the pee then there is no tension there and then I will push him through it and insist on him complying.