The wind

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Hanstag

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My new mare is great to lead in from the field on a normal day but once the wind gets up she is a completely different horse, we have rearing, spinning, squealing, you name it - I'm starting to worry every time I step out the door and a breeze gets up! My confidence is getting a little knocked as a normally calm horse gets demonic and no calming talk can stop her.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm a nervy Norma at the best of times!
 
Stop the calming talk and issue some discipline when she starts to mess around. Use a control halter and when she begins to mess give her a darn good jerk and use your voice in a growling tone.
She is not frightened by the wind she is using it as an excuse to see what she can get away with.
Wear gloves and a hard hat and use a long line.
 
Mollie was like this when I first got her. She's getting better now. I bought a "Dually" headcollar second hand on ebay and it's made a big difference, it just gives me more control and confidence.

The only thing I would say is DON'T do what I do and lead in without wearing gloves. I just couldn't be bothered to get my gloves one windy day. She took fright and leapt sideways... I managed to keep hold and calm her but the rope-burns on my hand were agony, took weeks to heal and has left a scar.
 
Foxhunter49 said:
Stop the calming talk and issue some discipline when she starts to mess around. Use a control halter and when she begins to mess give her a darn good jerk and use your voice in a growling tone.
She is not frightened by the wind she is using it as an excuse to see what she can get away with.
Wear gloves and a hard hat and use a long line.
Click to expand...

Agree with this
 
You could also try ( once you've got the dually type halter ) just doing some lead / stand / walk on exercises out in the wind at a random time of day - not just when you go out to fetch her in , little madam!. take care.
 
When I bought Mollie (4 months ago) it was a huge change of environment for her, and I think she was genuinely frightened. This was worse in the wind as things flapped and blew about. The time she (accidentally) gave me rope burns, the wind had suddenly lifted a large piece of board on a woodpile we were passing. I believe it gave her a real fright.

I am very firm with Mollie, even when she's scared, as I think firmness and calmness reassures horses. However, I'm wary of assuming horses are being "madams" or "seeing what they can get away with". Sometimes, they're just plain scared.
 
The home made dually is a good idea, much cheaper if anything!

Well mine has had more of a routine change than an environment change which involves me bringing her in after work when it's darker, coupled with the wind just makes everything scarier! However I do know her previous owner was quite soft with her and told me that when she spooks I just need to be light on the rope and let her get on with it - id rather not however as I don't feel safe whatsoever and she feels it's ok to carry on being uncontrollable!

Leading her in her bridle may be a good answer for now until I sort a decent headcollar out!
 
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