smiggy
Well-Known Member
I have a horse on loan with view to buy, had her almost a month, hacked out lots alone and in company, had a lesson,schooled a bit, taken to a low key competition. All great, bombproof bold and forward going to hack. She is 6 but backed late and not worked regularly in previous home due to owners health.
Today went out with another horse, halfway round hack today on a lane a big van came past, I think it worried her because she hadnt realised it was a van not a car (neither had I ) and she leapt sideways and span a bit, almost falling down a ditch. It was a bit of an overreaction but I thought fair enough it crept up on her. Sods law the next vehicle was a massive tractor with trailer, so we asked it to stop and trotted to a gateway where I could turn her to face it, she stood calmly while it went past.A couple of cars went past at lowish speed and she felt a bit tense each time (normally doesnt flick an ear) but getting more wound up with each car (its a lane so minutes between cars not a stream). escalated to the point of exploding sideways and forwards when she saw/heard a car. tried her in front and behind other horse (who was staying calm) didnt make any odds. got to the point of having to get cars to stop and ride past or get off the lane to let them past. Totally unsafe behaviour.
I just dont understand where this has come from, yes the van worried her but it wasnt terrible, sort of thing that could happen any hack out really.
Not sure the way forward either really, dont want to risk either of us in traffic again at this point.
Thoughts?
Today went out with another horse, halfway round hack today on a lane a big van came past, I think it worried her because she hadnt realised it was a van not a car (neither had I ) and she leapt sideways and span a bit, almost falling down a ditch. It was a bit of an overreaction but I thought fair enough it crept up on her. Sods law the next vehicle was a massive tractor with trailer, so we asked it to stop and trotted to a gateway where I could turn her to face it, she stood calmly while it went past.A couple of cars went past at lowish speed and she felt a bit tense each time (normally doesnt flick an ear) but getting more wound up with each car (its a lane so minutes between cars not a stream). escalated to the point of exploding sideways and forwards when she saw/heard a car. tried her in front and behind other horse (who was staying calm) didnt make any odds. got to the point of having to get cars to stop and ride past or get off the lane to let them past. Totally unsafe behaviour.
I just dont understand where this has come from, yes the van worried her but it wasnt terrible, sort of thing that could happen any hack out really.
Not sure the way forward either really, dont want to risk either of us in traffic again at this point.
Thoughts?