Very Excited Pony - Show Calm Advice

H

helm

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 May 2008
Messages
122
Visit site
Hiya
Took Ernie to his second show on Sunday. As he's a bit of a baby and has never been anywhere I wanted to try it gradually. The idea was I took him in hand so that he could get used to it. The first time he was a bit naughty but came in second which was great.... this time he turned into "He Man" and kept trying to bite me and at one point in the test reared up. I figured we'd already lost so whacked him with my whip and we came in first!!!! Judge said she liked him and in hand you want to see a bit of spirit. Thing is I know he'd go better if he where just like he was at home and there's a championship coming up that we could do well in if he were good.

He's always been a bit of a pain being led but never like at shows. But he just gets so excited and the idea was he calmed down when he got used to it and then i started riding him. I worry he'll be like this if I rode and then my confidence would be shattered again.

Any one any tips - should I try one of those syringe show calmers. I don't want him to be a donkey - just normal!

Cheers
 
Friend has a TB who sounds very similar, complete nightmare at shows, can't cope if a friend goes out of sight, will not stand still for anything, etc etc. Last time she gave him Equine America's super kalm, worked like a dream,he became his normal biddable self without losing his spark, great stuff!
 
We have a mare who is completly wild when shown in hand but does well because she looks very impresive, I usually get asked if its a stallion. Once ridden she turns into an angle and won't go foward as she should on the grass.

You might find him better when ridden.
 
Sorry to sound boring, but I personally don't think that you should resort to calmers after just his second outing. To me, he needs to get out and about a bit without the pressure of competing so that he learns that outings are normal everyday things. Can you take him to local arenas/other yards, evening showjumping, local shows etc. but just lead him about a bit, give him some tea, and get him used to being around lots of other horses and coping with noise etc.?

I'm no expert (far from it!), but it seems to me to be common sense to let him get used to the sights and sounds gradually and with no pressure. Would be horrible to get yourself in to the trap of having to sedate him every time you want to take him anywhere.
 
I used the equine america so kalm syringes for Inkys first few shows and i was really impressed with the results. ( although im still not convinced its not all psychological on my behalf
crazy.gif
) Dont get Oxyshot its cr*p.

I dont think it does any harm in using calmers for the first few times. They can still take in all the sights after all they are not "doped" up, its just something to take the edge off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top