Warm up issues

[km2327]

Hi, my horse was kicked while out at a competition a few weeks ago while working in for the dressage after I'd got back on him he would not work in around other horses and kept jumping out of there way/ spinning and trying to run off. I've worked him at home with lots of horses off the yard and he been fine so I've tried taking him out and he just freaks when another horse comes past him I've tried with calmer and everything but am now at a loss what to do. He has begun to scare me as I've tried a few comps to get him through this. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks x

 

[cobden]

Hi, my mare got squashed at a warm up last year by a girl cantering straight into her, which completely panicked her. It has taken a while to get her confidence back - I started by hiring an indoor and working in with a friend and gradually progressed to passing each other quite closely at trot, then persuaded a friend with a very large horse to work with us (it was partly the noise that frightened her as she is quite small, so if she heard something heavy she was convinced it was going to run her down). I then started taking her to a local venue which has open arena nights and working her in with others without the stress of a competition - I have to say everyone was very helpful and worked with/around me as required. She is now at the stage where I can work her in with others but it has taken a while - and I still take care now that she doesnt get boxed in or in a situation where she may feel panicky. I quite often ask to go early or late in the class to try and ensure the warm up is quieter. Good luck with yours.