Warwick Schiller - Groundwork

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Spacejet

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I have been using Focus and Balance (FAB) by Warwick Schiller on my 4.5 year old mare as she doesn’t have brilliant ground manners and had a tendency to bolt and nap when ridden (obviously not riding her at the moment!)
She was doing really well but now she has taken major step backs.. She is now unresponsive after 5 minutes (goes round OK for five minutes but does stop and nap on right rein and kicks out when she’s being told to MOVE. After five minutes she’ll just stand there no matter how much I try to get her to move. Even tapping her with the rope doesn’t get her moving).
I’ve tried everything.. Carrot stick, schooling whip (tapping to annoy) shouting and waving my arms.. NOTHING gets a reaction from her. I am just abit lost at the moment because she was going so well and now all of a sudden she has just shut me out. She’ll follow me around but just won’t move away and around me.
What should I do?
 
Can you get in touch with Warwick Schiller or someone who trains in his way? Maybe they could come out and see what they think or give you some advice? Good luck and be careful! :)
 
I am not familiar with the focus and balance by WS but I found with this sort of NH/groundwork that you really initially need someone there with you who knows how to do it and time this stuff properly especially if you are doing this on a slightly troubled horse.

When I first started doing some NH/groundwork, I quickly realised that the issue was my lack of skills and not my youngster!
 
The first time I met my young mare (at her viewing!), she planted. After a brief while, I realised there was no way on earth she was going to move forwards (and nor could I move her by pressure or coercion!). So, I interfered with her balance, making her step sideways and as soon as she had, piled on praise and kept her moving. She planted later and I did the same again. She hasn't planted with me ever again. Have you tried similar with yours? Don't focus on going forwards but on gaining movement in any direction, even a step sideways or backwards and taking it from there. In fact, with a serial planter, I'd try to pre-empt a standstill and surprise them with something new before they have a chance to dig in.
 
The Warwick FB group is very active and he often answers folk who ask questions, could be worth asking in there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/149136071900446/

As an aside, he's in Scotland in Aug :D
 
Are you a paid up member? I was a one point and in some of his video he has someone else on the ground helping
also as already said he has a great fb page and will answer questions on there
 
The Fab exercise is not meant to be something you do over and over....one or two sessions should be enough,...If you are feeling that you have to do it numerous times, reassess your cues etc as it is a sign you need to correct something you are doing. Definately join the Facebook group and ask for advice there, Warwick is very active and normally answers. Plus there are alot of experienced posters who will also give advice.
 
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