West wilts disaster- advice/reassurance?

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joben

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My lovely 'special' 4yo is now officially a sh**bag! We had a disaster at west wilts. Firstly he wouldn't go into the dressage warm up area and then spend the first 20mins napping- trying to go back to the trailer. He has never napped before so I played it cool and eventually got him going ok. I felt that he needed a good whack but a) I didn't want to upset anyone else and b) I've never hit him in that situation and I'm not sure what his reaction would be. anyway we did an OK test under the circumstances.

He warmed up beautifully for the SJ with just 1 minor nap which was easily ignored. Then it was our turn and the disaster began. first he refused to go into the arena then he refused to go anywhere near the 1st fence. We eventually got over 1 and 2 and then the third fence was directly away from the collecting ring and he planted 10m out and napped until we got eliminated.

It was only his 2nd outing- he was well behaved at his first. do I need to panic that I've got a nappy nightmare or do you think it can be worked through. In the SJ he really needed to be told off big time but again I'm a bit chicken as I'm not sure that he wouldn't fight back. how should I handle this? It would be better if he napped at home and then we could fight through it in private but it is likely only to happen in competitions. My plan is to get him out and about to lots of little local events and go from there.

If I get brave and decide to beat him up (nicely!) what is the likelihood of him submitting rather than trying to kill me?
any advice appreciated?
 
He's 4 at his second outing, presumably at a PAVO. Young horses all react differently to this sort of atmosphere.

If it were me I'd give the horse the benefit of the doubt and find him lots of low key baby outings, you now have all winter to get him going before taking him out eventing again.

It could well have just been a lack of confidence in his new rider which manifested as naughty behaviour.
 
My advice would be to take him to as many low key things as you can over the next few weeks so that he understands what's being asked of him.
I certainly wouldnt let it put me off if this is unusual behaviour for him!
 
QUite nrmal for a baby feeling insecure. Get him out to lots of baby things, and he will improve. Went through the same with mine, and he is now fine. Wouldnt tell him off, will just reinforce the ring ebing a scary place!!
 
I would go back and build his confidence at quieter competitions. WW was heaving this w/e and its alot for a youngster to cope with. Also as I stated in another post, I felt Fence 3 in the SJing was a bit mean, as it was asking for horses to be nappy, before they had a chance to get going. I shouldn't worry, I'm sure he'll redeem himself, confidence takes a long time to build and a moment to shatter.
 
Lots of long reining if he starts to napp, it will give you the confidence to send him on without the ridden threat which very easily transmits to the horse.. you should then find the ridden work improves, make sure your competent handling the reins first, so you dont get in a pickle, ground work is the key. good luck.
 
I was working in for the dressage at the same time as you (by your discription it has to be you) and it's hard to say what to do.. to me it didn't look like he was napping in any sort of direction (ie not always towards the lorrys) more that he just didn't want to go forwards at all, anywhere.. you say it was only his second time out?? Maybe the whole ocasion got to him.. I would take him to as many 'parties' as poss. without even thinking about taking part.. at the first one just walk around the lorries on a long relaxed rein and then build it up from there.. He looked a bit pro at it for you to be able to 'have it out' with him, you don't want to start something you can't finish.. If you do start something, i'd make sure you have someone on the ground to help you..
 
thanks guys for all the replies- making me feel more positive already. We're off to a little ODE this weekend so I'll let you know if we manage to get further than the third showjump! Gland that nobody has advised 'having it out with him' as I think I might end up the loser! It's reassured me a bit to hear that a few other horses found the third fence a bit unsettling. Just really disappointed that we didn't get to go XC as that is the whole point.
 
He's only a wee baby would not worry too much at this stage! And rather than doing ODE would just stick to doing small shows and just doing the one class, and then pack him off home on a good note. One round of SJ then go home,or just one dressage test and then go home. ( I personally think to ask a 4 year old to do a whole ODE is a pretty big ask unless youve got something ultra mature)
 
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