What could have caused this change?

[HaffiesRock]

The reason I ask is because my pony has just had a 7 week rest from ridden work and came back to work somewhat cured of his mounting issue!.

I bought him in the summer and he was an absolute bargain price due to not being catchable or mountable. I have never had an issue with the catching and hes always allowed me to catch him (although not many others!)

Mounting has been a problem. I had the vet check him, back man, saddle fitted etc before starting to ride him and there were no problems found. All said it was behavioural. I had an intelligent horseman out who helped, but still didnt cure the problem. It got to where I could only get on him when on the concrete yard. He'd spin around and look very worried, but eventually stand still to be mounted, although he was tense. He remained tense when sorting my stirrups and girth but as soon as we walked on he'd blow out and relax and then was an absolute saint. When ridden every day it took me around 5 minutes to get on, so I always allowed myself extra time as the slower and calmer we did it the easier it was.

Anyway, he had an enforced holiday from early November due to the weather so I left him be until this week as I was busy and he was enjoying mooching around. Well what a difference! I had my friend with me the first time I tried to get on as I had no idea what he would be like or if he'd even let me try. He just let me get on! No tensing, no spinning, just stood relaxed while I got on. So while out hacking I hopped off to see if I could get back on (not far from home just in case!) and again he stood still and relaxed. Same again today! I am amazed!
He is like a different pony to mount!

I dont know what has happened to his way of thinking, but something has made him decide its safe fof me to get on. I appreciate its only been a few times but the early signs are good!

Any thoughts on what it could be? The rest? Just that he trusts me more?

Any thoughts welcome. x

 

[FfionWinnie]

I wonder if its more likely to be that he trusts you now. I'd imagine if no one could catch him or mount him, it wouldn't be the first time he had time off so I'd think he has hopefully relaxed into life with you.

 

[swilliam]

It's amazing what a bit of time off does sometimes! We have an Irish cob, rescued by a friend, and brought back into work by us who has always been tense. After three months off in the summer, I was somewhat apprehensive about my daughter getting on again, but he's been angelic, and apparently quite pleased to be doing again. I think it must give them time to thoroughly relax and forget their worries.
Fingers crossed for you that it carries on

 

[Cheiro1]

Sometimes a bit of time off just seems to let them digest what you have been working on and "process" that something is ok.

Have known many a youngster which will be struggling with something come back after being turned away only for whatever it was just to have "clicked"