What would you do?

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express_75

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Last Sunday my 4yr old Welsh D mare spooked in the school at a "banner" (single duvet cover), she went one way and i went the other! Wasn't hurt at all and did get back on, didn't go back into the school as it was blowing a gale and didn't fancy being thrown onto the jumps so took her down the track back and forth (we'd already been out for a hack).
I've not been well all week and haven't ridden her so today i rode someone else's horse in the school just to get my confidence back on going past the banner, i plan on taking my mare in the school tomorrow morning with someone on the ground with me as im being a right chicken and just want a bit of back up.
Ive been told that i can take the banner down but i really want her to get used to these things, im not sure of what to do for the best? I don't want to let my imagaination run away with me, i'll have a soft landing if i fall but really don't want it to happen again!
Hope the rain eases off a bit as i have to tackle this!
HELP!
Thanks
x
 
Leave the banner up, she needs to be desensitized to it, and you are in a safe environment with a soft landing.

If you are really worried about being on her back and going past it,lead her past it at first?
 
Leave the banner up, she'll have to get used to it. Could you lunge her in the arena next to the banner? That way, she can have a good look and you have your feet firmly on the ground!
 
She been lunged past it many times now and every now and again she jump at it..She seems to look at it more in the day rather that the night when the flood lights are on, she doesnt do anything then..
It was very windy and it sort of puffed out at her...turned on a six pence! Lovely mouthful of sand for me! lol
 
Is there any way you could get a lead in the school from a nice sensible horse that won't mind the banner? That's what I would do - let your youngster follow another one past first a few times & then try it side by side & then finally with you in front.
 
If it were my baby i'd take him into the school on a lunge line with a pillow case, i'd start by gently flapping it etc and building up to being able to flap it about anywhere near him including by his sides and up round his head. Letting him spook and encouraging him to take his time to come back to investigate and rewarding everytime he does so (stroke between the eyes or a treat). I'd build that up to larger items that can flap and puff up in the wind. Then i'd go back to riding and schooling away from the banner (possibly on the lunge), i'd gradually build it up to going closer to the banner until he was confident that it wasn't going to 'eat him'!
 
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