Young bolshy mare

[Harrison76]

Hi all.. I'm new to the group and need some advice on how to manage my 3 year old who turns 4 in April. I had horses as a child and then was out of them for 20 years. I then decided I wanted another last year, 2022. I brought my cob mare and after a few weeks of having her, her behavior got unpredictable. She dragged me in the field and I got hurt in the process. After time and patience we finally bonded, but the last few weeks she as started to get very bolshy, and she intimadates me. How can I solve this problem and get her to have some manners? I'm intending to send her away to be broke, will this help once she as a job to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I would think some time with a suitably qualified/experienced person around the handling would be really valuable for both of you. A good investment which potentially wouldn't take much time once you have been shown how.

Other on here with more experience that me will advise but perhaps some info on your management (feed, routine etc.) would help you get some advice in case those are contributing.

 

[Carrottom]

My advice would be to get professional help now. Don't wait until she goes for backing, at her age things can go pear shaped very quickly which can take a lot to unpick.
If you say what area you are in you may get suggestions for suitable people.

 

[Harrison76]

I would think some time with a suitably qualified/experienced person around the handling would be really valuable for both of you. A good investment which potentially wouldn't take much time once you have been shown how.

Other on here with more experience that me will advise but perhaps some info on your management (feed, routine etc.) would help you get some advice in case those are contributing.

 

[shortstuff99]

Everyone buys cobs thinking they will be very chill, but they can actually be very sensitive (often more than my Spanish are)! When they are nervous and scared they can get very bargy.

What she needs is to trust that you are a good leader and make good decisions. Being a mare especially, it sounds like she is trying to make her own choices as she doesn't understand the questions and trust your answers.

I would highly recommend speaking to a professional who specialises in young horses and groundwork.

 

[Harrison76]

Everyone buys cobs thinking they will be very chill, but they can actually be very sensitive (often more than my Spanish are)! When they are nervous and scared they can get very bargy.

What she needs is to trust that you are a good leader and make good decisions. Being a mare especially, it sounds like she is trying to make her own choices as she doesn't understand the questions and trust your answers.

I would highly recommend speaking to a professional who specialises in young horses and groundwork.

 

[Harrison76]

I'm putting it down to the fact she as been on box rest for a few weeks due to a leg injury..Most days she is fine, I can be in the stable brushing her and she is absolutely fine, but she doesn't seem to like it when I leave. She is also very temperamental when in season, are there any supplements they can have to help.

 

[misst]

You were given some really good consistent advice above. Being on box rest, being in season, spring grass ... there are endless reasons but the problem is not really the horse or the grass or the box rest. The problem is you need a bit of professional help in nipping dangerous behaviors in the bud. Bonding with her will not change the way she behaves. Take the advice from someone who also made a similar mistake which was easily solved by a professional in a couple of sessions. Invest in your future together and get help before this pattern is more difficult to break.

 

[Ratface]

Hi Harrison76, welcome to the hive mind that is HHO!
Please take notice of the advice given by the previous posters: it is eminently sensible and sound.
I have had ponies and horses for the whole of my long life (77yrs) and I'm still learning.
I have a 16hh 29 yr old old pure-bred Arabian who knows every trick in the book, and some that he's still busy devising! I've had him for 11 years. We still go (potter/bounce/leap/plunge sideways) round the local fields, woods and byways relatively safely, mainly because I have long legs, quite good balance and know Mr Horse very well!
I have competed in every discipline with some success, but in comparison with Yard Owner, I have huge gaps in my knowledge because I depend on her experience and knowledge of the breed to keep my lovely horse fit, sound and joyful.
Please get your horse fully vetted (if not already done) and get an appropriate trainer to help both you and your cob.
Good luck.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

You need to be In charge of the horse, never mind 'bonding'. If you need professional help, now is a good time, before you send her away for backing. If you don't take charge, consistently and fairly, you can bet your bottom dollar that your cob will.
Don't ever let her move your feet, you move hers. If she won't let you out of the stable, get hold of her, move her, let yourself out and take the headcollar/halter off from outside the stable. Keep both of you safe

 

[Fjord]

Is there a local instructor who is good with youngsters who could come out to work with you both? I'd definitely recommend getting someone to give you groundwork lessons so you can get a handle on the behaviour. You could start off with a few weekly lessons then maybe just have monthly top ups until you both fully understand how to work together. Getting it right at the beginning will make it all so much easier and safer down the line.