Young Napping Horse! Next Steps? <3

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beccacromar16

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Hi guys, I'm wondering if you can help me!

I recently bought a 7 year old mare that has NEVER been told "No" in her life and has been treated like a princess and let away with absolute murder! I've had her rising 9 weeks now and we're becoming closer and closer each day.

The first couple of times I took her out on hacks with other horses, she seems to nap like crazy when she sees something she really doesn't like and will stop dead, spin, rear or ride up onto grass verges and doesn't care what is going on behind her and it just became dangerous.

Recently, I've been taking her out in her bridle and lungeing rope in-hand around our more common hacking routes and the first time she stopped dead every 5 minutes but I took her out today for 3 and a half hours (I lost track of time lol) and she did not stop ONCE. We passed JCB's, buses, we passed 3 long lines of horses going to and from the riding school down the road, dogs and I even walked her up to my house to meet my mum and take her through the busy estate that we live in that is SWARMED with children! :eek:

I am taking her out on her first hack on her own on Thursday, but also taking my lungeing rope incase I need to dismount and walk her for the remainder of the ride so that i do not have to turn back like she wants too haha! Is this the right thing to do? :confused::confused:

Is it safe to long line (ground drive) my horse out on quiet bridle paths and roads so that she does not have the reassurance of me next to her?

What do you guys think? Is this just lack of trust between horse and rider that is gradually increasing? <3
 
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Leading out in hand sounds a good idea. for your next hack out, instead of starting out on her, i would lead her 3/4 of the way round your ride, even more if you want and then just hop on and ride the last half mile or whatever and gradually build this up. This should hopefully give her some more confidence, and gradually reduce the amount of dependance that she has placed on you being 'at her head' as she should be looking to come home, rather than spooking and napping at not leaving the yard. :)
 
This is definitely a good idea and thank you for commenting on my first ever post haha!

You know how it is, thrown in the deep end with a new horse that you are trying to fathom out! :)

I am going to try this on Thursday as we are certainly making progress and I was over the moon with her behaviour today.

I am really wanting to try out long lining if all else fails haha, is it safe to carry out on roads "eventually"?
 
I agree with walking her out in hand, it really does help, I do it with my youngsters. Whirlwind's idea is also good. :)

Definately never ever turn around 'on the spot' and go back the way you came. She sounds like the sort of horse that needs to always do a circular route, or at least a small loop before heading home again.

When she's ready to ride, I would put a neckstrap on her, a full cheek bit and take a schooling whip (or two - one in each hand - and tap the shoulder that she turns towards if she whips-around). All are very handy bits of equipment to have with a nappy horse.

She will get better. :)

Be calm, ooze confidence, praise good behaviour and correct any napping... and don't give up. Getting off and leading her past something is not a defeat as long as she stands nicely for you to dismount and remount.

Good luck.
 
Yeah she is definitely the type of horse that must spin round before she even considers panicking.

I did considered putting a neck strap on her and also taking a schooling whip but as I have not been riding her out I haven't had a chance to practice this technique but on Thursday I'm gonna try what whirlwind suggested and I will take a schooling whip & attach a neck strap for that small remainder of hacking on the way home

Watch this space, it could either go one of two ways ha!
 
Do you have a school or a field you could practice long-reining in before going out on the roads or a bridleway? I think long-reining is the ideal next step but obviously you need to see how she'll take to it first before taking her out in public as such.

Otherwise the idea of riding the last half mile is a great idea. It sounds like you're doing a great job with her already.
 
I have a schooling field at my yard (field with jumps, dressage markers etc) that I planned to initially practice in before I attempted long reining but I honestly can't see her being fazed by the ropes across her sides or the steering side of long reining

I am going to see how riding the last 1/4th of the ride will benefit her, mouting up at a point she has been to lots of times and knows where home is so that she isn't lost or panics.

If that doesn't work then I will look into long reining or find a happy medium with doing both possibly once a week so she can develop with and without my help
 
I agree with the previous adevice that is all good. I have had this experience with a previous hgorse who would behave exactly as yours and nap violently in company and alone. His problem, and I think you horses problem is too, lack of confidence. Although she may have been treated as a princess, it doesn't necessarily mean she had the confidence to carry it off! The essential thing is that you stay calm and keep quietly insisting she move. I have found spiralling round in a very tight circle and then gradually opening it out is a very good way to get them moving again. Also as someone else said, if she naps, make her go on to a point where you decide to turn round. Previously with Ty it took me 2 1/2 hours just to go the 300m to the end of the lane when I first had him! But he went in the end!

Another thing I used to do, which proved invaluable in the long run was if he napped, I would push it as far as I felt safe doing it, and then get off and lead him past to a point where I could get back on again. I was 100% consistent in doing this, so he learnt that whatever happened we were going on until I said turn round.

I think jumping on her for the last few minutes is a good idea, but I would suggest if you are thinking of riding her out from the beginning, you would always ride in company until it is clear that she has got the confidence to go alone. She will benefit a lot from the other horse being there and once Ty was happy to go in front, the moment he began to stop the other horse would slide past and Ty would lock onto thier bottom and forget what he waa going to do. We didn't do this every time as a lot depended on how I felt about what he was doing - just so he didn't get the idea that all he had yo do was nap and he would not need to be in front on again.
It does take a lot a patience to deal with this, but the time youinvest now will pay off dividends in the future. Ty completly turned round and in the end was happy to hack alone on a loose rein and instead of completely freaking out when something happen would shoot off a few strides to pout a bit of distance between him and the scarey thing and then go forwards again, albeit on tiptoes!

Good luck and let us know how you get on.
 
Not read the other posts so sorry if I repeat.

I would certainly not lead this mare around the roads (you are much safer on board), and using a lunge line is just an accident waiting to happen. I actually think the whole idea is highly dangerous.

How much traffic experience has this little horse actually got?

I certainly would not take her out on her own until she is much more confident in traffic. There's nappy, and there's unhappy and insecure.
 
I agree with Amymay- you are always safer on board the horse. but have also been in your position and had a horse that would stop dead and spin and bunk off home which turned into rearing and lying down in the road...!

I used to hack out with two schooling whips and in spurs and at every single point of hesitation we would go forwards into a very quick trot. What really cracked it for me was him having a bucket of water chucked up his bum when he napped really badly! it would make him shoot forward- then you just have to carry the momentum forwards!

Also jumping first seemed to sort it out- flicked his head on going forwards...
 
I would be careful leading her around on the ground as in the wrong mood she could strike out in order to get away from you. My horse is very friendly with people but at the height of his nappy behaviour he reared at me turned around and booted me in the air in order to gallop back to the yard.
I would suggest you long rein her with someone else at her head to be on the safe side. With nappy horses it really is a case of trial and error and to be honest you frequently need to change tactics so the horse doesn't get wise to them but you can get through it.
Best of luck
 
I agree with the first set of posts... I do this with all my youngsters, and they always try to nap... you're just having this delayed with yours as she's been pandered to as you say!

So, lead her out and get on when you feel she is going forwards. If she stops and you need to get off and lead then this is fine, NEVER let her turn and go home though, she HAS to go past whether you lead her or ride her. It doesn't matter if you get on and off several times, just build up how much you are on and how much you are off as she gains confidence and loses the wll to argue because she always loses!

Next steps, once you are doing more riding than leading and you have a bit more confidence in each other is get someone to walk with you with a schooling stick. Then when she stops you can ride her past with support from someone on the ground.

Re long reining, it is a good idea, but you need to be careful where you go, personally I don't like to long rein on the roads, only on lanes. I'd also get someone to walk with you, they can take her head if needs be, you don't want her spinning and you getting in a tangle with the reins.
 
as someone with a dangerous nappy horse who has no self confidence I would agree with leading out with a lunge line - there is no way I am safer on top of my rearing leaping spinning bucking bronko of a horse than on the end of a 12 ft lead wearing a hat, sorry - but it's just not ! if shes going well now it is clearly building your confidence in each other leading out I agree to try long lining some of the way and the last section riding home. Long lining is good as you are behind her rather than at the side so will build her self confidence when she is on her own.

i think you will be safe to try a couple of acks out with others now though and save ground work for just when its you and her
 
Ladylina83 said:
as someone with a dangerous nappy horse who has no self confidence I would agree with leading out with a lunge line - there is no way I am safer on top of my rearing leaping spinning bucking bronko of a horse than on the end of a 12 ft lead wearing a hat, sorry - but it's just not ! if shes going well now it is clearly building your confidence in each other leading out I agree to try long lining some of the way and the last section riding home. Long lining is good as you are behind her rather than at the side so will build her self confidence when she is on her own.

i think you will be safe to try a couple of acks out with others now though and save ground work for just when its you and her
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Totally agree with this. I feel MUCH more in control on the ground and would hate to get thrown in the path of a car/barbed wire fence etc.
Always totally coat yourself in Hiviz- take a friend to walk along side you (not horse) should anything go wrong- the person can also help slow down traffic if your hands are full of long reins!
Both of you should take mobile phones - wear gloves, hats and safe boot s with good grip.

My boy has been long reined out for a year now and is great out of his own/ in front as that is what he is used to- doesnt nap (although can still spook)

eventually after a few weeks of this your friend can detach long lines and carry them while you ride.... eventually you should be able to do the whole ride with friend on foot.

Good luck
 
I do Long rein about the place but only after they are long reining really well around the school paddock and yard and I always take a second person with me that's really important its not safe on your own.
I also lead them from another horse you need to teach them in a safe place what you want and again I ride the lead horse and my groom rides another again you need the second horse and rider when you start. I have got several very difficult nappy horses hacking happily doing this including older Dutch horses who had never been out and about they both became excellent hacks
I have not read all the posts so sorry if I am repeating it is very important too drop the food right off this type of horse I would feed her only hay turn her out as much as possible and I would work twice a day if you can she needs to be thinking a sleep would be nice so mucking about seems too much effort.
You need to take the long view it may take a while for her to became a good hack alone even a year would not surprise me. IMO big fights with sort are best avoided which is why I lead them even the really nappy ones have come right this way.
Good luck with her.
 
Sorry, did I miss something, why are we hacking out rather than instilling obedience in the school, where you have more things working for you. She probably needs a lot of handling, long reining and lunging till she has your respect, if you feel more secure on the ground than in the saddle then you might find it easier and quicker to send her to be ridden through this stage but it is not that easy to find a place which wants a nappy mare for a short time.
Alternatively you may find someone willing to ride out for you and get her sorted, but he [and I like a man on board] needs to be a professional rider, and not all that many are willing to risk life and limb without a decent payment. If you are near a horse racing centre there will be lads that love this kind of thing.
A small feed of Fast Fibre twice a day and soak all haylage to remove sugars, also I feed the full dose of Feedmark Steady UP, don't worry if she loses a bit of condition, she will not die of starvation, in the UK we tend are used to over-conditioned horses nowadays, and you don't want to be tussling with a fighting fit and nappy mare.
A cheekpiece snaffle is a good idea, also if she naps you must keep her legs moving, whether on the ground or riding. If on board you can try lifting your inside hand six inches vertically and tapping the outside shoulder with the schooling whip. Good strong leg aids at all times, until she is "coming off the leg" you will not progress.
 
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Just keep taking her out on the same short circular routes, be it leading her or with riding her out with other sensible horses.

It's important that you stick to the same route (as boring as it will be for you) because a horse will gain confidence and feel more at home with their surroundings if you stick to the same route close to home and in a way of routine.

Horses will always feel more at ease if you are on the ground with them but you have to make that transition from being at the shoulder to being behind them so you can long reining safely and with out rushing things, it's too easy to think their ready when there not just because they have had good day, can only take one litle thing to trigger a set back and cause the napping all over again or worse an accident.
 
I also think you must be careful about this "bonding business" no treats, or soft kind words for no reason, tie her up to muck out, to groom and to tack up, leave her tied up for ten minutes after tacking up [be nearby] put a rug on and tie up the reins, see if she gets in a tantrum, if so wait till she is calm and then take her out.
Same when lunging, some people mutter away non-stop so the horse turns off, she need to be alert for your next command, if you have a good lunge session, don't prolong it, put her back in the stable and let her think about it.
Ignore bad things and reward good behaviour [nothing excessive]
Try to keep to a routine so she knows what she has to do and therefore won't fight every inch of the way.
 
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Sorry, did I miss something, why are we hacking out rather than instilling obedience in the schoo
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Issues with hacking are not always about obedience - they are often to do with something lacking in a horses education. I asked earlier what sort of hacking experience the horse has, but the OP hasn't been back on yet.

Regarding walking in hand with a lunge line - can I ask those who think this is a good idea why it is a good idea?

I can think of nothing more dangerous than an upset, worried, spinning horse on the end of a 12 foot rope in the middle of the road. I'm sure other road users would agree.
 
Would agree with the people who say you are better off on board. It could be a good idea to get a friend to walk with you with a lead rope to attach if necessary.

I would never ever ever try long lining a nappy horse out on the road. If a horse on long lines decides to nap, you have no leverage to pull them back and they are always going to be stronger than you. If you must be on foot, I would definitely suggest leading from a bridle with gloves and a hat on.
 
Polotash said:
I agree with the first set of posts... I do this with all my youngsters, and they always try to nap... you're just having this delayed with yours as she's been pandered to as you say!

So, lead her out and get on when you feel she is going forwards. If she stops and you need to get off and lead then this is fine, NEVER let her turn and go home though, she HAS to go past whether you lead her or ride her. It doesn't matter if you get on and off several times, just build up how much you are on and how much you are off as she gains confidence and loses the wll to argue because she always loses!

Next steps, once you are doing more riding than leading and you have a bit more confidence in each other is get someone to walk with you with a schooling stick. Then when she stops you can ride her past with support from someone on the ground.

Re long reining, it is a good idea, but you need to be careful where you go, personally I don't like to long rein on the roads, only on lanes. I'd also get someone to walk with you, they can take her head if needs be, you don't want her spinning and you getting in a tangle with the reins.
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Agree with this and good luck
 
I agree with Amymay- you are always safer on board the horse
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Sorry, did I miss something, why are we hacking out rather than instilling obedience in the school
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Regarding walking in hand with a lunge line - can I ask those who think this is a good idea why it is a good idea?
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I will reply in regard to the nappy horses that I have dealt with, I'm sure that not all horses will react the same way, so training methods need to be tailored to fit the individual horse.

You are not always safer mounted. I have found that when horses nap because they have confidence issues - if you are next to them and walking calmly - they don't even *think* about napping, if they trust you and feel safe with you. I have often got off to walk past scary things and then remounted. Quite often you will be able to ride past the scary thing the next day because the horse has been past it calmly (and didn't get eaten ;) ).

If the horse is confident and obedient in the school, you are never going to improve it's hacking if you never hack. You have to get out there and yes, err on the side of caution. Don't go out during rush hour, don't go down busy roads, wear hi-viz etc...

I don't lead with a lunge rein. I either use the reins (over the horse's head) or a long leadrope (approx 10ft) and I always wear gloves.

I took the yearling out on Sunday in his headcollar and long leadrope. My friend was leading the 3 year old in her bridle. We went down a route that the yearling had never done before and he was quite spooky and napped at quite a few things that he's just never seen before. I needed to let the rope out a couple of times, but there were no dodgy moments. This is exactly the same training that I would do with a ridden horse that has never hacked. They need to get out and see things safely and under control, if it is safer and you have better control leading them - then lead them.
 
For a start I don't know WHY some people in particular on this post are being nasty, telling myself that taking a lunge line is "dangerous"

My horse hasn't even THOUGH about napping once since I have been walking her in-hand and will hack in-hand to her hearts content

She is also incredibly OBEDIENT in the school and is infact a dream to school, she just has confidence issues out hacking nor is she "overfed".

My method has quite obviously worked so far and I will be doing what I feel is right for my horse but I am not having bickering and moaning on my post.
EVERY HORSE IS DIFFERENT

~ beccacromar16
 
Your horse sounds like the female equivalent of mine! He's young and been babied all his life, allowed to get away with everything and anything and as a result was very nappy when I first got him 4 months ago. I did a lot of ground work with him - initially in the school because he napped really badly in there to start with and then I took him for hacks in hand which really cemented our bond and gave him trust in me. Like your horse, he never thought about napping when I was leading him. I'm lucky enough to live in an area where I never have to go on the roads if I don't want to so we started all our in hand walking in the forest.

He's already so much better and I'm able to ride him out on hacks along certain routes on my own with him with no hassle - although he still needs a lot of leg and encouragement, but now he listens to me rather than flying into a spin as soon as he sees something he's not sure about.

I now do a lot of ridden schooling and also hack out with another horse every week, but I don't think we'd have come this far without the in-hand walking at the beginning.

Each to their own though. Sometimes different things work for different people/horses and it's just about finding what's right for you and yours.

Good luck, you'll get through it :)
 
I'm not being nasty, no one is. You asked a question to which many have replied.

In MY opinion using a lunge line would be dangerous. Some agree, some don't.

You will pick out. The bits from this post that you think will work for you.

As for bickering, there has been none - just a sharing of views.
 
My mare is very nappy and has got worse after a prolonged spell of no hacking or being allowed to just follow due to my confidence being severely damaged. However now I am feeling more confident I need to start tackling this and was all ready to start the fight!

Her favourite trick is to plant and she is soooo stubborn. This weekend I went out with a friend whose mare also becomes nappy when out with mine (they are field mates) and I ended up having to get off and lead mine a few times. Well it has been a revelation to me and I think she was actually lacking confidence and towards the end was much more willing to listen to me than just follow her friend.

So I will now be doing some in hand hacks regularly and start getting on once she is more comfortable with the routes. I think every horse is different.
 
Takeachance, your reply gave me so much hope! It sounds like you're doing so well with your boy and I applaud your patience :)

I'm glad that both of you are able to have more relaxing hacks and maybe with my determination and ever growing bond with my horse we can continue with the same methods you carried out!

Thank you!
 
OP be aware that as you get a growing bond with your mare you must be the leader and she the follower it sounds as if in her previous home she was the leader ( in her mind) and in mares this a common cause of problems it will just a take a bit time and consistency when she decides you are the leader things will be easier.
horses vary a lot some are bolder than others and some naturally very cautious you need to work out where she is coming from when she napps some love exploring and others are never really happy with it , you really need to 'feel your way ' with these problems.
 
In her last home she was DEFINITELY in charge of the owners not the opposite way around. When I first got her she would go in the huff if asked to stop fidgeting or if she received a slap from myself! My farrier had to give her a slap the first time he visited because she took the utter piss and we had him back out on Saturday and she fell asleep!

She just likes to see what she can get away with but her behaviour out hacking has improved dramatically since I have been walkin in-hand
 
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