youngster advice

J

JJtheJetPlane

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Im wanting to crack on this summer and get my youngster out on her own. She has had lots of good hacking experiences fun rides etc but not done anything on her own. She is five this may.
We finished last summer with my other half coming out on the bike with me and there was no problems what so ever we both really enjoyed it. The only concern i have is if im with another horse and we see something scary ahead my girl just plants her feet and wont move.
I keep calm and just kick and ask her to walk on but 90 % of the time I have to get the other horse to lead the way as we would be there all day otherwise. She will then walk past and not blink an eye lid even if the other horse spooks etc. Shes quite a level headed horse really.
So im after some advice as to how im going to get around this when im totally on my own. Im planning to take her to a quiet farm ride next weekend and im determined to do it on my own.. But i could do with some tricks up my sleeve just incase !!
Any tips or your guys expeiences we would be very grateful !
 
1. Get a day when you have nothing else to do.
2. Wrap yourself in a body protector etc.
3. Just get on with it. Take your time and go out.
4. If she plants, just sit there and when she relaxes, ask to go forward. Dont get off and dont put too much pressure.
5. You will get round in one piece and then do the same the following day.

The most important part is to not transfer any concerns to her & secondly just take your time.

I'm lucky that my 4yr old has always been independent enough to work on her own, but my 7yr old was totally backwards like your mare. He now hacks out better on his own and the "handbrake" that was always stuck on has vanished!!
 
sounds like she is pretty good alround really. Planting is no fun though, i used to have a horse that did that, but you just have to persevere. If the worst comes to the worst then get off and walk her past + then get on again, she will soon learn she doesnt get away with it + has to pass wether she likes it or not. I know its not ideal but sometimes its the only option. chances are this year as she is a bit older + wiser she may not stop at all, she may be a little braver. Alot of the time the trick is 2 not let them stop in the 1st place, if u see somethin that u know she will stop at just keep your leg on and flex her away from it + try to look the other way yourself.
 
I'm lucky that my 4yr old has always been independent enough to work on her own, but my 7yr old was totally backwards like your mare. He now hacks out better on his own and the "handbrake" that was always stuck on has vanished!!



Dolly dolls thats just made me giggle !!

She also seems to have a problem with her handbrake being stuck on !! Maybe i should try a gargage !! he he
 
Hi, my old horse did this when i first got her, i think she was just trying me out to be honest! All i did as mentioned above was sit and wait for her to relax and even if it took an hour for her to move on we did it in the end and my way! So yes as already mentioned pick a day when you have lots of time, that's all she needs i am sure.
Good luck
Kate x
 
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