Help Help Help

[horses4lf]

hey, i was wondering if you could give me some advise. My cob has started to refuse to go out of our gate from the yard and out on the field, and thats the only way to get out the downs and start riding. he will walk when some one is infront of him but not on his own :confused: I get him out about 1m and he trys to get the grass i pull him up and he scrapes the grownd with his foot how can i stop these problems?:confused: :confused:

if you could help it would be great:)

thanks Sarah x

[bexj]

Has anything changed - feed, turnout, tack, routine? Is he just going for grass, or is he spinning, rearing or planting his feet?

It's horrid dealing with a napper, but with patience and understanding, it can be done:)

[mayoguinness]

I'd get off and lead him for a while and then get back on;)

[Rarah]

My hacking partner is having exactly the same problem at the moment (even the foot scraping!).

Kip (the horse that's having the problem) used to be the lead horse because I was new to the area. Eventualyl me and my horse gained confidence, we took lead and Kip seems to enjoy following now!

Rather than pushing Kip too hard when she dosn't want to go in front, we allow her to follow my horse for a short period because there are times when it seems impossible to get moving any other way. When she's working nicely and is a little more relaxed we encourage her to go alongside my horse, and occasionally in front. We've just hoping her confidence returns in time and the times that she's leading increase.

Have you thought about just going out with someone else for the time being. Perhaps your horse may be happy to take the lead on the way back? Possibly switching order more frequently until you can go out of your farm in front in future eventually.

Sorry - probably not much help -but at least you know you're not alone.

[horses4lf]

thanks guys :)