What does it mean?

[kirstie]

Maybe some of you can enlighten me on what amba is telling me?

One of the first groundwork exercises i've been doing with amba is backing up, shes very clear now on stopping and walking on when i do, no knocking me over and being pushy, she also can do some back - up work.

I have a book, which in my opinion is pretty good The fearless Horse - Roger and Jonna Day and it shows some exercises to develop respect in a nice manner.

We completed the first exercise - Personal Space
Second is - Stop and rein back buttons, you slow the horse down and turn in face the horse and ask him to stop, when i do this and the next part back-up/rein-back she gets very hot-headed i.e mad, nippy. After we've done it a few times she settles and gets used to me doing this, i thought it was a one off but tried again another day and she showed the same thing.

Could it be that i'm now wanting respect from her, shes always kind of pushed me around you see :o some of the time?

I'm sure its not the way i do it, although thats a possibility, i'm calm, ask clearly and wait patiently.

Thanks :)

[mayoguinness]

Is this when riding or on ground??

[kirstie]

Sorry forgot to add that :rolleyes: its on the ground :)

[Bay Mare]

Is she quite dominant? It could be that she's dominant in the herd and sees you not as an equal, not as higher than her in the pecking order but as lower down than she is and she's challenging your position. You will need to keep on calmly doing the groundwork and above all be consistant and be careful to use 'strong' body language.

The other reason could be that you're not making the signals clear enough or you do something else with similar signals and she's just confused.

I would tend, however, to think that she's dominant and sees you as lower than her in the pecking order at the moment.

Be careful to praise the good behaviour and as soon as she 'tries' reward her whether it's a click and treat, a release of pressure, a 'good girl' or a scratch on the neck or forehead. They respond well to positive reinforcement so always be sure to reward the good.

[kirstie]

Yes she is quite dominant on the ground, she does challenge me a lot as well, - which is why i'm doing groundwork. Shes the low one in her equine herd, and i would agree i'm the low one in our pecking order. I did exactly as you described in your post, i'm always careful and make sure i give clear signals so she knows whats asked of her and praised her after wards with rubs, glad i did the right thing :)

Thanks BM