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View Full Version : Bumping into fence lines

Peanut
16th Apr 2007, 08:37 AM
Just wonder why my horse seems to be the complete opposite of others and finds fence lines difficult.

We are lucky to have a large arena and when we school in the centre my mare (rising 5) goes well on both straight/long sides and bends/circles etc. However as soon as we try to ride along a fence line she keeps bumping into it especially at the corners and becomes totally unbalanced.

I want to start doing some dressage tests but we need to sort this problem first. Any ideas?
Tots N Dots
16th Apr 2007, 08:42 AM
dont know really how to solve it, I had a mare that did the same, my instuctor at the time said she was "hugging the walls" and told me to work her just off the track away from the wall? but she then developed bone spavin so was retired, never did get to solve it sorry, but thought you would like to know you are not alone :D
helenc
16th Apr 2007, 11:42 AM
I think some of them find it a bit comforting to be close to the wall - it also means that we get the chance to be a bit lazy as we don't have to keep them straight - the fence is supposed to do that, however with your horse the fence isn't doing that at all, she keeps banging into it instead.

I would work her slightly off the fence line (1 to 2 metres) that way at least you know she will be straight when you do a dressage test :)
flintybaby
16th Apr 2007, 11:44 AM
Erm... whats a fence line??
Peanut
16th Apr 2007, 12:12 PM
Erm... whats a fence line??

The fencing that encloses the arena.
Walnut
16th Apr 2007, 12:14 PM
Work about 2 metres in from the fence and ride straight lines and corners. When you have this sorted move gradually back towards the fence line:)
Peanut
16th Apr 2007, 12:15 PM
Thanks Walnut and everyone. Will give that a try. :)
helenc
16th Apr 2007, 03:50 PM
Sylvester is a bit of a drifter sometimes & he likes to have inside bend even when he's supposed to be going straight, he's worse if we are close to the fence too.

This has improved by ALWAYS riding away from the fence - I only go near the fence if we are doing a specific exercise such as serpentines, 20m circles & to get his flying changes back in order if/when he loses the idea of how to do them