Napping and rearing when driven

[Dinsarsio]

I went on drive to the local forest with a friend of mine yesterday.Her little shetland mare went great all the way round the forest.Then when she was asked to do anything but go home she backed and reared several times:eek:.In my opinion my friend did everthing right,and held her cool.Gem threw a totally paddy like a spoilt child.My friend managed to get her own way in the endand took her home.Even on the way home she had trouble she was reversing into banks then rearing:mad:.Can anyone advise her.She is talking about putting a standing martingale on her.I have looked at my driving books can`t seem to find any tips for her,so i thought i would ask on here.:confused:She broke her in later on i think she was 12 and she is concerned that she is set in her ways.

[HorseWhisp3r3r]

Hiya,
Is she using the same harness as she does to exercise her in ?It could be pain related has she ever done it at home ? Is she used to just going on grass or tarmac that can make a difference.

[Dinsarsio]

she uses the same harness.She only does it when she is asked to do something she doesn`t want to.

[HorseWhisp3r3r]

I don't think a standing martingale is going to make much difference to be honest. I think good old schooling is the answer. Does she behave the same way when she wants her own way when shes not being driven ? Maybe groundwork could help also

[Wally]

Sounds like she is threatening you.

All you can do in this situation is stay calm and drive her forwards, if she won't go get the groom down and lead her and make it clear to her she is going to do as you ask.

Shetlands can be no more set in their ways than any other horse. You can set them to your ways with time and perseverence.

[ShariN]

With one that get rank or bossy about getting home.

What I would do when you get home. Un hitch the cart,, changed the bridle over to a lunging bridle. Fit the harness up so it will not flop around..and do a good lunging season.
Hitch her back up and go back out again. Some animals get it the first time others may take a couple of days.
Do this until this until they at least walk more calmly home with no rearing. Might take a few times..and your pony might get tired.
But for safety reasons it is needed.
And like Wally said..you might need a groom the first couple of times going out. Just make sure they stay clear of the shafts.

This way they will not want to rush home because they will have to work harder there. They learn that being out with you and actting good means less hard work.

Once she is over that. When you come home..unhitch..put a head collar on...and let her stand at a hitch, without treats or anything else for a 1/2 hour to 1 hour. This will not hurt them,,teaches patence and that they do not get turned out or a treat right off the bat.

I find that most horses come home from their outing, that are quickly given treats, turned out with buddies or the like can develope problems, like being barn or buddy sour.