Horse wont stop or listen

[Bluefilly]

Ive had my filly for just over two weeks and have ridden her three times this week for the first time because i got a saddle recently,Tried to lunge her at first
but she wouldnt lunge,kept bolting,when i was saddling her up i tied her to the fence,she pulled her head up and tried to bolt,ripping the fence off and throwing it into my arm,broke her bridle and bolted,went absolutely mad.
When i eventually got on her she was walking nicely,listening and was doing well,then out of nowhere she just bolted while i cling on trying not to fall off, she took me through the trees on the outside of our property and would not stop,only stopping when she got into a corner,well i got her out and tried again,same thing walking nicely and about 5 minutes later she just bolted again,while i cling on as shes heading for the trees my stirrup falls off and i fall to the ground,while she runs away to stand near the horse on the next property. Yesterday and today she was doing fine,my partner jumped on her and she was good,when i get on her she listens but wont stop when i pull her up,i have to pull her around to stop,also biting me pulling away on the rope,
how can i get respect on and off the ground,without getting hurt again?
stopping her biting,pulling,bolting and getting her to lunge for me and not just my partner?

[sancho]

How old is she?

Have you had her back/teeth/saddle looked at, they would be my first step.

[TiggerthePony]

Ditto what Sancho says get everything checked before trying anything else as it may be she is in pain somewhere hence the reaction. get the all clear with back, teeth, saddle, muscular, check around her head and ears before doing anything.

[Yann]

How old is she? How much training has she had? How is she kept? I'd personally stop riding her until you've got to the bottom of her problems as one or both of you are going to get hurt and you'll keep reinforcing the problem.

[oldbat]

I agree with Yann. It sounds like your filly has had very little schooling. I would work her in hand just at the moment and work up to the lunging; your husband may have to lead her while you lunge initially. There are lots of good books about training young horses - my favourite is Ginny Leng's Training The Event Horse - and I would arm yourself with one. I would not ride her until she understands your verbal commands for walk, trot and halt and I would definitely keep her in the school
Oldbat.

[HorseWhisp3r3r]

Are you sure she has actually been broken in properly ?

[karsteine]

Are you sure she has actually been broken in properly ?

I was thinking that myself...... it sounds to me like she could be doing with being brung back to the basic's of rebraking proply

[colettybetty]

Is this a serious post ? Apologies if it is.

[vieshot]

Im sorry but wtf, tell me your trying to be funny!

Firstly, she quite clearly does not understand lunging, you need to start all over agian and teach her this like you would a youngster with someone holding her head etc.

Secondly, you tied it to the fence! Are you thick?

Third, you clearly dont have the experience to deal with this mare, pay someone who knows what they are doing to sort her out!

[oldbat]

Think vieshot has chosen some unfortunate wording. Sometimes I seem really thick to myself, and surely to others. Very definitely to my horse Bargycob, who can outwit me any day of the week but is usually kind about it!

I'm not sure what country you're from; there's a tradition in Britain of always tying a horse to a loop of string threaded through tie up ring or around fence so that if the horse gets a fright the string breaks rather than bridle or fence.It would be well worth trying with your filly.

Vieshot's idea of finding a trainer who can help with your filly is a good one; I go for lessons at least once a fortnight with Bargycob. And I still use this website for additional support and ideas.

So good luck with your filly, and please don't be put off using this site.
Oldbat

[vieshot]

Think vieshot has chosen some unfortunate wording. Sometimes I seem really thick to myself, and surely to others. Very definitely to my horse Bargycob, who can outwit me any day of the week but is usually kind about it!

I'm not sure what country you're from; there's a tradition in Britain of always tying a horse to a loop of string threaded through tie up ring or around fence so that if the horse gets a fright the string breaks rather than bridle or fence.It would be well worth trying with your filly.

Vieshot's idea of finding a trainer who can help with your filly is a good one; I go for lessons at least once a fortnight with Bargycob. And I still use this website for additional support and ideas.

So good luck with your filly, and please don't be put off using this site.
Oldbat

Im sorry if i sounded harsh, i just cannot understand why anyone would be so foolish as to tie their horse to a fence.

[colettybetty]

Oldbat is very dipolmatic, Vieshot... you're just direct ! The OP's problem is either a spoof, or very worrying. If its the latter, then I do hope she'll post again, so she can find some support.Quickly.

[NoviceNic]

Is this a serious post ? Apologies if it is.

Very suspicious thread indeed. Why would you be trying to ride such a young horse? :eek:

[Thistle]

I might be being thick but I can't see it anywhere - how old is this filly?

[Keket]

Very suspicious thread indeed. Why would you be trying to ride such a young horse? :eek:

I wouldn't immediately freak out at the word "filly". Filly can be used to describe a horse as old as four in some cases.

[Bluefilly]

She will be 4 in september,my first horse,i havent had much experience,
I tied her to the fence so she would stay in one place.
Why be rude to me when iam just asking for help?
My neighbour has been helping me out,before i bought her the owner and i rode her just fine.
I tied her up to the twine and she took that with her,instead of it snapping,so i tied her to the fence. Ive only had her for over two weeks im so sorry im not an expert yet.
She has been checked over and is in good health.
The owner told me she would be perfect for a beginner,obviously not.
she said she lunged her fine also.
Would it be better to call in an instructor or a horse breaker?
only those with helpful replies please!:D

[FeatheryFeet]

. .

[Thistle]

Hi Bluefilly,

It sounds as if your filly is very green and probably doesn't understand exactly what is being asked of her, she could also be trying it on as most horses will, with a new owner. IMO I'd find someone who is very experienced with youngsters to come and assess her and advise you further. If you let us know which area you are in someone on here might be able to help you find someone.

It is hard if you don't have experience of youngsters and I'm sure you will get replies saying sell her but if this is not what you want you need to get experienced help before the situation gets more out of hand. In the meantime, stick to ground work and ensure that every single time you ask her to do anything she does it, never let her get the upperhand. For example, if you go into her box and say back she must go back even if the first time it takes ages to make her,she will learn very fast that the easy option is to do as she is told straight first time. Aim for little steps and make sure she learns what is expected each time before you go onto the next thing. Youngsters can be very trying but are also immensely rewarding.

God luck with her! (We need a picture by the way :D)

[BlueWicked]

sounds like she was sold to you rather irresponsibly:rolleyes: If you are such a beginner Id question owing ANY horse, let alone a green youngster:o Sorry :o There are a lot of basic horse care and management things you will need to learn (like never, ever tie to anything other than bailer twine - it breaks for a reason;))- you may have got away with fumbling through some of these with a older , more forgiving horse, but you really stand to cause injury to yourself and/or the horse with the current combination.

Are you in the USA?

not intended to be rude in anyway, but I cant see how to dress it up any other way...... :)

[Joyscarer]

There is a school of thought out there that suggests that youdon't use bailing twine to tie too as this because popular when bailing twine wasn't how it is now.

I have to admit that I do chop a few strands of the twine when using it as a tie up because Joy has got scared and pulled back 3 times since I had her and each time it wasn't the twine that gave way :eek:

Leaping on the poor OP for use of language isn't very nice. It would have been beetr to clarify what she meant first and then correct her if a tie up wasn't used.

Wouldn't want anyone who speaks sense to be banned because they can't play nicely.



I would look to get in some help with your filly. Whilst you will be able to get a lot of help on NR you will also get a lot of conflicting advice which can be very confussing at best.

When you have a number of issues to work through to my mind the most important thing is consistency. The horse needs to know where it stands and what is expected of it.

[BlueWicked]

[QUOTE=Joyscarer;1732500]There is a school of thought out there that suggests that youdon't use bailing twine to tie too as this because popular when bailing twine wasn't how it is now. [QUOTE]

good point :o forgot - you get those tieup gadgets now as well dont you.... wouldnt tie directly to a fence though in any circumstances.

[StephA]

Are you thick? Very constructive...its things like this that 1) Put people off asking questions and 2) Put me off this forum at times.

Obviously its not the right thing to do but how about a bit of tact?

Bluefilly - I am having to go back to basics with my horse at the moment...and he is 7! Good tip with the lunging above...getting someone to lead her round so she gets the idea...although if she is likely to bolt make sure the said person doesnt get dragged along!! (Speaking from experience there!)

Also just spend lots of time with her so she gets used to your voice and doing little things like making her back up, getting her used to having her saddle on by maybe putting it on but not riding her ect. Just let her get a feel for things and that way you will learn more about her aswell. Could you call her previous owner and maybe ask her to show you how she was lunging her?? You may find she wasnt after all?

Echo finding someone experienced who can pas on their knowledge though.

Good luck

S x x

[colettybetty]

Sincere apologies Bluefilly,you are genuine :o, I'm glad you posted again. To be honest, its difficult to help without knowing you and your filly. From what you describe she sounds like a frightened youngster unable to cope with what is being asked of her, but I guess you've sussed that !
I'm not sure how much experience you have, so can't advise appropriately, if you are in the UK, look on sites like the BHS for trainers in your area, or ask your farrier or vet.There are lots of books to help, Richard Maxwell has a very readable book on training youngsters -take a look at his web site too.
For the moment, why not take a break while you get to know your new horse, let het settle in her new home, make friends with the other horses and you. Work on small things like picking up feet, grooming and leading in hand while you find someone to help with her education. If she finds it hard to stand to be tied, I'd suggest that you start by having someone stand by her shoulder and loop the rope through the twine untied, praise her for standing still and if she wanders off, just very quietly lead her back to where she was standing. Practise getting her to stand,and when its no big deal, tie her but remain close by so that you can soothe her, or cut the twine if necessary. If she gets a fright, remain quiet so that she can get confidence from you and will look to you when things scare her.

[Bluefilly]

Iam in adelaide,australia. Iam a few doors down from the pony club and think they have instructors who come to you,so i will give them a call tomorrow.
The only experience i have is a few riding lessons when i was younger.
The lady i bought her off of said she would help me out and we organised a time but she never showed up,shes the next street over.She doesnt want anything to do with her,as soon as she got her money she left.
My neighbour is alot of help but works alot,so i will give the instructor a call.
She sounded like a good horse from what i was told,and she said i didnt need to lunge her before riding her,and i could hop on her after any period of rest and she would be fine.Well that was a lie. When i rode her she made sure to stay pretty close,shouldve clicked to me but it didnt.
Feel pretty stupid now,but i will give her a go.

[bexj]

Don't feel stupid, we all make mistakes and the important thing is that you've started to look around for some help. Echo what every other person has said though, get yourself some books on backing horses and/or dealing with youngsters, get some help from an instructor (preferably one that comes recommended to you, although I know that isn't always easy) and take your little mare back to square one. It doesn't matter if you don't ride her for a while, any ground work that you do now will be more beneficial to her (and you) in the long run.

Good luck:D

[StephA]

Just want to add that she is a stunner....very shiny!! :cool:

And well develpoed muscles may I add!! :)

S x x

[colettybetty]

She is a pretty girl, seller sounds irresponsible, but, with some help, you too may do well together. Horses are wonderfully generous in their natures, so don't feel its all bad news. Take each part of her training in small steps, keep it interesting, short and sweet while she gains strength in her back and learns to concentrate with her new life as a ridden horse. Good luck.

[chickyd444]

she is adorable by the way :) i love chestnuts ! another tip with the lunging would be to put a pen up - have a go at free lunging, i know my boy isnt overly keen on lunging but loves free lunging - plus if she's in an enclosure she cant bolt XX :)

[emmathechief]

It's very unfortunate that the last owner sounded a little "in it for the money". But that's done now, you should look ahead! Having a young horse is not the end of the world... far from it! You will be able to bond and learn new things together.
Defo get someone experienced to help you, but for now spend as much time as possible building up your relationship. Just remember she is still young and will get bored easily so try some games and fun things to try in the arena, from the ground. Have a look on the net and buy some books to get you started!

Good luck (and welcome to the world of horses!)

[BlueWicked]

well, she looks really beautiful.

My advice would be to find a local livery yard ( a barn/stables where they will keep your horse for you) where you can put this horse onto either full or assisted livery so she has some experienced people working with her and you can learn and be supported by them:)

[AengusOg]

If I were you I'd look for someone who can give you good advice and give you a demonstration of some techniques which will help you, and leave you some work to be getting on with before the next visit.

That's the way I tend to work with people, and it has the benefits of helping horse and owner simultaneously.

Re. the tying up...........you are caught between a rock and a hard place.

Tying a horse, which pulls back, to a piece of twine only teaches the horse that it can break things and walk away.

Tying it to a solid object could cause serious injuries should it panic, and the danger for the handler could be significant too.

I deal with this problem by introducing them to a halter which works on pressure and release (such as the 'Be-Nice' halter) and, once they have learned how to be compliant and avoid the pressure (usually after a few minutes, if done correctly), they are ready to learn how to stand, tied, without making a fuss.

To do this I put them in the pressure halter and, without tying them, I pass the end of the lunge rope through a tie ring on a wall or a sturdy post, and walk away from the horse whilst keeping hold of the rope.

By not tying the rope off I can keep control of the horse without it realising, but it does not have anything solid to pull against, so it cannot break anything.

With control of the horse that way, I can let it pull back if it likes but, by working the rope against the pull of the horse I can, when it stops pulling (as it will), immediately slacken the rope, so rewarding the horse for stopping.

I could never hold a horse whilst it is pulling back, but I'm looking to hamper its pull just enough to make it a controlled pull and, as soon a it hesitates in its backward movement, I am ready to immediately release the rope. If the horse stops pulling at that point I leave it for a few seconds without interfering with its head, so that it realises the benefit of not pulling, ie no pressure.

I then use slight pressure on the rope (still at a distance from the horse) to ask it to step toward to the wall again, releasing the pressure on the rope as soon as it does, and working it that way until it's back where it started.

That way I can start again by waiting for the horse to attempt another pull, when I repeat the whole thing again.

Most horses give up pulling very quickly when they are treated this way, and the next step is to tie them to the ring but with the end of the rope still in my hand so that, if they try to pull again, I can pull my end of the rope and the knot will come out and I have the horse as it was before( the rope just passed through the ring) so that I can maintain some control while the horse pulls.

As soon as it stops pulling, I release the pressure to reward it for stopping, and give it another chance to get it right.

This works.

Once a horse has been trained to yield to the pressure of a halter, and found that it cannot just break things and walk away, it becomes much easier to work with.

Once the horse accepts that it cannot break ties, it will stand quietly for long spells in the pressure halter with the rope tied to a twine.

Remember, no horse should be left unattended whilst tied up until the handler is very sure of it, and even then it is wise to have someone keep an eye if you have to fetch something or whatever.

The pressure halter then becomes part of its everyday life until I can be sure that it is trustworthy and safe.

Horses do not like to feel pressure on their heads; as soon as they realise how to avoid the pressure by staying close to the handler, they become very easy to work with, and need the appliance of pressure less and less. They pay attention to the handler more and become very compliant..........following the handler on a slack rope, even when the he/she moves around erratically.

The essential part of all that is to give the release/reward immediately the horse gives the correct response to the handlers request.

Never jerk the rope.......always pull firmly but gently.

Training of this sort forms a bond of trust and paves the way for further training.

I feel this approach would be of great help to both you and your horse at this stage.

[Bluefilly]

Thanks for all the helpful replies,i was feeling pretty lost and confused.
But i will give things a go and hopefully it will go well.
I dont want to sell her because she can be really lovely and comes to me for hugs and kisses and lets my 2yo daughter pat her and follows us around our paddock,she let me brush her and clean her feet,and walk around with the lead rope on,She is so gentle with my daughter and becoming sweet with me.
Ive given her lots of praise and discipline and she seems to respond well to that. When ive been shown what to do and can get some help from an experienced person maybe we can eventually attend pony club and ride the trails in our area and can have some fun and really bond.
I have been following the advice ive recieved,and it feels alot better to know there are people out there willing to help.
Thanks alot and i will let you all know how things go.
:D:D:D

[oldbat]

I'm so glad things are going well. Great that there are instructors who come out and that your mare is showing such a lovely nature. She is a very pretty girl and it seems to me that you've already shown her more consideration and respect than her previous owner did. Keep us posted!
Oldbat.

[coolbeans]

Before getting on this horse, I'd suggest doing everything on the ground first, as soon as she listens to you confidently on the ground. Then get on her. And keep it in an arena at first.

[puzzles]

Good luck hun! Good quality ridden work stems from good quality basic groundwork.
All the best, and most of us are considerate, helpful people so never feel afraid/too silly to ask! It's much better that yuo get it right and feel more confident in what you're doing.

xxxxx

[STEFF79]

Ok so it probably wasn't a good idea buying a youngster when in your own words your experiance is that you had a few lessons when you where younger but it is done now!! so get some help and training from the pony club not far away from you.. prehaps get some lessons on different horse's if you can?? to build up your own experiance and get a trainer to ride her for you, take everything slowly.. It may work out and you may become a solid partnership but if it doesn't work out and you have had a trainer work with her, at least she will be rideable and should be easy to sell.. I hope it does work out for you..
good luck!! :)