mare wants to GO!

[Tammy]

Okay, my latest problem is getting my mare to slow her pace in the trot and/or canter. I ride in a medium weight egg butt snaffle. Yesterday her (running) trot would not respond to: slowing the post, sitting and tightening of my rear/upper thigh, voice commands (which she knows perfectly well), squeeze-release of reins....I eventually resorted to pulling back on the reins much harder than I would like to but she was getting out of control. Same thing in canter. I found a lane about 120meters long and spent one hour going back and forth doing various walk trot halt transitions with varying results. Gave up on canter.... too dangerous in this particular location we were in.

The mare was probably in season and looking for company but what do I do in these situations??

[Sharon H]

I don't want to sound too critical here but spending an hour going up and down a track would probably wind most horses up even more. Do you not have acess to a school? If you are riding your horse a lot, she is probably getting fitter and keener to go out. She was probably just looking forward to going out for a nice ride and couldn't understand why you wanted her to go at a snails pace. I agree that your horse should be obedient to your aids wherever you are, but they have days when they feel good and raring to go, the same as we do. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and enjoy one another.

[Tammy]

I do have my own arena in my pasture but my mare really dislikes working there(boring!). The majority of the time we do schooling while on our trail rides. This particular time of year is difficult as we live in an agriculture area...apples, pears, hops, etc. and this is harvest time. As my mare was wanting to run off and join the horses in the distance and wanting to buck and spook at the harvesting equipment and tractors in the surrounding orchards it was best for all concerned to find a safe place to work yet still be "out". Yesterday we rode for one hour; she was still very "hot" but listened much better although I deemed it best not to attempt canter. This mare is very hormonal at times and can be a handful. My trainer, a woman who grew up fox hunting and has ridden for 40 years, has trouble with her occasionally also. This mare is extremely smart and I don't like to let her ignore me....I just try, try again until we have an "agreement". Patience and persistence generally pay off but I've learned to be happy with small victories!! I was just looking for any suggestions from others that have dealt with similar situations.

Thanks!!

[Sharon H]

Hope I haven't offended you, it just sounded as though you always did schooling whilst out on a ride. Have you tried the herbal mix "Stroppy Mare"? I know of several people who swear by it? Actually, I've just re-read you post and I get the impression that you're not in England, is that right? I don't know whether you can get an equivilant stuff where you are? There is also a mix called "Steady up" which agian, has been used by a lot of peoplewith good effect. If she really has a hormonal problem, your vet could prescribe regumate, might be an idea to ask his opinion? Have you thought of trying the Bach Flower remedies? Do you always ride on your own? Is the mare kept on her own?

[Tammy]

No offense taken, Sharon H!! No, I don't live in England; I live in Washington State, USA.
My mare is kept in her own pasture with horses and cattle pastured on either side. We usually ride solo but have ridden with others and she does well.Normally this mare is great; just those few days a month she is "triple the horse". Since I don't show, I think I will avoid the "hormonal remedies" and just avoid riding on "those" days if she's really hyper. My trainer suggested a stronger bit when she turns into "wild child" but I think it's too much bother....better to take it easy and wait it out.
Thanks again...

[Sharon H]

I'd just like to say how lovely it is to hear someone say "I'll take it easy and wait it out". Congratulations! I do get tired of hearing people who expect their horses to behave like machines and never seem to realise that they have good days and bad days, the same as we do. Good luck with your mare, I'm sure you will end up with a horse that really loves you.