Switched-off horse

[fjp]

Can anyone help? I know there's little you can do with a riding school horse as there are just too many people involved, but I'm concerned about one of the horses where I ride.

She's become increasingly awkward over the past months, and is slowly switching off from her work to the stag where today when I rode her she refused point blank to obey leg aids. So I tapped her with a schooling whip-no effect. And I mean no effect at all, not even a tail swish. I hate riding her like this, as hitting her is pointless-if she is determined not to react, using the whip is just beating her up and counter productive, increasing her resentment.

This is on a background of her getting more and more difficult in the stable-she barges, presents her backside to anyone entering the stable and generally hates her life.

What makes things worse is that she can be the sweetest, most genuine mare when she wishes...canters when she knows that kids want her to, even when the aids aren't quite there...desparately tries to work out which jump she's being aimed at on a drunken reeling line...

Sorry for the long post, but if anyone knows how to help her, (bar winning the lottery, buying her and letting her have time out or buying extra horses to let them take some of the strain for her), Please let me know!!!
Fiona

[Jo]

Hi

Are you sure her lethargy has nothing to do with her being a marw and being in season? Mine goes through a very flighty few days followed by an argumentative few days and rounded off with "I couldn't possible go forward" few days.

I must admit, your horse sounds as though she is fed up with life at the moment. A few days off might do wonders. Failing that, you have to convince her that you mean business and she MUST listen to your leg. It's tough. It's a shame for the mare, who sounds very bored.

[Sharon H]

Have you spoken to the owners about your concerns for the horse? I know it can be difficult and that they might be offended, but on the other hand they might be grateful that someone has noticed and be only too happy to give this mare a break for a while.

[fjp]

Thanks for your replies - good point about being in season and here's hoping!!
Unfortunately, as she's one of the most in demand horses because she's safe (once on board!), up to weight, but also capable of giving more to a more advanced rider, there's little chance of her getting time out. The owners are aware, and do care, but at present are still trying to find another suitable school horse, which would take some of the strain off her. I guess it's an example of the problems facing a yard which has to be commercially viable-need a replacement horse to give another time off, as redistributing work just overburdens the others!
Thank you again for replying!
F