Starting out with a show ring spooked horse

[horseluver2007]

here's my problem, i'm a 16 year old with a horse of my own for the first time. My first 4-h horse meeting just happened to on horse up at the fair grounds. My horse comes and seems find before he gets there. With a little trouble and a big headack when its time to come out of the trailer, everything was fine. I was able to get him to stand pretty well while saddling and to do a trot at a lounge, but he wouldnt go any faster then a trot. He then spooks when a whip crakes from another horse being lounged. when its finally time to get one he side steps like crazy, and becomes real spooky, so much in order to keep myself safe i have to get off and walk him, he didnt improve so i had no other choice then to put him away. WHAT DO I DO? he normally does anything i want him to do, some one help me PLEASE!!!!!

kk

[Grace O'Malley]

Had your horse ever been to a show before? It's an awful lot of commotion for them to get used to all at once. The people I know usually start their horses getting used to shows by taking them (preferably starting with small shows), but not actually showing them until they're calmer about the whole thing. If your horse could go with a couple of experienced horses that he knows, that's even better.

Don't despair, just take things a bit slower :cool:


Grace

[horseluver2007]

Well he had one of his closest friends with him and tried really hard to get next to him and stay with him. With me trying to make him do what i wanted and keeping him away from his friend and possibly his confert zone could that be what you mean by a little at a time?

kk

[Grace O'Malley]

Yes, that's the general idea--especially if his friend is experienced and relaxed in the environment.

I know there's way more experienced and knowledgable people than me on this board, but many are in different time zones to us. Hopefully you'll get some more answers tomorrow!

I might be going this weekend with some friends who want to take two young horses to a show, along with at least one older one who's been everywhere and done everything. The idea is to get the green ones used to the idea. I think they've signed up for a couple of introductory classes (it's a dressage show), but will pull out if the horses don't seem up for it, and just watch. Will let you know how it goes!

Good luck!

Grace

[Kanuma]

i think what youve done is throw him in at the deep end and he failed to cope with it. some horses will cope but obviusely not yours, what i do with young/ novice horses, is tske them to a show with thier friend, and just walk them round together inhand, then the next show ride them round together, then separate them at the next show and walk them round, this can take time as not all ponies settle that quickly, dont move onto the next stage until he is calm and settled in the previos stage. if we have a new horse, some times it will take up to 6 shows before we actually do a class with them! give him time and take it slowly!