Pinkstergirl
5th Oct 2005, 02:50 PM
Hiya
Mouse has been really quiet at her new yard (we moved there in July). I've been doing a lot of in-hand work with her in the school as she's still going through her barefoot transition and walking for 30 mins in the sandschool is all we can do at present.
Up until now she's been quiet in the school apart from the odd occasion where she spooks at a certain corner of the school (can't seem to work out why - I think it may be because just outside the school is on a slope and, to her, may seem to simply 'drop off' if you know what I mean?!). The more work we do in the school, the more she gets used to it and it hasn't really been anything to worry about.
I got back from a 2 week holiday on Saturday (having read all the Mark Rashid books whilst I was away) and started doing the in-hand work again on Tuesday (yesterday). Yesterday, when we got to that corner, she errupted. Throwing herself in the air and running in circles around me. When I didn't let go, she pawed the ground so hard that she got through to the hardcore of the school! So, realising that I clearly didn't have her attention, I let her off the lead rope and she charged around bucking and throwing herself for about 20 mins. I stood quietly in the middle of the school.
When she seemed to have calmed down I re-attached the rope and walked her forward, asked her to stop (she was resistant at first but soon stopped). I then asked her to back, which she did. We slowly made our way round the school, stopping and backing at intervals. However, the minute we got to the corner she took off again. I left her for 5 mins and then collected her and began the process again. We got round the whole school in both directions but not without protest from her. Each time she got near the corner she span and pawed the ground, at which point I asked her to back and turn in a circle. We then made our way to the middle of the school where she stood calmly. We then left.
Last night I decided to try again and we got round the school in both directions straight away without any hesitation and completely calmly. We then left again.
Did the same this morning but it was horrendous. She completely lost the plot and simply charged up and down the fence line of the school for half an hour. She pooed numerous times and I figured it was simply too stressful for her so, spent some time with her trying to calm her down - she just pawed the ground constantly.
Eventually we left the school but I'd have rather ended on a good note.
There is a fair amount of building work going on at the yard but there has been since we arrived and it's always around the school area so she's seen many vehicles and people coming and going - and a lot of noise.
Now, I'm pretty new to all of this so was wondering if I should continue trying or leave her alone for a while? I've ensured that I remain quiet and calm and have not shouted or pushed her physically.
As soon as we leave the school she's fully attentive and calm and will stop and back instantly.
Clearly something is frightening her in the school but I can't put my finger on what. I guess that's not such an issue though - it's enough to know that she is frightened being in there.
Sorry for such a long one but, to get the appropriate advice, I figured I should give you as much info as possible.
I really like the way Mark Rashid approaches things so, if we could continue in that vein, I'd be grateful!
Many thanks in anticipation of your replies!
Mouse has been really quiet at her new yard (we moved there in July). I've been doing a lot of in-hand work with her in the school as she's still going through her barefoot transition and walking for 30 mins in the sandschool is all we can do at present.
Up until now she's been quiet in the school apart from the odd occasion where she spooks at a certain corner of the school (can't seem to work out why - I think it may be because just outside the school is on a slope and, to her, may seem to simply 'drop off' if you know what I mean?!). The more work we do in the school, the more she gets used to it and it hasn't really been anything to worry about.
I got back from a 2 week holiday on Saturday (having read all the Mark Rashid books whilst I was away) and started doing the in-hand work again on Tuesday (yesterday). Yesterday, when we got to that corner, she errupted. Throwing herself in the air and running in circles around me. When I didn't let go, she pawed the ground so hard that she got through to the hardcore of the school! So, realising that I clearly didn't have her attention, I let her off the lead rope and she charged around bucking and throwing herself for about 20 mins. I stood quietly in the middle of the school.
When she seemed to have calmed down I re-attached the rope and walked her forward, asked her to stop (she was resistant at first but soon stopped). I then asked her to back, which she did. We slowly made our way round the school, stopping and backing at intervals. However, the minute we got to the corner she took off again. I left her for 5 mins and then collected her and began the process again. We got round the whole school in both directions but not without protest from her. Each time she got near the corner she span and pawed the ground, at which point I asked her to back and turn in a circle. We then made our way to the middle of the school where she stood calmly. We then left.
Last night I decided to try again and we got round the school in both directions straight away without any hesitation and completely calmly. We then left again.
Did the same this morning but it was horrendous. She completely lost the plot and simply charged up and down the fence line of the school for half an hour. She pooed numerous times and I figured it was simply too stressful for her so, spent some time with her trying to calm her down - she just pawed the ground constantly.
Eventually we left the school but I'd have rather ended on a good note.
There is a fair amount of building work going on at the yard but there has been since we arrived and it's always around the school area so she's seen many vehicles and people coming and going - and a lot of noise.
Now, I'm pretty new to all of this so was wondering if I should continue trying or leave her alone for a while? I've ensured that I remain quiet and calm and have not shouted or pushed her physically.
As soon as we leave the school she's fully attentive and calm and will stop and back instantly.
Clearly something is frightening her in the school but I can't put my finger on what. I guess that's not such an issue though - it's enough to know that she is frightened being in there.
Sorry for such a long one but, to get the appropriate advice, I figured I should give you as much info as possible.
I really like the way Mark Rashid approaches things so, if we could continue in that vein, I'd be grateful!
Many thanks in anticipation of your replies!