My fall off a hyper horse thoughts?

[MaxsGirl]

Greetings,

I have an issue with my recently acquired horse, and could use any advice on how to curb a nasty and dangerous "behavior".

I've been riding dressage for about three years, staying at intro and training level mostly. I have recently leased Max, a 12 year old black quarter horse. He was formerly trained as a barrel racer, and has spent several years training in dressage, but still falls into some bad habits from his barrel racing days, for example dropping his left shoulder (the most obvious) etc. He is an excellent dressage prospect simply for the way he's built and the action he has, he moves like a warmblood has a lot of power and is 16'1. I'm experienced enough that I can handle his energy well, and have been working on muscling up on his left side to stop the shoulder dropping problem.

The problem with Max is that everytime we go outside of the railed in arena, Max starts acting up. He's fine when he's not facing the barn, but the second we turn around and look at the barn (I know it sounds odd) he starts to spin, turn around, buck, kick, and just today as I was two minutes from taking my dressage test at a schooling show, he went onto his hind end, at least 90 degrees, and I slipped off his back and fell HARD onto the ground. Thus far this is the only time he's thrown me.

Everytime I've worked with Max outside of the arena, he's been hyper sensitive to everything around him so long as he doesn't look at he barn or otherwise. If there are other horses around he's a "little bit" calmer, but still will spin around. Today's dressage mess was embarrasing and frustrating (I didn't even get to enter the arena!), and made me realize a couple of things: Until Max and I conquer this fear I'm not going to be able to even school show him outside of an enclosed arena, (and to ALWAYS wear a helmet).

I can guess at what made him so hyper outside of an enclosure, I'm pretty sure in his younger days someone probably beat him severely... for that matter his western training sounds like it was not too kind (I don't know too much about his history save that he needs an advanced rider).

Does anyone have any ideas of how I could work with him on curing his "hyperness" whenever he's outside of the arena? Has anyone use calmatives with any success or is it even an option? Thoughts Ideas? I would greatly welcome any. ^_^

-Max's Girl

P.S. also, I am very sure as was mention to me by anoher rider who had worked with him, that I was NOT giving him any commands that would have made him spook on the day of the dressage test.

[ros]

Does Max only get upset about facing the barn when you're riding him, or does he have concerns about it generally? I assume it's the barn where he's stabled? Also, assuming there are other horses stabled at the barn, how are they treated? Is the atmosphere there relaxed, and are the other horses handled calmly, or are there other nervy horses around or rough handlers?

Mark Rashid describes a situation where a very nice lady had problems getting her horse back to the barn (it was fine when turned out in a field some way away). It turned out the horses was an extremely sensitive type, and was anxious because the other owners at that barn were rough and inconsiderate to their horses - the mare sensed the other horses' upset and just couldn't handle it. She was absolutely fine when moved to a nicer barn. It's probably just conicidence but it does make you wonder - particularly if Max is the sensitive type and you suspect that he's been beaten up at some time in the past.

[MaxsGirl]

the atmophere is pretty relaxed and I don't see any sign of his mistreatment or otherwise... The barn is where he is stabled and near by is the pasture where he spends most of his time. Ironically maybe, I would say the horses there are spoiled, the pastures are large and full of good grass, and there is a good water supply etc. Also there are other horses around him constantly so I don't think its one of them. I'll look into it and see if there are any other possibilities though...

I have to say though, where he was handled wrongly wasn't at the stable he's at now (as far as I know and am certain of). It was only when he was being barrel raced. This behavior has been going on for several years now... and he gets upset even when being ridden or led out (though slightly lesser so... I'll give it a try this afternoon). Even after being thrown I'm still of the opinion that a gentle hand and gently being guided out will help him, but it's an uphill battle.

Thank you for the reply though it may be helpful yet ^_^;;

[galadriel]

Handwalking! With treats? You said he's bad being led, but perhaps...

Short walks from the stable, around facing it, give a treat, stand a sec, then walk some more away, etc. Perhaps with enough repetition he'll start to calm down, at which point you could continue leading him tacked up, then eventually work him walking.

[Ami]

What did Max do after you came off? Do you think he is excited to return to the barn; our guys will try to run back to the barn if given the chance. If that seems the case, maybe turning him back away from the barn and having him do something "hard" each time he acts up will teach him that throwing you is not the way to go home and relax?
Good luck and stay safe!

[MaxsGirl]

After four days resting after the fall I revisited Max and went riding again, but this time strictly stayed in the arena. We had a wonderful ride and he gave me a beautiful collected walk, so I think it was a one time (gods I hope this never happens again) event.

My instructor had not seen the fall on the day of the show as she too was riding. This was the first time, EVER he had done anything like throw a rider. He's acted up but not gone that far. (and btw after the fall he didn't walk or run away he stood right by me, which tells me he probably was scared and not just being barny) Apparently he has good days and bad days, sometimes he'll be absolutely beautiful and then he falls back into bad behavior... my instructor explained and I agree it has to do with some bad training he had in the past, and he probably will never be an upper level dressage prospect because his, "brain has been fried." poor guy...

Everyone has been very understanding about the fall at the stable and I've taken a few steps which seem to be making a difference.
Firstly, given that Max has some psych difficulties, it's more than likely (and I knew this from the get go), that he needs someone to work with him regularly and with someone who he knows. I suspect he acted up because he didn't know me well enough... within the past few days I've noticed a glint of acknowledgement in his eyes toward me... his is a good thing

I also noticed he really responds to verbal praise. This tells me he wants to work and do well, regardless of if he gets treat or not.

I've also remembered to pay attention to what I'm doing in the saddle, and recognize (as always) it's usually me that's causing the problem rather than the horse. Practice will help

and I've also remembered to relax and have some fun. I've noticed what he likes, and what he doesn't, being groomed and talked to etc. (what horse doesn't? Lol). Regardless of anything else I have to keep sight of that.

In any case, I thank everyone for their reply and hope there won't be any falls for me in the future.

-MaxsGirl