Bolshy pony

[chickflick1066]

Hi. Recently, Stumpy, my 14.2hh cob mare has tried to throw her weight around with my cousin and now she's begining to try it on with me.

She isn't being dangerous in-hand, just strong and being clumsy with her feet not stopping when I stop or walking on smoothly.

On-board she is usually a dream to ride, calm and safe (if a touch nappy hacking alone though). But....Whilst waiting to do a teeny gymkhana she was squirting in the face of the geldings and I got some disgusted looks from the other liveries. After we had taken part i tried to remove her from the group where she proceeded to buck and threw in a rear. I sat to them and it hasn't dented my confidence in anyway - just surprised me a bit.

What can I do to get a bit more respect which i must admit we have lost between us recently. The bond we used to have has waviered recently and I am desperate to get that back.

Stumpy's strength has improved greatly since I've had her but now she is using at my disadvantage to get her own way.

I would like some easy to follow and sensible methods, hopefully not to expensive as money is in short supply atm.

Here is a pic for any of you who don't know her type and build...

[NoviceNic]

ChickFlick - You have just described Captain perfectly. He is doing the same thing. I have owned him a year now (my perfect gent) but because I am actually asking him to do different things he is getting anxious. Although I am a lot better with my confidence I still need him to be level headed. But unfortunatley since starting to take him to Local Shows he is starting to nap. Play up and nap horrendously on solo hacks.

One of my instructors have showed me to take Captain into the menage with his headcollar and lead rope on. Captain has to walk at my pace. If he doesn't, circle him very tight and very quick. This is seen as a kind of punishment as they find it hard work and also a kind of watch me because you don't know what I do next thing. Also ask them to stand. They are to stand behind you and not touch you. if they get too close turn swiftly look them in the eye and grow in size growling "Back". If the horse doesn't move back then out you fingers in their neck near the windpipe and push them back. Captain has been very quick picking this up so i think Stumpy will do well. Always keep your head up high never look down. When Stumpy is a good boy give him loads of praise and lower the tone of your voice and body and don't look them in the eye.

I have had loads of good advise from NR members and slowly thing are falling into place. I think you have seen some of my threads. Mostly in Mature Rider and one that I hijacked in Training of the Horse. Have a look at my posts and read what brill advise I have been given. Have Fun and I hope things start to improve.

By the way Stumpy is gorgeous. I just love cobs.

[coblover26]

Hey mints, Thanx for putting the pic of me and stumpy on here. Glad u liked it.
Anyone that see's the pic I hope u like it too. Stumpy is a great horse, and fun to ride.