Napping

Depends if it is caused by fear or just a pony being a brat trying to get its own way.
 
I think its majority him being a brat! Little bit of under-confidence, but not sure what I can do to boost it? A few weeks ago I took him on holiday and rode him for a week solid (8 hours a day!) and he napped all the way...awful at first, then much better on the last day, but still not an easy ride!
 
Perhaps it was the change of scenery that caused the napping? If he was unsure about his new surroundings? Hard to say, as I don't know the details, but if I took our pair on a joliday they'd probably be very wary and hard work for the first few days!! Was there other horses around or were you alone?
 
Admittedly I was alone, but I thought after that amount of time he would settle down! Now we are at a yard where he is out 24/7, but keeps heading for home - he fights a lot, walks backwards, has thrown in the odd buck and rear and bolted the other day - not fun! If he knows where he is going he is fine - but if we try to go passed the paths to his field (on some hacks necessary) or go somewhere new, he is a complete nightmare. A 'pleasant' hour circular hack is currently taking 3 hours of battle!
 
I think the holiday scenario was likely to be him being unsure of the new surroundings. A week isn't long at all, I would be inclined to ride in company in that situation with my cob who can be an appy nightmare!

As for when you are at home, you say 'Now we are at a yard where he is out 24/7'. Does that mean you've moved recently or am I reading it wrong? If you have moved, again you could give him some time to settle in. I've had my cob 2 months now and he is still nappy on his own, but is improving greatly. I find riding him out in company, but forcing him to be lead file is helping. Earlier on we would ride out and let him go behind (his comfort zone), or my OH came with us on foot until he built up some confidence. After that, it was just a case of pushing him on until he learned that going forward is the best approach! His trick is to stop dead for a bit, then turn round and wander off home. I let him stop briefly to suss out whatever is bothering him, then I push him on with voice and legs. Back up with a schooling whip if needed (I rarely need this now). If he tries to turn round, again I let him but we just turn complete 360 so he's facing the way I want again, then push on.

Good luck! :)
 
if its a new place then hack in company (pref. with horse he knows) or in hand to build up confidence. Have you had saddle back and teeth etc. checked?

if hes been there for a while then get an instructor or knowledgeable person out you know (not saying your a bad rider or anything!) and they will give you lots of moral support, and tell you what to do. when Ginny (my cob) napped, not quite as bad as yours but stopped every other step:rolleyes: the what i was told to do was before the horse even thinks about stopping, push them on, even if it means trotting. keep a fast walk and at even the slightest slow down push on again. let him look at things but only for a sec. then make him look forward. if he does stop squeeze, kick then whip. i found with Ginny she respected kick, whip and voice all at the same time. now all i need to do is squeeze and click or say walk on or trot on and pretty much most of the time she listens.

Good Luck and hope this helps:), i know it can be a bit of a nightmare!!
 
bikina said:
I think its majority him being a brat! Little bit of under-confidence, but not sure what I can do to boost it? A few weeks ago I took him on holiday and rode him for a week solid (8 hours a day!) and he napped all the way...awful at first, then much better on the last day, but still not an easy ride!
Click to expand...

That's totally contradictory - so he's not 'being a brat' then!

x
 
What is his routine when you eventually get back to the yard? Give him a nice feed or treat and turn him back out with his mates?

Is he napping to a horse? The food?

I'd make being at 'home' hard work.

If he insists on going home and acting dangerously then take him home and make him work for his life in the menage / paddock!

Don't bring him home and reward him for the bad behaviour.

What's he like out with others?
 
Hi,

Thanks for all your ideas! I have heard so many things, I think I'll give them all a go! I'm just a bit concerned as last time he bolted I could feel him ready to do it, (stupidly?) tried to get off but got caught in a stirrup and ended up being dragged - ouch :-(

I have found that if I walk him in hand for the first mile or so (again he plants his feet during this) then get on he is a lot better - though somethimes I end up walking more than riding!

I am sure I can work through this with him - I just want riding to be a pleasure again, not a chore!
 
Groundwork. You need to control his feet. Start off with leading, backing up, yielding front and backend exercises.

I suspect leading, backing up, and forequarter yield may be an issue.

leading (and a bit of backup):

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=310

HQ yield

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=325

FQ yield

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=305

Good luck.
 
inhs said:
Groundwork. You need to control his feet. Start off with leading, backing up, yielding front and backend exercises.

I suspect leading, backing up, and forequarter yield may be an issue.

leading (and a bit of backup):

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=310

HQ yield

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=325

FQ yield

http://irishnhsociety.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=305

Good luck.
Click to expand...

They're really interesting tips! Am going to try those on my cob :D
 
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