Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
Tanya King
New Member
Username: Tking
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 - 9:57 pm: |   |
My 5 yr old Paint mare wont be separated from my partners gelding, who shes paddocked with. She's not green, but not overly educated either, we only ride on average once a week. When out riding is starting to buck and play up if he goes away, makes it hard to do cattlework, clinics, anything but trail ride. Can ride her away from paddock by herself, but she's a lot more on the bit. Is usually quiet and placid, responsive. Please help! |
Aileen
Member
Username: Sunny66
Post Number: 1008
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, Nov 11, 2005 - 1:05 pm: | |
I'm no where near an expert or trainer...so just my two cents... how is she on the ground -- not riding, does she exhibit the same behavior? If so, I would suggest some ground work with her, go back to basics.
If she's ok on the ground and it's just under saddle, I would still advocate some groundwork...There are a few threads on this... start with a just a bit of distance, go back BEFORE she gets *playful* ...then try to increase it each day.
btw, what do you mean she's more on the bit? I thought that's what we strive for? Or does she take it in her teeth and decide where to go and what to do on her own? |
Christine C. Mills in NC
Member
Username: Chrism
Post Number: 1116
Registered: 4-1999
| | Posted on Friday, Nov 11, 2005 - 4:05 pm: | |
One approach might be to wean her from her friend. Do you have more paddocks for turn out? Separate turnout can sometimes help with too much attachment.
How does she behave when her buddy is out for a ride and she is left behind?
The best thing would be to do more frequent individual riding of both horses and over time build her confidence/experience to be by herself. People often refer to this as "mileage." |
Linda Lashley
Member
Username: Lhenning
Post Number: 87
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 12:51 pm: | |
Tanya,
There are lots of posts here on this subject. Do a search on "Separation Anxiety".
Can you feed them separately? Try to build up their time away from each other with positive reinforcement. Another idea is to work your mare harder when she is near her buddy and let her rest when away, giving her lots of praise and encouragement when she relaxes.
Good luck,
Linda |
