Horse
Problem - Fearful Horse- Formerly abused horse lacks confidence when
away from home base
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QUESTION: I've go got a horse that we have been working with for a while and making good progress but the horse lacks confidence when taken out of his comfort zone. He has been badly beaten in the past. When he goes out, he sometimes looks like he can't cope and will plant himself and do anything to get back to the comfortable place: home. He just falls apart and looks like the equivalent to a mental breakdown. It really worries him. We have done lots of desensitizing and confidence building, but any ideas are gratefully received!!! He's fine in the school now by the way; it's just when we go out.
If it's happening when you are riding and the horse is really melting down, do not hesitate to climb off and do your bonding techniques on the ground. There is absolutely nothing wrong with dismounting (at any time!!) when training and when a horse reaches irrational mode so highly that he no longer can concentrate on anything. You may need to alternate riding with dismounting, bonding, ground work, until he starts to associate that "it's all the same everywhere, not to worry." If the problem is really bad, because he's been so abused, start doing some creative pleasureful things (other than riding) away from his comfort zone place. Those can include doing away from his comfort zone: supplement feeding him there, grooming him there, or a combination of both. Also bringing along a been-there-done-that calmer horse alongside him as a "security blanket" might help as well, on ground and in saddle, to get him over his irrational fears. But truly, the bonding techniques are what I would want to focus on the most there, to help him past this emotional obstacle. Finger in the mouth and dropping the head being the most important, because that will produce instant relaxation. Try some or all of the above and it should help!
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