wundahoss
Posted : 7/13/2010 5:04:06 AM
Hi,
First & foremost, absolutely rule out or treat/correct any potential pain/discomfort issues. I'd check out how the horse reacts without a saddle & without a bit(assuming one is used). Ensure her back & neck's in good shape, etc.
Assuming the above is in order & you're sure it's a training issue, I would first go back to the drawing board and ensure she REALLY understands the basics well. I'd concentrate on exercises that promote trust and show her you are respectful & considerate of her, getting her truly confident with stuff before moving on. Among other things, this means going slowly & teaching her in a non confrontational manner, in short, easy sessions. It may be that she has learned them well with you, but because horses don't generalise well, the trainer hasn't bothered to be so thorough. It could also be that there are 'holes' in her foundation work that have been missed or rushed through.
During the course of her training, I would ensure to take everything at her pace, whatever that may be at any given time/task and not try to hurry or force her into anything. Instead progress by working at whatever, within her comfort zone(eg time, distance, particulars...) and then asking for *just a little* more at a time, then working there & on the easier stuff until she is really confident with that new step before going to the next. If at any point she starts to become reactive, accept that you've gone a bit too far or fast for that situation & time, and back off until she calms down.
Also ensure you pay careful attention to her smallest signs of stress, so you don't go too far. While most horses are rather 'extroverted' at least to some degree in their bodylanguage, some may *appear* to be calm, understanding & compliant, but they are almost bursting with stress, so it's very easy to 'push them over the edge' and into panic reactions without even realising ....suddenly, for no reason, out of the blue.... These horses may have a dull, sleepy expression, not be interested or interactive in much, overly 'quiet', or they may be jerky in their movements & responses, or hold their breath, pant, or make windsucking noises, without showing any more overt signs of their fear. They are hard to read, so often their behaviour is mistook as understanding & calmness, and the trainer is apt to push them too far thinking they're ready for more(speaking from experience too....). Baby steps is one key to them.