[CardioQueen]

The mare I partboard isn't very good with new environments, especially outside of the ring. It seems she gets some comfort from the arena wall/fence (I don't know if that has anything to do with being an ex-OTTB). Does anyone have any tips to help get her more comfortable being out and about and also getting her focus back on me?

We have a long tractor path on the property, which we cool out on. Well even though we're still on the property, my horse gets very tense as soon as we walk out of the ring and sometimes spooks at random at things (birds, the stones at the side of the path). The more we do it, she does get better (as in, by the end of summer I can walk her up and down the path on the buckle), but every new summer we start back the same again and it's a long road to get back to that relaxed ride.

Going on a trail ride off property is even *better* (sarcasm :P). Unfortunately to get to the nice trails, we have to walk down the road which doesn't make me very comfortable. My horse is fine with traffic, it's things on the side of the roads like boulders, neighbours doing things on their property...but she doesn't hesitate to spook towards traffic (not safe!). So right now we're just working on the tractor path at home.

At shows, my horse has some separation anxiety once we get in the ring. She does usually settle, but it takes time, and if one of her barnmates calls, she calls back and gets all unsettled.

What tips do you have to get that focus back on me?

I always try to drive her forward past anything spooky, and she never gets away with trying to turn around on the trail. I rarely get off her to walk her past something, I prefer to ride her past it. But it gets a bit frustrating when the trail ride is supposed to be relaxing, and it's not, for either of us. Sometimes I think, well if she doesn't move forward on the trail, or she's throwing her head up not working on the bit in the show ring I should be disciplining her, but at the same time, I don't want to be constantly fighting with her. I want these new experiences to be enjoyable.

Thanks!

[Graceful Landin]

maybe try lunging her outside the ring, (somewhere safe) but really get her working and focusing on you. Work her around "scary" things until shes comfortable with it. Then when she is focusing and submissive try getting on and working in the same area. It might take a while, but it might help.

[Capilet]

We have a mare that your description fits nearly to a T. We broke her to trails and 'the outside world' last summer.

We started out just taking her for walks on the trail, with and without another horse. We then progressed to riding her for short stints around the path near the barn, slowly going further.

Having another well broke trail horse along was a huge help for Angie, though she still likes to lead.

Just try to take her to as many new places as possible, thats what we have to do with our mare. Its a continuous thing

[lbhugg]

It would help if you have another seasoned trail horse to go and she can copy cat off of. With my ottb we had him go up and look at anything scary once they start doing it they tend to get more curious than nervous when you ask though be very relaxed when they stop let them stand for a second then ask for more baby steps.

[Bruce Wiley]

The others (above) gave some good advice.
Your horse could gain confidence from a seasoned horse but thats one option and you have another choice to consider.
If I was you... I would think about re establishing the leadership position.
This along has a calming effect on horses, where they learn to surrender to the rider's requests on how to be and what to do, etc.

Pratice at home... giving your horse something to focus on, with the plan knowing one day will come where the training must be tested in other enviroments like the trails.
As the rider you must be proactive and not wait to handle your horse and not allow alot of idleness when you're going into those places in which the horse may spook.
You're going to call for the horse's attention, association of what had been taught at home. Some scary objects, etc may go un notice because the horse has become so engulf into your requests and it's correct & familar performance.

On your return back home, this memorization will be there to help and aid you and your horse for the next trip .

I hope this insight helps.

[mftx4]

Have you tried 'ponying' her with another horse. Ride a good quiet, trail broke horse and lead her through the trails.

[CardioQueen]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Yes, I guess alot of it is just going out and "doing" it.

She IS better going with a more experienced horse, but that isn't always an option. Definitely if I were to take her out to the real trail (the one where we have to walk along the rode) I would never go out alone yet. But, on the trail at home, it isn't always an option as I ride alone mostly. At home it's also a fairly "safe" place that I can ride her by myself- I'd just like it to be more enjoyable.

I am thinking if I can't get someone to go with me, of leading her on the ground up and down the road to get used to things first.

BW- I think you are right. Need to establish a firmer sense of leadership to make her listen to me. And perhaps make our "cool out trail ride" more of a school session and make her work while we're out there until she can settle.