01 September 2008 11:33
I was riding my mare on a long, relaxing hack, where she didn’t bat an eyelid at tractors and a bus down narrow country lanes. But further down the lane, where there was no grass verge to escape to, a woman towing a horsebox came up behind us. I signalled to her that I would go to a safe area where she could pass safely, but she ignored me. The next thing I knew, she had caught my stirrup with her wing mirror – and she didn’t stop until my horse sat on her passenger door.
We weren’t injured, but now my mare hates traffic coming up close behind her. I have no option but to do roadwork. I’m disabled and need a safe horse, but I don’t want to sell her.
Answer
By Your Horse
Creator of the Fizz Concept Tina Bettison says:
What an unfortunate incident, especially from a driver who should know better. In finding a solution, the best place to look is you – you are likely to tense up in anticipation of a possible accident, so be very careful not to allow any tension to signal danger to your horse.
If possible, introduce your mare to different situations in a controlled environment. If you have a friend with a trailer or horsebox, get her to drive it to a spot with a narrow verge on a quiet road. Practise going past it and it going past you, while remaining calm and relaxed. Take whatever time you need, and take it one step at a time.
For some people and horses, flower remedies can help to calm nerves and support you both. Try Bach Flower Remedies or NAF’s Tempralex for your mare.