Answer

By Your Horse

Natural Horsemanship Expert Charles Wilson replies:

When riding, change to a loose-fitting cavesson noseband and, ideally, dispense with the martingale. If you don’t feel you can, make sure it leaves the reins free so you have a clear and direct feel. Ride in walk only, use a loose rein and her head will start to come down as she develops relaxation and trust. When you do feel her tense up under you:
● Take a more consistent feel on the reins and keep your hands wide apart so the horse can ‘walk through’. Close your seat and legs to reassure her that you’re there and there’s no need to panic.
● If she still feels about to set off, turn round and go back in the direction you came. Rather than her control where you go, direct her energy in a positive direction where you’re in control.
● Make her rides varied – work on bending her as you walk, get off and let her graze, or do groundwork, which will ‘tune her in’ to you if she’s in a wide, open space.
● Ride for at least an hour so you’ve taken the edge off her freshness before she goes to an open area.