17 January 2008 17:16
I part-loan a 15.2hh bay gelding from a friend and enjoy fun rides and local shows, but he is nervous around lorries. He also fly bucks when other horses come past us on pleasure rides.
Answer
By Your Horse
Instructor Alison Ritchie says…
His other training has to be progressive and his fear of lorries must be addressed in the safest, most correct way. At some shows the lorry park is well away from the arenas, so picking the right venue will help. You might find that leading him to and from the arenas in hand would help, and mount up when you get in there. Also, pick small local venues where traffic will be limited.
As for the pleasure rides, ring the organisers and ask what time they’ll let the last horse go, and wait until then. This means no one will gallop past you and you can really enjoy the ride! I’ve done this lots of times when taking out a young or fresh horse and it works a treat.