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The Nappy Horse
Nappiness
- a refusal by the horse or pony to do what its rider asks - is a
common problem. Symptoms may include refusal to leave other
horses, and be exhibited as refusal to go forward, bucking, and
rearing.
It
commonly occurs a few weeks after the horse moves to a new
home. For the first few weeks the horse behaves well - then
trouble starts. When rearing, in particular, is a symptom it can
be very frightening and distressing for the new owner.
As
with any behavioural problem, determining why will determine
the course of action to take and the novice owner should seek help
from an expert (or two.) The first expert to consult is a good
equine veterinary surgeon, who can examine the horse for any physical
cause (back pain, neck paid, mouth or tooth problems, ill-fitting
tack, overfeeding). Once all these causes are ruled out, the
problem is almost certainly one of a difficult horse with an
inexperienced rider.
This
may be further defined as:
A
horse with a tendency to nap 'trying it on' with a new rider; or
A rider not quite confident enough to overcome a horse's
uncertainty in strange surroundings.
While
in most cases one should give the benefit of the doubt to the horse,
there is a risk involved. If the horse is an established 'napper',
he may interpret understanding as weakness!
There
is also a risk of making the problem worse if the rider is not
confident or capable enough to carry out correction - or if the horse
is genuinely frightened or in pain.
This
is where a capable trainer may be of assistance, both in
assessing the horse and in determining if the rider is the main
problem.
Some
lines of inquiry?
When
did the horse start napping - if a new horse, speak to the previous
owner (although they may not always answer honestly!)
What
triggers the napping? It may be going out alone, or leaving
other horses. Or it may be 'frightening' objects along a
particular route (farm machinery, barking dogs, even garden
ornaments!)
How
does the horse behave when NOT napping? (Nappiness is unusual in
an otherwise well-trained horse!) It may pay to avoid situations
where napping is likely and concentrate on schooling for a few weeks.
Does
he nap in familiar surroundings - or in unfamiliar ones (if the
former, he is probably trying it on and deserves punishment - if the
latter, he may be genuinely frightened and need reassurance.)
Try
to avoid situations in which the horse might nap that are unsafe for a
fight (busy roads etc.) Better to 'give in' and live to fight
another day!
If
you are NOT a confident and capable rider, do NOT attempt to deal with
a rearer on your own. Rearing is a frightening and dangerous
vice that requires a very confident and experienced rider to correct.
Decline
offers of assistance from anyone who suggests pulling him over
backwards (or other extreme measures.)
Many
nappy horses are just 'trying it on'. In these cases, use of the
whip is certainly justified - but be aware that an experienced napper
may buck or rear in protest.
Turning
a napper repeatedly in a very small circle five or six times and then
driving him forward firmly may work. If he naps again, repeat
the exercise on the opposite rein for seven or eight turns! (If
it still fails after 4 or 5 attempts then either the horse is a very
confirmed napper or your circles aren't small enough!)
If
you're thinking (and worrying) about the possibility of a horse
napping, you will tense up and he almost certainly will nap. Try
singing as you ride - it will help stop you tensing up (and telling
the horse you are expecting trouble.)
This
advice is necessarily broad - horses (and riders) are all
different. There is no substitute for an expert adviser or truly
knowledgeable friend.
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