1st Show Freakout

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This is a young warmblood mare I used to work with. This is a video clip from her first show and one of her classes. (Training Level dressage test) She had been on outings prior to this and handled everything well. She was wonderful on schooling day. (those clips are uploaded too) Being 'alone' in the show arena can be a bit more difficult for horses new to showing for a bit. So, this was her reaction.

She does has a history of rearing and flipping over. When I first started working with her she had a terrible problem with rearing and attempting to flip over (had previously). We worked through that many months prior to this show and she had shown no signs of that problem. However, anyone who knows these problems know they can be helped, but it will never be truly erased. The tension of everything got her and she reverted to an old habit. 'A' had been a sticky spot the previous day. I asked her to keep going she she felt like she couldn't got forward so she felt blocked. In reaction she reverted to her old habit and went up - and tried to go over. I knew her well enough afterwards I could pull myself back up - and obviously she just stood there waiting for me. She was understandably a bit tense for a bit after, but she worked through it towards the end.

WHY I REACTED THE WAY I DID:
I have a lot of questions and honestly bashing about my reaction to her rearing. So, I am going to explain in here.

Typically the best and most well known way to react to a rearing horse you to go 'up' with the horse so the upper body stays vertical and balanced and push the hands so as not to pull or unbalance the horse. Also push to horse forward as soon as possible. (moving feet means horse cannot go up as much)

Unfortunately this is a horrible idea for a rearing and flipping horse. The rider may be ok while the horse is rearing, but if the rider remains inactive the horse is going to continue and flip over - on top of the rider. This is obviously going to cause serious injuries (if not kill) to the ride and even the horse.

So, now why I did what I did. I pulled down and out on one rein, a bit off angle, but it was a very quick moment. The idea is when I pull one rein on a flipper I am going to throw her balance off and that direction - yes throw her balance off. The balance on a flipper is already going in a dangerous direction if they're going up. When I pull one rein and change that balance instinctively she is going to want to re-balance, which requires her to come back down. (If someone were to pull your arm suddenly one direction you are most like to step that way and catch your balance and not fall on your face, just on instinct - same idea) It is possible she is not quick enough to catch her balance it is still a dangerous movement for a very dangerous habit. Pulling the balance to the side is still a lot safer. If she did fall she is and the rider as less likely to sustain injuries falling to side rather than falling backwards and it also gives the rider a chance to push away.

Hopefully that explains a bit more. Even so, please don't go out looking for a flipper and trying these different methods. This is all still extremely dangerous and I do not say it lightly.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• horse
• swedish
• warmblood
• mare
• dressage
• show
• rear
• ride
• trot
• canter

[crox456]

i want to know what the woman in the background clapping her hands was trying to accomplish?

[halfpassgal]

@crox456, the woman clapping in the background is my mother. I suppose as a mother watching it was just expressing great joy she didn't watch her daughter die in front of her. She wasn't likely thinking that clapping might make her spook, just too nervous about the previous moment.

[CrimsonxTears]

I'm not a dressage rider, so please excuse my ignorance. Will they let you continue with the test after a freakout like that one ? How much does it count against you if you didn't fall off ? Extremely well-sat, and beautiful horse[:

[halfpassgal]

@CrimsonxTears, yes they let me continue thought the judge stand up and come out of the booth while it was happening. Afterwards she asked if I was OK. I was just counted against for that particular moment, as she and I obviously did not properly perform that particular movement, otherwise it had no other affect.

[horselover20613]

@crox456 clapping to make sure she is ok1?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? DUHH

[KasenaTheHorseRider]

wow good recovery

[RAPPIEMYBABY]

fast thinking great job!!!!! glad to see someone whos first reaction isnt to pull back but to pull the head to the side which helps a ton in those situations!! and great job pulling yourself back on!!!!!!!

[Lillable1]

I wish I had the nerve to recover as well as you! Well done, you handled it awesomely.

[xjumpforjoyx]

Wow, beautiful horse. Fantstic paces. What a shame, it was all going so well x

[TheWeekInReview10]

Nice recovery! I love it :)

[emoheartsJR]

I can't stand it when people comment stuff like "OMG!!! you like! Pulled her mouth off! you're horrible!!" When something like this happens...you only have a split second to make a crucial decision..I think you did great and you handled this situation very well :)

[walk4trot2canter3]

What composure!

[chloecindy99]

@jessriggy Excuse me? I care about my horses and would die for them. I care about them greatly.

[ILuvPaula21]

good job staying on