Question # 147: My lease mare really doesn't like to stand still, both on the ground and especially under saddle. She will halt, and then at most 3 seconds later starts to sidestep, raise her head in the air, scratch her knee, and generally not stay stil
This is especially annoying at shows when we are waiting our turn! What should I be doing in the saddle to encourage her to stand? Should I practice making her stand even if it makes her anxious? I know lots of young horses have this issue, but she's at least 12 and doesn't seem to be growing out of it. Thanks! (Emily)
Hi Emily!
That can be a very annoying problem! And some highly strung horses never fully overcome their fidgetiness. If she is an otherwise good horse, I would probably be inclined to meet her half way. Meaning that you only really ask her to stand when it is absolutely necessary. If you really do want to work on her ability to stand still, then as with any behavioral issue, you have to decide if your horse is... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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