laying down

Question
 riding along the other day ,,,my daughters horse decided she was going to lay down and have a rest... just layed there ,,didnt lay on her side or roll. my daughter  made it off fine and stood her up and we were on our way,,,we have had her for 1 year and she has never done this before,,, why would she do this?? and what kind of disipline should she recieve for doing something so silly?? thankyou

Answer
Hello Lorrie,

Since I don't know why she lay down I can only tell you what my daughter did in the same circumstance.  I had bought a mare with a "reputation".  I did not ride her because of my age, but we spent much time on rehab, until she was as sweet as could be.  Then my daughter, who is a very good rider, came to visit and she saddled her up and mounted.  The mare walked half way around the arena and then suddenly, she lay down.  My daughter slipped off before getting hurt and, with her booted toe, she gave one mighty kick in the side of that mare, accompanied by a few loud words, one of which begins with B.  The mare got up, daughter got back on and mare has not ever laid down while mounted since.

Don't know if that will work for you, but it sure did the trick with Lark. However, she never did relish being ridden so after two years of training, she is now a broodmare. That is her nitch. She is a wonderful Mam, and gave me a lovely Premium foal.

Your mare may have wanted to roll and just got her signals crossed. She may have had an itch under the saddle. If it occurs again, you may have to be a bit strong with the bat.

Best,
Dorothy