Fear Or Messing About?

Question
QUESTION: I'm 12 years old and a couple of weeks back my 14.1hh dales x welsh mare started refusing to go past a viewing gallery with people sat in it she has gone past people plenty of times before but her head turns and she starts breathing really deep and going panicky wen i push her forwards she will move back,sideward rear and bronc and I'm not sure what to do next i have the same problem leading her past I'm getting quite tired of this behavior and i was wondering if you have any ideas/training programmes thanks very much x

ANSWER: Lauren,

First off, my dear, you are going to have to learn patience.  Apparently your little mare has developed some kind of phobia about this and we need to figure out why because you say she hasn't done this in the past.  

Is this viewing gallery one she's been working around and passing with no problems until now?  Is this in an indoor arena?  If so then is sounds like she may be developing a vision problem.  

Let me have some more details about this please.  Tell me where this viewing area is and when she is in front of it.  What are the circumstances that she has to pass it?

Tell me everything you can think of so I can help you with this problem.  Once I have some additional details I can better suggest what you should do.  Just be aware that the solution might not be quick and easy.  It may take some time to resolve.  

Lyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes this is a indoor arena,and her sight is fine she has been passing it until now i can circle at each end of the school and do ten meter circles its just when i go B-e she sees it she is fine with the viewing gallery until theres people there yet she will let my dad be there and a couple of other people she knows well she used to go past this other person she knows well and now that's a big no? also since i last posted my question the only winter turnout has ben inside and outside arenas and she has been inside alot and i think she could maybe have spotted something that makes her neverous when people are there? I'm not quite sure thanks for your time

Answer
Lauren,

This sounds like a real, fear-based reaction.  I noted that she seems to have problems with one particular person.  Hmmm.  Sounds like something has happened here and you need to try to figure it out.  This could take a while.  A lot depends upon how good a sleuth you are.  

I would take her, in hand, around this person, and watch your mare's reactions closely.  She's trying to tell you something, something bad I think.  I don't know who this person you refer to is, but do they have any association with horses at the barn?  Would they have reason to handle your horse at all?  If so, then you aren't going to overcome this quickly or easily if it's someone with whom she has regular contact.  I don't know how old your mare is, younger horses can carry grudges and worked through sometimes a little more easily and quickly than an older horse.  But you need to figure out what is going on.  I don't think her issues are with the observation room but with the person.  

And if it's a personal issue you could have a real problem on your hands here.  The only solution may be for either the person leave or not be around when you are using the arena, or you and your horse move to another barn.  Whatever you do, watch and observe and say nothing until you know what has happened.

When working in the arena and the person is in the observation room I think your best bet is just to work on trying to get her to cooperate and conquer her fear, with little steps at a time.  Ask her to get as close as she will without panicking.  Reward her bravery when she stands there, pet her and let her know ou approve and it's OK.  Just ask her to stand for a really brief period at first. Do this repeatedly.  Stand for a short time then move back to the "safety" zone.  See if she won't move a little closer after the first few times.  Like maybe 1 step.  Don't expect a big distance.  It can become sort of a game.  I hope you get the idea.  Food treats work really well in cases like this.  Get a little closer, stand quietly and get a reward.  Ponies are stomachs with feet and will generally do almost anything for a goodie.  It takes tons of time, patience and love to teach a horse to overcome a real fear.  But it can be done.  

I think your pony is awesome and I know you want to help her with this issue.  These little desensitization sessions shouldn't last over 1/2 hr. or so.  You may have to work in one end of the ring only for a while.  Will she let you pass in front of the room on the opposite side of the arena?  But please don't let anyone tell you that "this is just the way ponies are sometimes", or that she's being stubborn or whatever.  She's got a valid reason for this behavior.  Horses evolved as prey animals.  The "flight or fight" reaction is very strong with them.  You won't conquer this with negative behavior or thoughts.  Punishment is not the answer.  Respect her feelings and help her work through them; try and put yourself in her place and think what has helped you overcome fear in the past. Granted, at your age you may not have had anything really bad happen to you but I'm sure there's something you were really afraid of, maybe when you were really little.  

Feel free to let me know what happens.  You are going to have to figure out if this is something you need to bring up with the barn manager/owner.  If your parents are paying the bills, they need to be brought into the loop once you know what has happened.  Be discrete and tactful, and hopefully a good actress if you have to make some inquiries of people around the barn.  You don't want to say anything to anyone until you have sufficient evidence to prove your case.  Unfortunately you are young and you want the adults to listen to you and act on real, true knowledge.  You have to get the evidence.  

Keep your wits about you girl and you'll do fine.  You have an awesome pony, sounds very smart.  Think about yourself.  If you've ever had something really, truly scare you, you know how it is to have to face that again.  I'm sure you can work through this with her.

Please keep in touch with me.  You can take this offline if you want - my email is mustangrdr@att.net and contact me directly.  You sort of need someone to talk through this periodically that isn't involved in anyway with any of the people there.  OK?

Lyn