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Discussion on Mare has no attention span
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New Member:
Tek8807
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2003 - 2:16 pm:
My husband and I purchased a TWH about a month ago. The biggest problem in working with her is that she doesn't pay attention to either of us on the ground or in the saddle. She is constantly looking around, ears pricked, checking everything out (even though nothing exciting is going on). I try waving my hand around her face to get her attention, making different noises, even jumping up and down. Nothing seems to work. I know that a lot of NH techniques for curing this is to work in a round pen but we don't have one and cannot invest in one at the moment. Are there any other methods or techniques for getting the attention of a “spacey” horse?
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Member:
Chrism
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2003 - 4:39 pm:
Can you use a lunge line and position hay bales around in a lunge circle to give the idea of a round pen? Light lunging at walk/trot/canter with lots of transitions up and down will help develop her attention span and transition from play to work.
If she is under saddle, I'd do lots of interesting things while riding - directional changes, patterns, figures, gait changes, trot over poles, etc. Mix it up a lot so her attention to the task at hand.
If you've always worked with geldings, you may be noticing a mare's tendancy to pay attention to her surroundings and be sensitive to changes, etc. This is what you want to slowly redirect to work to get that sensitive expression and willingness to work many mares are so noted for. It takes time - I think mares thrive best when their riders are consistent, make suggestions with their aids and help the mare think it is a good idea. Fair persistence seems to work nicely.
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 2, 2003 - 10:39 am:
How old is she? I would say under 6 she just might be maturing slowly... My TB just turned 8 and I am finally seeing her pay attention and act like a grownup...
Also have you made sure its not anything physical?
jojo15
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Member:
Tek8807
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 2, 2003 - 12:46 pm:
She is 16. I've had the vet out for a complete check and he says she's in great health. Last night my husband rode her and did just what you recommened Chirstine. Everytime he sensed her attention was drifting he asked her for something. A halt, change of gait, direction, etc. He said she seemed to get frustrated but that it worked. I think I'll try lunging her also like you recommened.
Thanks!
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