Hippotherapy

How do I get my horse to SLOW DOWN around other horses?

I just got my first horse about 2 months ago. She's been doing really good and I'm planning on showing her this summer. She was always around other horses when she wasn't with me but now she's the only one and because of that we (my family and I) spend a lot of time with her, so she doesn't feel lonely. About a week ago, i attended a "bring your horse and ride in the arena" 4H meeting. I knew that she would be a little nervous but most of these horses were well trained. While riding her,though, she kept drifting toward other horses. When my friend would canter past me, she would atomatically speed up to catch up to her. She cantered past more but she still go the urge to speed up each time. Well, i'm afraid of what she will do this weekend (first show) because even as i was practicing today, she tried to catch up to my brother, who was jogging in front of me. With a horse in front of her in the ring, i'm afraid she'll break into a canter to catch up. HELP! (I'm in Walk-Trot Classes)

Public Comments

1. You need to practise with your friend have your friend ride up, since you know she is going to do so you can prepare to half halt the horse hard as soon as it reacts to the other horse. Continue to do this until the other horse can pass you with out your horse reacting, you may need to start by asking your horse to walk when the other comes near then proceed to a simple half halt.
2. Well really the only thing you can do is stop her and dont let her have her way. If you start letting her have her way, she thinks she's the boss. "work the horse, don't let the horse work you" is what my parents always tell me. If you want her to do something, and she's set on something else, be firm, make her do what you want her to do. Show her that your the boss and that you call the shots. I know this sounds kind of harsh, but if its not done she'll be running off with you and pushing you into fences while brushing her in no time. Well i hope this helps. -Joshua
3. It's purely an instinct thing. The horse evolved as a herd animal, so when she sees another horse ahead, she will automatically try to follow in order to stay in the herd, especially if she spent a lot of time with other horses before you had her. Try working with her some more on breaking that habit. It'll take a bit of work.
4. You've identified the problem, which is great. So, if you know she does that, anticipate her reaction. Jogging horses go by, before she can react, pull her up. If you know she's going to swerve, pull her the other way. Practice. Get lots of friends and set up different situations. Your 4-H group should be able to help. Exactly what you described is what you can set up and practice. Good luck
5. YOU need to become the boss. if the horse wont slow down when you pull back a bit, turn the horse in a circle. a horse cant walk forward in a circle. walk him in 5 if you have to.
6. Well what breed is she? If she's a thoroughbred or an ex racer she'll want to speed up to get ahead of the other horses because thats their mentality that they have to be in the lead. If not its probably just a bad habit she picked up. When you see someone going past you maybe you should try turning her head in a differnt direction. Or you could try holding the reins tighter to hold her back. :) Hope this helps!
7. Try teaching her to half halt, and here is how. I don't know if you have enough time and I'm not sure how this works with western rigging (per your use of the term jog?). If you ride in English tack, use your outside hand to hold her back slightly, this means not moving your hand but rather tightening your fingers so she feels a bit of contact. This is just a little signal that says "pay attention" and "engage yourself and ease back." Make sure you are constantly giving her inputs and aids, this keeps her mind on you, not other horses. Steer her proactively. You aren't with Woodbury 4H are you? They are notorious for these get-togethers. If you are actually, by some small coincidence, in Woodbury 4H (again one of the few 4H groups notorious for these get togethers) ask Mr. Dolan to help you. He hosts these ridings and is a very nice guy. He also rides Western so if that's your style he may have some tips. To repeat what others have said, if you are not in this 4H group, go to the host of your group riding, they will help you as this is why they designed these meetings!
8. try to get someone that has an older, very responsible horse to ride with you. Then just correct your hosre when he misbehaves and after a while she will stop... and also try turning her out with another horse. she might be getting lonely.
9. i have this problem sometimes. but, its easy to control. TO stop this, pull back on the reins and yell woah/ho. if they slow down, and then start up again, take it in circles.It helps me if i ride my horse a bit before i go on a trail ride w/other people. But, i am ver y experienced. Heck, sometimes, i just let her canter right along w/the others.
10. Slow her down and circle her a few times everytime this happens she'll get the idea. It takes awhile for horses to get use to the excitement of horse shows. Just relax and she will too .