ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] showing the mean face

[endurance] showing the mean face

Shareeka@aol.com
Wed, 24 Apr 1996 23:15:49 -0400

I am looking for advice for correcting the problem of riding with another
rider when the horse gives the "mean face". I have just completed my first
season with my horse (125 miles of competition). The problem i am seeing is
when we hook up with another rider on a ride, my horse will not ride side by
side (when the trail is wide enough) without looking at the other horse with
flattened ears and a mean face. He does not try to bite or do anything, he
just looks mean and threatening. It doesn't matter if we are trotting
together or cantering or galloping, if we are side by side he does the "mean
face" I am slapping his neck and yelling no, constantly. This is no fun
on a ride. His attention is not on business but on threatening the horse
beside him. If he rides in front or behind he is fine, he just will not
ride side by side without exhibiting the "mean face" constantly.
Once on a competitive trail ride, he did his mean face at the wrong time and
we got points off for : "sour attitude towards others horses" I would like
to stop this. It detracts from the business at hand which is moving down
the trail and paying attention to Mom.........
Help anyone?

Shareeka, Big Pine Key, FL