Breakdown

Mental Breakdown-I am seeing more horses who have had a "breakdown". They can not cope with work, confidence has disappeared and they have become very nervous. It could be that you tried and purchased a super horse only to get him home and every thing changed. From not being able to jump, hack out alone, go in the school, being on high alert etc etc. It is almost like the last change was the one that they could not cope with. Some times they have been very good at their job but that has caused people to want more. Higher jumps, faster gallop so that in the end the horse feels like his best is not good enough.A breakdown can also happen when memories from the past catch up with them. Perhaps a change of home has reignited the memories and insecurities and the panic comes to the front.There are many many reasons why a breakdown occurs. When it does like us time is needed to recover. Also having questions answered and letting the horse speak. A healing then becomes a counselling session. As the words and pictures come forward the horse visibly relaxes and the load is lifted. Confidence needs rebuilding and for a while you will feel like you are riding a green youngster. But with love and patience the horse can recover and regain their confidence.The most important thing you as a rider can do is listen to your gut feeling. When others tell you your horse needs pushing on use a stick or spurs. But you know it is something else ignore them and return to the stable. Then breath and connect with your horse, reassure them that you will listen to them and slowly things will get better.Prescription, love, healing, understanding, time........