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  Discussion on Horse flipped out
Author Message
New Member:
rangler

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 10:21 am:

Hello,

I'm a new horse owner, and beginner rider, and desperately need some expert advice/opinion. In July of last year, based on my trainer's recommendation, I bought an 8-yr old TB mare. Before you tell me what a complete idiot I am, other trainers have also commented on what a great mind she has, how sweet she is, how good she is, etc. We have had no problems with her, but about a month ago she came in lame from the field with what the vet thought was probably a stifle injury. She was put on stall rest for a month. Yesterday she went out for the first time very briefly in a private paddock. The trainer then tried to ride her (someone is part leasing her and won't be able to ride for awhile, and wondered about 'a last ride'). I was not present, nor aware anyone was going to ride her. The horse flipped out, bucking, 'all four feet in the air'. So now I'm wondering: first about the suitability of this horse for me; second, was it entirely fair to the horse, since she didn't really get a chance to get her kicks out in the field; third, what's the best plan from here?
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 11:04 am:

Hi Kathryn, I vote for it wasn't fair for her not to get her pent up energy out before being asked to do something.

If I lock up my VERY WELL broke gelding for a couple days I wouldn't even consider getting on him until he had a chance to "blow off steam" and he isn't a TB.

I worked at a barn full of TB's and occasionally some had to go on stall rest. When stall rest was over they went back to their regular turnout schedule for a few days before anyone rode them.

Getting them to the turnout pens after stall rest was....let's say interesting!

Before riding her I would suggest turnout and some lounging before getting on, "to test the waters."
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 11:30 am:

I totally agree with Diane. I'd also add that when a horse is on stall rest, they should return to work gradually; usually they are given limited turnout or handwalked, then the turnouts are for longer periods of time. Then the horse is ridden at a walk for a period of time, then gradually builds up to a normal routine. If you do a search on this site for "stifle injury" you'll find more information on the injury and recovery.

BTW -I don't think you're crazy at all for getting an 8 yr. old TB! I don't know of any breed of horse that could stand in a stall for a month then be ridden.
New Member:
rangler

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 2:29 pm:

Thanks for the votes, opinions, suggestions. Being new to this 'later' in life with no interest in showing, I'm not in a rush. I enjoy just spending time with her, whether in the saddle or on the ground. Hopefully all will work out. Your advice will be put to good use (and I love having this site to come to for information!)
Member:
canter

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 2:40 pm:

Kathryn,
Ditto to what the others said. Any horse that's been couped up for a month of stall rest is going to be a bit "playful"

BTW, I started riding later in life as well and guess what? My first horse was a 7 y.o. TB, so if you're crazy, then so was I!
Member:
freshman

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 8:12 pm:

Keep the horse, lose the trainer.

Having anyone ride the horse in this situation was a not a safe decision. It was NOT fair to the rider, who could have been seriously injured, and also NOT fair to the horse. The horse should not suffer in any way from the trainer's foolish decision.
Member:
dove2

Posted on Sunday, Mar 4, 2007 - 9:07 pm:

I have to agree this was a very bad decision on the trainer's part. A horse has no other way of explaining pain or other physical needs than to do what she did. You can't fault the horse, but you sure can question the trainer's judgement.
Member:
muffi

Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 1:35 pm:

Kathryn - Love her - Spend time with her, Get her excercise adn Congratulation on knowing enough to seek advice from your friends. I couldn't say it better then the rest here - Get her out some before you commit to the saddle. then do so in a round pen if you can - the limited size and solid walls around you help to keep her in check. Walk, Trot and canter her for a Long time before you go else where. get those Giggies out if possible.
But most of all Love her spend time with her - Congratulation again. You found a friend with 4 legs... Mine keep me from getting old. I took up horses for the first time in my life when I was 48. I never regret a minute of it. and more than 75% of my Horse time is on the ground with them - Hugging, touching and being there. They know their job is to hug back. and I love it.
Member:
chance1

Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 1:58 pm:

Kathryn,
Can't help but agree with all of the above...and you're NOT CRAZY!! I have a young (3.5 yo), very quiet minded (until forced confinement) Quarter Horse who's recovering from a bowed tendon which has meant hand walking 2x a day for the last two months. I know exactly what you and your horse are going through...and my guy is on Reserpine to keep us both from getting hurt.

Being cooped up is no fun for the horse and they have to blow off some steam. Take it slow and easy and you'll both come through this fine. Plenty of ground work and round pen, if available, will go a very long way for both of you! Best of luck and happy trails!! Ruth
Member:
aewheele

Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 4:02 pm:

I must reiterate some of the people who have already written. Get rid of that trainer!! Having started riding at the 39 years old, my first trainer was marvelous and trustworthy. It's been 9 years and I'm doing very well. Any trainer that would take a horse, any horse, and hop on them after a month on stall rest, needs their head examined. It's unsafe for you and her!!! I hope I'm not being too opinionated, but as we get older, it's important that we find a level headed intuitive and empathetic trainer. We don't bounce as well as we used to, and a trainer who would get on a horse that is not ready to be ridden may ask you to do something you are not ready to do!

Good luck.
Andrea
Member:
dtranch

Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 6:54 pm:

Bad move by the trainer for two reasons ..
You should expect a lot of pent up energy and general ornery behaviour after a month of stall confinement. I would never back this horse until I have completed a battery of ground work exercises for two reasons.
Reason # 1: to evaluate the horse, see how she moves, check her gate and so on to make sure the injury has healed.

Reason # 2: My desire to ride bucking horses has long since passed, and I could be pretty sure I would have my hands full after a month in a stall.

DT
Member:
lynnea

Posted on Monday, Mar 5, 2007 - 10:28 pm:

This is one of those examples of how horses get blamed when it is a persons fault. I would say the trainer knows very little about horses if this is the approach that was taken with a stallbound horse. We all know what it is like to be housebound after an illness and wanting to just break free and let go. And horses can store up a lot of pent up energy in a lot less time than a month. I also think I would have had the vet outline a recovery program for the horse, and I would guarantee it wouldn't include riding for a while. And I agree with all above!! There isn't anything wrong with your horse...just acting normal for the circumstances.
Member:
jojo15

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 9:53 am:

OF Course he's going to explode. My goodness. a stall bound TB... what was the reasoning the trainer gave? not only she put her self in danger, but what about that injury you spent all that time fixing. hmmm. something doesn't sit right here. This is just common sense.

If the horse was fine before the injury, i don't see why he would be unsuitable after, unless its the same trainer that picked him out for you. Because i would be a tad worried about her overall judgement.
New Member:
rangler

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 3:38 pm:

What ground exercises would people recommend? Please be as explicit as possible, keeping in mind my limited experience. And how long (I know this would be guesstimate and would depend on the horse)? I do not have access to a round pen. Also, would it be best to see if I could get someone experienced to ride her first (down the road)? I know it would be best for MY bones, but don't want fear to dominate. Horse has been turned out for the past two days and has been well behaved and shows no signs of lameness.
Member:
boomer

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 3:44 pm:

Hi Kathryn, If you have an arena you can use a longe work. That might help the both of you. I mean it helps me just keep myself on top of the herd and is kind of fun. You don't have to use a round pen if you've got a line.
Member:
dawson

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 4:50 pm:

Ditto. I can't imagine a trainer worth a penny who would ride a horse after a months worth of stall rest. Big animal+small area=pent up energy and attitude. Dennis and everyone else is right first you want to make sure the horse is sound, and his/her gaits steady. Your vet should have seen the horse moving to give it a clean bill of health. A small paddock and staggered amount of time out in it, for the first few days. This eliminates the old buck and wing in a large open paddock leading to possible re-injury. Next ground work-socialization, depending on the type of injury I may or may not advocate asking your horse to work off a lunge line or round pen. After the ground work looks good, and he/she behaves/listens then try riding and see if your horse stays sound, remember all things in moderation until you are sure he/she is okay to proceed to the next level. If the trainer was aware your horse was on a months worth of stall rest and decided to climb on board-shame on her/him for not using common sense, then give the trainer his/her walking papers.

A thought: if you injured your ankle hiking up a mountain and the doctor told you to rest for a month. On your first day back would you slap a heavy back pack on your back and head for the top of the mountain? Common sense start out slow and progress at a pace so you do not re-injure yourself. Same goes for our four legged friends.
Member:
canter

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 - 6:00 pm:

Kathryn,
Look under Disease>Lameness>Treatment Methods>Rehabing Injuries. DrO has some great info on putting a horse back to work after injury that I think will help you safely and soundly, (and sanely) bring your TB back under saddle
New Member:
rangler

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 7, 2007 - 9:29 am:

Thanks to again everyone for their help, advice and opinions. All of it is appreciated. I'm on my way to check out the info Fran pointed out.
Member:
muffi

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 7, 2007 - 12:43 pm:

OK no one mentioned their ground work routine. So here is mine - 10 - 15 minutes before a ride (once you know all is sound of course - good backpack comment!!!) I take the horse in a rope halter and 12 foot lead. I do the give the head - stand at the side and make him give me his head to his shoulder - many time each side, then I do hips around - a bunch - obviously both sides then I do small circles - not quite lunging but wtih the 12 foot lead - both sides. I make him walk them. By know I can determine what kind of mood he is in. then I back him 10 feet or so some times short back ups- 3 to 5 feet. again to reinforce - I am Alpha, and to get a feel for his temperment before I get in that saddle. some days I just have 20 minutes to spend with him so that is all we do - no rides. it has made a world of difference on Ol' Bucky Big Foot for me. and yea all you old saddle bags - My bones are too old for bronc riding either.... that is why I do that. If you find a trainer you like they can also recommend some moves that works for you - These work for me and were recommended by a Parrelli type trainer. Hope some will work for you too.
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Thursday, Mar 8, 2007 - 3:10 pm:

Kathryn,

Here are links to some good articles about lunging.

https://www.horsekeeping.com/horse_training/longeing_plan.htm
https://www.naturalhorsesupply.com/longeing.shtml
https://www.kbrhorse.net/tra/line01.html
https://marvwalker.com/longe01.htm
https://marvwalker.com/longe02.htm

My gelding has gone through some bucking episodes and ground work is now a major part of my training program. It helps me evaluate where his mind is at which boosts my confidence and that carries over to mounted work. Good luck!
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