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Discussion on Getting a Horse to trust
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New Member:
Iride2
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Posted on Monday, Mar 31, 2003 - 11:26 pm:
I have a 6 yr old App mare that was bred to be a Western Pleasure prospect. We sent her to a trainer as a 3 yr old. After about 2 months he said she was doing poorly. My son and I went down to see her and decided to bring her home. The trainer advised us to sell the mare. I decided that I would have her vet checked before I would put her on the market. In doing so I found that she had wolf teeth. Needless to say she had been rode thru pain. Now it's like she's afraid of the bit. She is awesome to work with on the ground but when you ride she breaks into a sweat. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we could possibly do to get her mind back?
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2003 - 12:21 am:
just a quick answer, go back to the basics... back to the ground work that she understands and trusts... take it slow...dont' crowd her, do baby lessons... she will trust again... in time..
i am sure others will have more details to add
Ann
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2003 - 8:11 am:
Sandy,
It is uncertain that the wolf teeth were a problem as many horses do not have problems with them. For more on this see our article » Care for Horses » Disease Prevention and Health Care » Equine Dentistry.
DrO
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2003 - 8:34 am:
Hi, Sandy,
Ann's advice is expert. Continue with the ground exercises to build confidence and trust. If you are certain there isn't a pain issue with backing the horse, then I would work on ground exercises with the horse tacked up for riding. When the horse no longer shows any agitation at being tacked up and working on the ground, I would add quick mountings and dismountings . . . interspersed with sessions of ground work . . .
as the mare becomes soft and relaxed with those training sessions, I would increase my time up on top . . . always dismounting before the horse becomes agitated, and never asking for movement. If the horse walks off on her own, I would accept it, but would halt her after a dozen steps and dismount and continue with a short ground session. She will tell you how much you can do. As your time on top increases, and as she becomes comfortable with moving under you, you can ask for her to give to the bit, or do some simple turns. I would keep my legs off of her and let her choose the speed. The mounting and dismounting, and the lack of your asking for her to work under you, should help her relax and accept your presence there. You seem to be one who can listen to her horse . . . That's the best way.
Best wishes,
Holly
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Member:
Suzym
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2003 - 10:22 am:
Hi Sandy ~ I have little to add to Ann's and Holly's advice.  One thing to consider if she's SO afraid of the bit, you might start riding her in a side-pull or bosal - or, if she's soft enough, one of those rope halters. Then you could reintroduce the bit later.
She WILL trust again - it just takes TIME and PATIENCE.
Suzy
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Member:
Iride2
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 1, 2003 - 7:46 pm:
Thank you for all of your advice, now that the weather is nicer I can really start to work on her. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it goes. Again thanks-I was at the end of my rope---Sandy
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