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Discussion on Thinking of horsing out
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 - 1:27 pm:
Hi. I thought of posting this in the humor category, but decided not. It's pretty funny, actually, if it weren't so sad. And I'd love some perspective.
My first horse, six years ago, was an almost blind Appaloosa gelding,25 years old, 17 hands. We had the perfect relationship, all I wanted, almost, walking, occasionally cantering around my fields, until he went totally blind, and then developed a painful penile cancer, and became too hard to handle. In the beginning, though, he trusted me not to run him into a tree, and it never occurred to me not to trust him. Perfect relationship.
Then I was was given my second horse, a 10 year old paint gelding who had foundered seriously. Two years and a lot of farrier bills later, his feet are fine, but he has chronic diarrhea. I haven't ridden him for months, just because it doesn't feel right. (first question: can I ride him, even though he has diarrhea?) He has a sweet disposition, and, in the brief period between his founder and his diarrhea, we had fun, walking down the hills and cantering up the hills around here.
Along now my husband began muttering "give me your blind, your lame," and things like, "for the money you've spent on these two, you could have bought a horse with nothing wrong with him."
So, I went out looking for such a horse, and bought a Haflinger back in January. It was an emotional decision, and an expensive one. He slung me off twice and bolted, and now he's gone, to a neighbor who will use him for buggy-driving, which he was bred to do.
So here I am with my remaining diarrhetic Buck. After the Haflinger experience, I'm cautious even around Buck, who truly wouldln't hurt a fly. I know he'll pick up on that, and it doesn't bode well.
I've spent close to $10,000, just to have a horse I can love and care for, absolutely no expectations other than ridng around here, maybe to get the mail, maybe a trail ride now and then, no, not a daily one I put Buck up and put him out, and give him his medicine and his feed and his hay, and wash his tail, and sometimes, like this afternoon, wonder: why am I trying to have horses?
But before I decide that it is simply not working, and put Buck out to pasture permanently and try to cultivate an interest in daylilies instead, I'd love to hear from you. I think this forum has unusually smart and kind and caring members, and I'd love to hear what you have to say.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 - 4:12 pm:
Winifred For the type of riding you want to do, I would certainly give your paint a chance.
If it don't work out then retire him to pasture.
Horses are an expensive "hobby" and they all come with their own quirks, even the best broke horse can have something that sets him off. When you get a "new" horse you need to bond with them, and make sure they know you are herd boss....it all takes time and effort. Try not to be apprehensive around your horses...not an easy task sometimes I know, but it will show up in their behavior.
It's really up to you if you want to commit the time and money for this "hobby" Personally I couldn't be without some sort of horse in my life.
In Jan. when it is bitterly cold and I can't stand it anymore I have fleeting thoughts of how nice it would be to stay in my warm house and not worry about things like hay, horses being cold, or too fat, or cleaning the frozen solid crap up. Then I think of all the good times, smiles and laughs I have had with my 3 (2 are pasture ornaments)...but they have earned a good retirement.
I have to hear about my expensive, retired horses from my husband too. (IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER) it goes
Good luck with your decision.
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 - 6:40 pm:
Hi Winifred,
Of course this is something you will need to decide for yourself. Any horse can eventually present difficult and expensive medical problems. Most horses will act like horses, which is to say that they may require training or discipline or effort that goes beyond what you enjoy or are willing to commit. Real horses sure don't act like our fond dreams of horses, so you'll need to consider both.
But if your old paint is up for it, ride him. Let him tell you whether it's too much. But forgive him if he acts like what he is, which is a horse.
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 - 9:05 pm:
Winifred, only you know what enhances your life and what doesn't. For me, the horses are enhancement. Not riding--the horses. I used to feel guilty if I wasn't riding. Then I realized I love ground work, I enjoy the chores, I love the contented munching after feeding the hay, etc. I finally gave myself permission not to feel guilty that I don't put in hours in the saddle in order to justify the hours of "work". But it's not really work to me. It's what I do and what I am. I currently have three coming yearlings (one of them has already got two buyers--wish I could clone her), another yearling I just bought who hasn't been handled enough to make her safe from going to an auction, a pony for my grandaughter (who's only 15 months, but I have to be sure the pony is well trained) and one riding horse. I will get these young horses so well mannered and trained on the ground they can go to new homes as almost broke by the time they are two. The hours I spend with their training will never bring a monetary reward, but I have added great value to them and they have added value to my life. So yeah, I spend a lot more time on "chores" than I do in the saddle. And it adds a quality to my life that no other "job" ever could. But that's me.
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 6, 2008 - 10:00 pm:
This is why I put this out there. Thank you so much.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 7:41 am:
Hello Winifred,
I presume that otherwise his health (vital signs, condition, behavior, etc...) is good and if so the diarrhea should not be a reason not to ride. Have you tried our recommendations in Overview of Diarrhea?
DrO
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 9:45 am:
Thank you, Dr. O. Yes, I've read Overview of Diarrhea several times, and many of your recommendations were seconded by the four vets who have seen him. He does seem otherwise healthy and pleased with life, so I'll try gently riding him again. It's just that it seems like it would be uncomfortable for him, his stomach rumbles so. I suppose he'll let me know!
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Member:
elzedor
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 11:35 am:
Hi Winifred,
I would definitely try to ride him, and the exercise might even put his digestive system back on track.
Also try avoiding pastures, hay is better for horses with diahhrea.
I strongly think that he's going to feel better "morally" and that will help the rest.
Finally, if ever nothing works, then consider trying to find a new horse with the help of a trainer, there is a lot of nice unexpensive horses around, you just need some help finding one, anyway a lot cheaper that the cost of all your vet and farrier bills.
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 11:53 am:
Winifred .. you gotta' follow your heart. The fact that you posted this question makes me think you already know the answer. I personally can't imagine not having horse smell all around me.
Find you a good partner and enjoy the journey. And I second everyone else .. give your guy a chance and see how it goes. You may already have your partner.
DT
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 12:38 pm:
"horse smell"??? Your horses smell??
Well, gee DT, maybe if you'd groom them once in awhile
Sorry, couldn't resist!!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 12:56 pm:
Winifred, as everyone has said, you need to do what feels right for you. Imagine not having any horses. Does that feel good to you, a relief or does that image make you feel empty inside?
Although I board my horse, I find myself puttering around the barn, doing chores, just because I like to be around the horses, whether I'm in the saddle or not. The barn is a place of peace for me that I could not do without (I think without the barn and my horse, my next place of residence would be a padded cell in some institution  ).
So, think about life as is, and life without. Whichever feels better to you is the answer.
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 1:09 pm:
I really appreciate all your input. And you make me think: nope, I wouldn't be happy with an empty barn. I just wish I could fix Buck. But having heard from you, maybe I'll just fool around with him more, like I used to, and try to make him be The One again, even with his poopy tail. Maybe, as Lyne suggested, his spirits will rise with more attention and exercise, and so will his digestion! It sure can't get any worse.....no, maybe it could.
I've lately been trying this weird thing I read on a thread a while ago, posted by Little King Ranch. She said to take a road apple from a healthy, recently wormed horse, mix it with water, and syring it into him several times a day. It's supposed to replace lost flora, or something. I can't quite bring myself to syringe it into him, but I've been adding half a cup of this "road apple tea" to his feed for the past few days. He looks at me like "you really need to fire the new cook," but he does eat it up.
I, as you can see, am trying everything. I really do like this horse, and having him around.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 1:39 pm:
I've tried several times living without horses[and dogs] and wasn't happy, from time to time I now wonder why for instance if everything goes wrong at the same day or all the bills arrive together..
Still it is your decision. Potter around with your paint[read Aileens threads I think she is on nr 4 now so you can try a little while longer before you give in if you want]
And if you don't feel comfortable riding him look for a buddy for him you can ride![Perhaps go to the clinic of Dennis in june and all the members there can help you search?
Good luck
Jos
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 2:02 pm:
This might be a bit controversial, but if you are weary of cleaning the poopy tail of your Paint, why not cut it short? Save yourself some trouble, the tail will eventually grow back, and you're not showing him, so other than for flies, he really doesn't need it (but then I would recommend a fly sheet to protect him as we come into the summer).
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Member:
dove2
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 2:18 pm:
Might a tail bag work? Perhaps two? One in the wash while the other one on?
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 2:44 pm:
Oh Chris ... that hurt. I want you to know that with the help and encouragement of my associates, I can now brush a horse from top to bottom (or is that comb). Oh crap, I can't remember. But, please don't ask me to put that shiny stuff on their hooves and put those band things on their manes. Now that's just wrong.
DT
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Member:
beckyo
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 3:11 pm:
Winifred, after my son was born 5 years ago (only a year and half after I had his sister), I sold my horse because they only time I saw him was when I paid my board. I missed him so terribly, that my husband went on a horse hunt last fall and bought him back. Since buying him, he has charged through the gate - cutting his side, slipped on frost - putting two legs through the fence and cutting straight up the back of his legs, Cut his nose - I don't know how this happened, lost a lot of weight - scaring me to death, and finally developed rain scald. When I tried to stall him to keep him dry so the rain scald could heal - he rubbed this throat bald hanging his head out the stall door.
Now my dear husband says buying the horse back was a mistake, he is upset because I have spent so much time worried about my horse. But all of this is worth it, even though I can't ride him right now. I'm happy when he follows me around the pasture rubbing his head on me like some big lap dog.
You have to decide why you have a horse. Is it only about the ride? From your post I don't think so. I get something special just from brushing my horse, I imagine you do too. That is worth all the worry and frustration for me. You have to decide if it is for you too.
Becky
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 3:34 pm:
What is this "clinic of Dennis in June?" Is this a horseadvice horse search? I'm very interested, would love to know more.
Cutting his tail, or a tail bag, would only fix part of the problem. His back legs are so chafed, they need washing daily and rubbing down with Desitin ointment. A giant baby with diaper rash, is what I have here!
Please do fill me about this clinic thing. Do you go there, or is it totally on-line?
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 8:16 pm:
R.e the clinic: A former HA member is trying to get a therapeutic riding program up and running in KS. A bunch of us are going down the week of June 23 to help her do some work around her place...whatever needs to be done, we're gonna do our best to help out. Dennis has very generously offered to do a clinic on that Friday & Saturday (6/27 & 6/28), in part to spread the word and generate some publicity for Holly's program. All are welcome. I think the general attitude is "the more, the merrier". Along with the work, we plan on cracking a few (or more) cocktails of choice. I am looking forward to not only helping out someone who has a worthwhile dream to fulfill, but to meeting so many members I've only "spoken to" either via HA or email.
Winifred, there are 2 threads regarding the get together, but I have to sign off as I am packing up to head out on vacation and don't have the time to dig for the threads. Can someone point Winifred in the right direction for details?
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 8:38 pm:
I agree only you can make the decision. If you love your horse and can afford the time and money to care for him, keep him. If you are just tired of all of it, find him a new home.
Some of us can do this and be quite happy and some cannot. I am one that cannot be without a horse in my life, some shape or description anyway. Doesn't have to be mine, just have to have at least one around. LOL
They can become very large very expensive "pets" to be sure, but keeping most any livestock has a cost involved. The advantage is of course that you can go for a ride as often as you choose.
So the Haffie went bye-bye, huh? Well good. One decision down, just have one more to go.
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Monday, Apr 7, 2008 - 9:19 pm:
Winifred, the discussion is under Member's Services » Horseadvice Vacation » 06/27/08 HA Meet and Clinic, Wellington KS USA. Go to the menu on the left, choose Member Services and then Horseadvice Vacation. It would be great if you could go!
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 8, 2008 - 3:39 am:
Advice from Normandy to all members meeting Dennis in june, in return for his generosity give him a good thorough lesson of making his horses beautiful[don't forget him! No selfrespecting Dressage rider will enter the arena without make up and I saw it was no different in the US in Scottsdale]
Oh how I wish I could be there!!
Jos
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 8, 2008 - 6:08 pm:
DT - You had better watch out, sounds as if you are in for some beautifying!
Winifred - Oh course only you know what is best for you, but I wonder if you aren't suffering from a little bit of caregiver's burn-out. Being the primary caregiver for a beloved horse, pet, or family member with health problems can be exhausting. No matter how dedicated we are, we all need a break once in a while.
Perhaps a local 4-H-er or horse-savy teen could help out one or two days a week and give you a bit of a breather.
Since your horse requires frequent bathing, setting up a wash stall would make the task easier and more comfortable for both you and your horse. Proper drainage, warm water, and having shampoo, medication and towels all at a good working height can make the job much easier.
I agree that shortening and thinning your horses tail would also help. You can leave enough length that he'd still have a fly swatter but it would be quicker to wash and dry, as well as keeping the irritated skin free of wet or dirty tail hairs.
Best wishes to you. Have you asked your local vet about light riding?
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Member:
jojo15
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 8, 2008 - 6:36 pm:
Hey winifred its just a calling you have. You can't help it. and neither can most of us. I'm with Julie in her mindset. I couldn't care less any longer if i actually ride. Nor can my mare. at 26 she is just happy being. I think that you have the perfect horse in the barn already. so what! he's got a few squirts. just ride upwind.  because i think for me ultimately its the caretaking and ambiance and the structure i gravitate towards. And he (your horse) is there right now to teach a few things. just go with it.
I too got extraordinarily jumpy if i didn't ride her daily. then weekly. now its monthly. and its the same old ride. like a leather glove. you put it on and its the same. we saunter and chitchat with the neighbors. and thats it. once i took the pressure away to be more, it became better.
I had another thought too. Your barnyard needs to get fuller. Why not put a couple goats in there? or a few sheep to shear. dairy goats are my newest little endeavor. and i wonder sometimes. if brandy ever moves over that bridge, would i get another horse? hmmmm... i say yes. but prolly an old squirty one like yours who's happy doing nothing. but doesn't mind a rompe every once in awhile.
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 8, 2008 - 8:38 pm:
I love it, all your responses.
I have one squirty horse, whom I rode in the round pen this afternoon, bareback, just a halter, sorry, that's the way I like to ride him. And he was so nice, responding to leg pressure, not much else. He is a very good horse, always has been, and is only twelve. I hadn't ridden him in months, thinking he was so, so sick....but he didn't mind. We had a good time.
I will say that the other horse experience has made me wary of even Buck, riding him down the hill toward the barn, but I think we'll get over it. I used to say "nice and slow" and he would go down the hill nice and slow, but now when I think about the Haflinger tossing me and racing down the hill, not nice and slow at all....oh, to hell with it.
I want to be back where I was before Funny, how I thought about things less back then, and they happened better.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 9:04 am:
You see, it's that THINKING about bad experiences that is the problem! Banish those memories from your mind! Never let them back in no matter how much they clamour and jostle for admission!
Only ever picture your horses behaving in a calm low-key way, and emanate a "tough love" matter- of-fact attitude, one which is well able to deal with anything that might come up (but don't let yourself VISUALISE anything that might come up!)
Just my thoughts - good luck!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 10:13 am:
Hi Winifred. I've been reading your posts, but have been out of town and really busy so haven't posted myself.
If you "have the desease" as my husband says, you won't be happy without a horse in your life. I can't imagine life without a horse. Spending time on one or with one helps keep me grounded, calm and sane when the world gets busy and my mind wants to spin, or when I'm faced with illness, tragedy or loss. All the work and worry is more than worth it, imo.
Also, I have learned that handling and riding horses is about 90% mental. LL is right, relax and don't think so much about what you are doing. The negative flow seems to spread to the horse and makes things worse. Your horse really picks up on your nervousness and you become stiff and tense which is passed on to the horse and causes it to be the same way. Don't push yourself and do things you feel comfortable doing; as you gain confidence go on to more difficult or longer rides. You'll do great. There are quite a few posts on this board about other people's experiences along this line which might be helpful to you.
Good luck, and have fun.
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 12:00 pm:
Just one last question, I promise! It's about this "visualization" thing. I understand what you are saying, LL and Sara, but am remembering something I read in a how-ro-ride book, that if you visualize the thing happening that you most fear, like the horse bolting, or rearing, or bucking, and you visualize your reaction to it in order to stay on, then the visualization is almost as effective as the actual event happening.
That's my only problem with the "don't visualize" advice, and I'd love to know what you think. I really am trying to figure this out, and not think so much....but I've got to figure it out first!
Sorry if I've made this thread too long. I really appreciate your words.
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 12:48 pm:
Sorry, not LL or Sara here. Visualizing plays a huge role when with horses. And yes I think if you can visualize the entire "movie" play out with a good, solid happy ending then it should in theory play out exactly that way.
My question to you would be simply are you capable of doing this under a bolting situation?? Would you be capable of initiating the visualizing of a bolt and reactions (yours) under controlled circumstances to work it out? (over and over a few times)
I don't know about you, but I know that I wouldn't be able to do this, and I visualize all the time. I also use my own energy levels and lower them when my horse gets 'up' and afraid of things, or if she's being a bit of a slug I will purposely raise my own energy and hers comes up as well.
I know for a fact that under scary situations, personally I go right to full panic and all normal thought process tends to go out the window as it were.
What I am finding is that working through actual lessons having scary situations introduced by my trainer, more or less under controlled circumstances with him talking me thru what to do how and when; working on many ways of having lots of "brakes" installed on my horse; and above all working on building a super solid relationship with her; has all made a huge difference. First I trust her because of our relationship and she trusts me, meaning when she is frightened, her ear comes back to me first before she does anything!!! Second with all the lessons on handling scary situations, I know what she will most likely do, I also know I can stop her under most any condition, and have in fact stopped a bolt in 5 strides. Most importantly for me personally is that I haven't lately panic under some very scary situations, I just ride and think through what I am doing. Somehow I have managed to ride out everything she has done his past year and a half with no issue at all, from that bolt (stopped in 5 strides), to a bucking frenzy! (must not have been big bucks hahahaa)
Visualization is a fabulous tool, but you have to be disciplined enough to use it to your advantage. Like anything that takes lots of use and practice, and then knowing whether or not you can control your images under duress.
90% of a horse doing what you want, having a horse listen to YOU under scary situations is the relationship, if you are not a super great/experienced rider that is. OR have a good "care taker" type of horse, or one that is completely bomb proof. Even a bomb proof horse might be a bit of a handful initially in new surroundings with new people. ;)
just my 2 cents, ok, 25 cents input.
-Terrie
https://www.rana-epona.com/
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 2:44 pm:
I appreciate that, Terrie. I think I was just being pretty analytical, actually, wondering whether it is better to (a)assume the best, and expect that it will happen, or (b) assume the worst, so that you'll be prepared. These seem to be pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum!
Like you said, I could have visualized until the cows came home, and nothing would have kept me on that bolting horse's back last month! So, maybe it's better to do as LL said, just to banish the memories and assume the best.
That's where I'm heading at this point, anyway, because, at the very least, my horse and I do like and trust each other, a lot.
I'm thinking about coming to Kansas in late June, in there's still room.
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 2:54 pm:
Winifred,
I think for professionals who take whatever comes on four feet, it is reasonable to think through worst-case scenarios and ensure that they have a plan. I handle a young rowdy breeding stallion, and I never go anywhere near him unless I have thought through the safety implications for him, for me, and for everyone else around us. When I handle him, I firmly expect the best, and often get it. But I am obligated to think through everything else, when I'm not handling him.
I believe that your situation is different. Everything about your horsemanship REQUIRES that the best or near-best thing happens every time. You have made deliberate decisions not to implement common safeguards (tack), or to involve yourself in common training situations, as with the naughty haflinger. So there is no point visualizing bad situations, since you have decided already not to accommodate them. Your best option, in my opinion, is to select your horses very very carefully to end up only with those who behave nearly perfectly all the time. A messy bottom is a very small price to pay for a horse who will fit into your particular style of horsemanship and high standards for horse behavior, so I would focus completely on appreciating your spotted, and splotted, gem.
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Member:
elzedor
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 3:35 pm:
Hi Winifred,
I have read the messages concerning visualization and have this to say: If you visualize good things, you body position and your actions will be different and relax in a way that your horse should respond calmly. I have been watching some Clinton Anderson's clinics and he says concerning green horses " Act like they are broke and they will be broke".
If in the other hand you bring your thoughts to the situation you wish to avoid, your body will be stressed and you will react with less efficiency.... Stay Relax and ride your Paint with confidence you know he's a good horse.
Concerning the diahrea of your horse... I know that this should seem a bit odd and maybe Dr O. can give his advice on this. I have treated several types of animals for diahrea and my family also by giving one the the two following products: Yogourt and or strawberry extract. I have to admit that I have never tried them on horses. The strawberry extract is made from the strawberry leaves (don't know if they are safe for horses). The yogourt would be the safest product, I have heard the enzymes and bacteria contained in the yogourt can put the digestive system back to work. Maybe you could ask you Veterinarian about it!!!
I know it's a long shot but it has worked for our family, our dogs, our cats. And if ever I have a horse with a diahrea problem I would definitely consider trying it.
My other advice would be concerning his feed. Make sure the feed has almost no sugar, or molasses added and try to choose a feed with very low fat. The thing is that those 2 elements irritates the intestines and your horse need for them to rest in order to turn the process around.
I've read that you tried one ride with your horse, how did his health and vital signs go after that?
Hope you can ride again soon!
Lyne
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 4:48 pm:
Lynn's right. What you focus on becomes reality, Where your thoughts go, there you go too.... and if riding there goes your horse as well.
I am not such an experienced rider (I have discovered after almost 50 years of riding!) that I can know what to do under all circumstances. Besides at my age my reaction times are usually way to slow. So for me I have to drill and drill and drill my 'actions/reactions' until they literally become second nature.
Trainers get there quickly cause they have access to lots of horses and lots of different things/situations. Most of us normal horse owners have one horse we ride, and many are just learning both to ride and the new horse. Yeah bad combo, green on green = black and blue. LOL
But it's true where you place your thoughts is what will most likely happen. So in this yes you want to at least divert your thinking away from bad stuff and put it on positive stuff. Again, for myself only i faced with a scary situation, one I do not have confidence in myself in, my thoughts will focus solely on how afraid I am. I know this. Trying to convince myself I am not afraid just doesn't work - for me.
I have found though that by riding out some pretty scary stuff, again in a lesson to learn how to handle this stuff, when it just happens I find myself riding, I focus on my riding fist then I focus on the next step positively. I then don't have time to notice how afraid I am! haha But again for me, it's getting into that confidence place, knowing I can ride it.... yup even when Bella started a bucking fit this past fall, at first I wasn't sure what the heck she was doing underneath me, it just felt odd, then I noticed I couldn't see any horse in front of me, just ground. Hmmmm she must be bucking. haha. After like the third or fourth buck I realized I was all alone, no one was home, if I came off it'd be hours before anyone would find me and for a brief moment a wash of fear went thru me, until I realized that while I was considering all this she was still bucking underneath me and I was miraculously still on! I simply shifted my focus onto the fact that I was riding her bucks out! At which point I was growing weary of it and simply said loudly 'Bella! Enough!! - knock it off!' and she stopped. LOL Such a good girl.
But I didn't think "I have to think this way..." I am not good at doing that consciously when riding. It's a good theory, but for people like me it's practice practice practice.
You cannot fool a horse!! So if you are truly afraid it's normally not a good thing to 'pretend' you aren't. Focusing your thoughts to something more positive you CAN do is much better. In other words act, do something constructive of sorts.
This is yet a whole 'nother topic. LOL
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 5:25 pm:
Thank you everyone.
Ellizabeth, with all due respect, you were pretty rough. I don't require a horse to be perfect, I am just realistic about my abilities.
I feel terrible about giving the Haflinger away. Someone, perhaps even you, asked if I had intended to "train an ornery yellow thing", and the answer was no. He was not the horse I thought I had purchased, I found him a good home, and decided to move on. I think it's harsh to criticize me for my "particular kind of horsemanship" in this situation.
And I am riding my horse in a way that both he and I are comfortable, bareback, and with a halter. I am als realizing that he is exactly that, a "spotted, splotted gem," and for that, I thank you. I really do.
You write beautifully, and your words are well taken.
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 6:28 pm:
I am very sorry to have seemed harsh, Winifred. That was not my intent at all. I intended only to point out that you are a person with a very specific and narrow set of requirements for the behavior of your horse. You are getting lots of training and riding feedback, but you have consistently told us in other posts/threads that you are not about becoming a trainer or a complicated rider. I admire that you have figured that out, and are not trying to take on a great project that doesn't interest you. But, in my personal experience, there are not many horses in the world that can DrOp into your horse lifestyle-- I have known only one horse in my life that would not have disappointed you with some sort of mistake that would probably have invoked gravity. So if you have such a horse, you should treasure him, because he truly is a rare guy (if squirty).
And honestly, I don't see how pleasant rambles could possibly hurt him, even if the squirts indicate disease.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 8:27 pm:
Winifred, Been out of touch a few days. I'm glad to see you found a good home for the "ornery yellow one". I also think its great that Painty, or Splochy, is really the one you enjoy with the type of riding you want to do.
Do consider coming to Kansas! It will be fun, educational, and guaranteed to give you a warm fuzzy feeling (either from helping out, or just the "social sparklers"). Heck, I think it will be worth going just to see what our dressagers do to Dennis' hair and nails! Can't wait to see the makeup job either.
Here's the link that tells more about the clinic:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Behavior and Training » Topics Not Covered Above » DENNY TAYLOR CLINIC
The other link posted earlier has all the hotel info and general stuff. Hope you can join us.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 9:11 pm:
I just wanted to add that when I was posting about it's being in your mind, I wasn't really thinking of visualizing, although I do that before classes at shows and think it helps. I was thinking more of your attitude, mind set, and emotions being very important when dealing with horses. I find it is like working with something that has a big mirror attached to it's head and I have a mirror attached to me also. If I feel tense the feeling is reflected to the horse who picks up on it and in turn starts acting nervous; then the nervousness of the horse is reflected back to me and increases my nervousness. It becomes this vicious cycle that feeds upon itself until both you and the horse are so tense, waiting for "the big one" to happen, that you and the horse are unable to interact. The horse is unable to learn and you are scared silly that you might be "killed."
I find that if I really work at being relaxed and calm, pushing all negative feelings, all nervousness and fear, out of my mind, and visualize calm pleasant things like riding through a field of flowers or calmly brushing my horse for instance, I stay calm and so does the horse. I also sing and hum to my horses...there's been quite a discussion on that subject, actually!
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Member:
beckyo
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008 - 10:59 pm:
Winifred, my first horse discovered it was easy to dump me and proceeded to buck me off at every turn. I admit, I was terrified. The thing that really helped me most was recognizing that it wasn't so much a problem with the horse as it was with the rider. I found a local barn and took some private lessons with the owner. She found me a dead calm school pony to ride. In our lessons we worked heavily on balance and seat. This was very effective in building up both my confidence and my ability to ride. When you have a better seat you are less likely to be bucked off, or fall off when a horse spooks. Only a month after starting those lessons, I was riding my horse down the street when an 18-wheeler rolled past at a high speed. The horse spooked and moved 20 feet left in about a half second. My husband couldn't believe I was still sitting on his back as calm as could be. When my seat is good, its like I'm part of the horse, so my body moves naturally with his. If you can improve your confidence it will also improve how a horse behaves. If your nervous, they can sense that and sometimes it makes them nervous too.
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Member:
jojo15
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 - 2:27 am:
elizabeth you weren't being harsh/rough at all...
winifred you expect alot. and do things quite differently. I can't imagine you should get jolted by the truth of what e. says. a horse is trained to accept a bit. use it. a horse is trained to accept a saddle. use that too. if you haven't? or won't... can't expect those that do to have any other kind of response. and when you mention your abilities or lack of...coupled with the fact you won't use these faithful elements.. then you really should expect a bit of rough commenting. as you are putting yourself in harm's way. by your own hand. yet are blaming the horse.
I think stick with squiirty... he seems perfect for you and is used to the quirky-ness of your riding style.
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 - 8:09 am:
Thanks for everything, everyone. I've learned a lot, and am definitely sticking with Squirty.
Who knows, I might even wear shoes when I ride him today! (hoho)
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2008 - 9:11 am:
btw, Winifred, you don't say how old you are, but I don't see anything wrong with riding bareback, and if you are over 30 or so, I'm really impressed that you can still get on a horse bareback! I rode bareback a lot when I was young as I was basically too lazy to put a saddle on a horse. You get really good butt and leg muscles and develop great balance and a great seat. Just be sure you aren't using your or lead line to balance or stay on the horse. If your horse does what you want and you feel comfortable riding in just a halter, more power to you. I just wouln't recommend it if you are riding in a group as you won't have much control if one of the horses decides to spook or act up and yours decides to follow (it happens!) And, I hope you ride with a helmet on!
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Member:
winifred
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2008 - 11:43 am:
Sara, I really appreciate that. I am well over 30, and wouldn't be comfortable riding ANY horse bareback, by any stretch of the imagination. It's just this one. He's not very big, and he's very sweet and trusting, and I just really like what you talked about, the butt and leg muscle thing, and improving my balance. I'm an old dancer, and I just like riding that way, much better than with a saddle. I can't explain why, part of it is laziness about tacking up, and part of it is that is simply more fun for me to feel connected witth my horse.
I do understand why this would be annoying to others when I ask for advice, in ths face of all this apparent disregard for safety.
I would never blame my horse for anything that happened under these circumstances, nor would I ever, ever ride in a group this way. It just happens to work with Squirty (his real name is Buck) and me, around here.
Thanks so much, Sara. And yes, I will ride with a helmet!
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