Re: Difficult Horse

["superpat" <superpat@gateway.net>]

It sounds as though some ground work may be in order. You did not say how or
how much you have worked with this horse. I would recommend some reading for
you and then some ground work for you and your horse. Two very good books
are "True Horsemanship Through Feel" by Tom  and Leslie Desmond (pretty
pricey but well worth the investment, $44) and Lyons on Horses, by John
Lyons.
There are a lot of great books out there to help you. The major ingredient
is time and patience....and consistency. I was 57 years old when I got my
first horse. He was 4 years old and just green broke. We made a lot of
mistakes but managed to make it through without any major mishaps. I was
thinking just today how hard it was just to hand walk him in an environment
where there were other horses (a club ride and campout). A well meaning
friend gave me a stud chain later that week but thank goodness we never
resorted to it. It was a matter of starting at ground zero and learning
together. Expose yourselves to as much as you can little by little. It is
usually a matter of desensitizing the horse in bits and pieces. There are so
many methods and approaches that if you do a little reading and inquiry you
are bound to find one that works for you. And remember that there are good
clinicians and instructors out there if you are able and willing to spend
the time and money. I would encourage you to work with your horse with the
assurance that you will be riding in those endurance rides and loving it.
Pat

From: <guest@endurance.net>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2000 10:03 AM
Subject: RC: Difficult Horse


> Traci Traci135@aol.com
> I am working with my horse I have had for two years now and
> I would like to try endurance with her.  She has actually
> done a 30 with her previous owner.  My problem with this
> horse is that she is out of control when taken out of her home
> environment. I am pretty sure that she will not stand still
> long enough for someone to take her pulse and I have read about
> standing in line for vet checks.  I am sure this will be a
> major problem for her and I and everyone close by.  If you have
> had a horse like this, I would appreciate any pointers on how
> to help my horse deal with new situations.  I would prefer not
> to sell her and find a new horse as she has basically become
> like one of my children now but I can't take her somewhere and
> put someone at risk of injury. (plus I do not like making myself
> look foolish) I do think she has the ability to overcome this nervousness.
I just need some ideas. (maybe a story so I dont
> feel so alone!)
>
>
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