I've started two older mares. One
was 10 and until I bought her at 9, she had lived in a herd of 60 mares on 200
acres and had never been handled in her life. She didn't have the heart
for endurance, but she makes a fine trail horse and is very steady and a
pleasure to ride. The other mare, I bought also as a 10 year old.
She had minimal training (green broke, never had a bit in her mouth.). She
went through a spookier phase, but has settled down very nicely in the last year
as we've gotten to ride her more often. She's decided she LOVES endurance,
as does her new leaser, a 17 year old girl. Spookiness is a
natural instinct. It fades the more they learn to trust people.
I'm interested in hearing comments from people who have
started an older horse under saddle. I just picked up a nice 9 yo
registered Arab mare. She was supposedly started, but only ridden
3 times. She has had 3 foals. She is very sweet and fairly
calm, but can be a little skiddish around some new things. I just
had shoes put on and even though she was nervous she did OK.
Farrier is thinking this might be her first shoeing. I am also
sending her to a trainer this Monday as I don't want to take this on
myself.
I'm just wondering if any of you have had a similar situation and
how sucessful was it. I'm thinking that even though she is older,
being an Arab, at least by now she has some brains. ;-)
