I am just joining this thread. I, too, bought an 8 yr old mare that
hadn't been handled for 4 years. She has turned out to be the gentlest
ride I have ever had after 3 years of bringing her along slowly. I did
long line her and bit her for months very gently prior to stepping into the
stirrups. one habit that she has is that she will weave in a corner, when
something excites her; and she will weave in the trailer going down the road,
which means she arrives sweaty at camp.
Any suggestions as to how to get her to stop? I saw Chris Cox on T.V.
and he suggests working a "busy" horse around the trailer and then letting them
rest in the trailer. I haven't tried that, yet.
I disagree. My horse was alone for a long time before I purchased her. I
got her home and she was cranky with the others so I took her out for one
on one time. She was so shocked and thrilled that someone was going to pay
attention and love her that she is the best horse I have now.
"I would be very cautious about getting involved with this mare.
She may have been alone during the critical time when horses learn how
to behave in a herd situation.
Many years ago I boarded a mare
that had been alone for years. My situation then, as now, was
that the mixed herd had to get along. Every morning at feeding
time the mare would get into the dominant gelding's space. He would
patiently explain (ears first then bared teeth) that she was not
welcome. When she persisted, he would turn around and kick her soundly
with both back feet. She would back off and sulk for
awhile. The next morning it was the same thing. She just
was not able to learn how to get along. I was very happy to see
her go down the road."
Ed Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
