Re: [RC] How do I find a good horse personality/breed fit - Carrie Kitley
I have read all the posts on this thread so far, with great enjoyment. I have no idea what it truly is that seals the bond between horse and human, but I know for me, it was alot of hard work, not giving up and doing a few LD's together.
I got my Arab mare 3 years ago and we were NOT on the same page at all in the beginning. It was heartbreaking for me. I almost sold her 3 times after hittin' the sky more than I like. Something in me wouldn't part with her though and once we learned enough about each other to try an endurance ride, it all came together. Now, I can't imagine my life w/o her. I LOVE this horse. I've had others that were easier to ride and keep, but it just wasn't the same. She has taught me an amazing amount and made me a better rider. She also brought me to the sport endurance and I became addicted to it.
She is still a weirdo sometimes and will still occasionally pull a "sit n spin" but I haven't come off in awhile and we seem to understand each other. I KNOW her so well and she knows me, so we're stuck. And I'm so thankful I never found a buyer for her. Thought makes me want to cry now. lol Anyone have a hankie?
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your sweet stories.
~Carrie <\_~ // \\
"The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."
~ Old Arabian Proverb
--- On Thu, 10/9/08, Kathy Mayeda <klmayeda@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: Kathy Mayeda <klmayeda@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: [RC] How do I find a good horse personality/breed fit To: "Adamsch" <adamsch@xxxxxxxxxx> Cc: "ridecamp posts" <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Date: Thursday, October 9, 2008, 1:27 PM
There are two sides to this issue:
If you buy an already broke horse, it could be good, or you could be inheriting the horses "baggage."
If you buy a younger horse, you may create your own "baggage."
I've experienced both to a pretty small degree. I'm not sure what is better though.
Yes, bottom line, I think it boils down to how well you and the horse clicks regardless of age.
Wow! Thanks for all your suggestions privately and on the group. My next question which occurred to me because of what many of you have said is, Does it "matter" if I buy a young weaningly and raise him or buy a 3-4 year old that is started and going well, in how likely we will be to bond. On one hand, you can bond as the baby grows, and yet for me, I can really "see" a personality when they are under saddle. I guess my preference would be to actually be able to ride the horse and see how he acts, responds to stimuli, me, etc. etc.
