I’m
used to starting silly, extrovert type mares. They’re willing to
move, I just have to direct their energy. Works for me and my somewhat
impatient personality.
But
I am currently starting an 8yo polish gelding that was a stallion til 6 (didn’t
breed) and on 100 acres for the past 2 years. He internalizes stress, is
somewhat sensitive and has a very stout, strong neck. I’m starting
him in a bosal and he can be very responsive and cooperative when what I want
coincides with what he is willing to do. But if not, he is just very
strong and resistant.
I
know some of the bosal training can be rather rough to ensure a soft, sensitive
response, but I’m not good at getting that level of forcefulness and my
impression at least is that this horse will get pissed and blow up if I pick
fights with him.
Basically
he is just a different type of horse (mentally) than I am used to and I don’t
know how much I am over reading into his attitude and therefore babying him and
letting him get away with slowing the training process vs continuing to just go
slower than I would normally. I’ve had some horses that I take on
the trail within the first 3-4 rides and we never look back.
I
do know some trainers but I just don’t see their personalities working
with this horse. Again, might just be me, but I think I should trust my
instincts on this one.
I
guess I’m just looking for some personal experiences with horses of this
type and maybe some guidance with bosal/hack training for the less than
immediately cooperative (and very strong) horse. I think this horse is
going to be exceptional so I don’t want to mess it up by either pushing
too fast or never getting it done!
Thanks
for any advice and please feel free to take this off list if you have a long
response for me! And happy new years – it’s just after
midnight as I write this (so if was wasn’t clear or didn’t provide
enough info, that’s why!)
