ridecamp@endurance.net: Horse/Rider Compatibility/Mismatch?

Horse/Rider Compatibility/Mismatch?

Pamela M. Corley (pcorley@hsc.usc.edu)
(no date)

What factors do you use to evaluate the horse/rider combination?
When it is appropriate to sell a horse versus when it is necessary for the
rider to keep on working with the same horse?
It has been nearly two years since I purchased my 13 year old Arab
mare. I had been taking arena lessons, had no trail experience, and
extremely limited experience with Arabs. My short term goal was to become
an experienced trail rider with my long term goal to ride endurance.
She regularly shied at all sudden movements and noises, and would
on occasion freeze and it felt like she was going to bolt. I have finally
learned to ride through her shies and spooks.
What bothers me now is that I have not yet achieved the bond with
her that I hoped for. She still does not willingly work with me. When
she has an attitude it is as though there is a horse/rider personality
conflict. She is not particularly dangerous (no bucking/rearing), but she
is more likely than most to panic.
Thanks for your comments either offline or online.

Pamela Corley
pcorley@hsc.usc.edu

--
Well, I have one of these.....going on two years.  This is the
alpha mare from hell, grouchy, flighty, and will STILL get mouthy
if you let your guard down.  I picked up this gem (she was a
"come get this horse if you want it before the board is due"),
because I really liked her conformation and size.  She was just
8.


Without going into boring details, some rides we made progress,
some were fun, and some awful.  I tried to sell her twice.


But you need to look at your horse and see if you have anything
"special there".  How hard would your horse be to replace?  Is
she outstanding in any areas? In the case of this mare, her problems
were all related to disposition-otherwise, she was strong, sound,
excellent recoveries, hauled and camp great, had some good trail
training, AND, the biggest plus, very nice gaits.  And, as sound
as could be. The more riding she gets, out more during the week,
or multi day rides, the better and better she gets.  Last couple
of big trips she was wonderful and I had a great time.  I managed
to do a 25 this year without getting dumped or killed!  But, shewill
never be an affectionate horse, from what I can see.  I can live
with that.


It's really hard to make an assessment with your horse without
seeing it, but sounds to me that since YOU lack trail experience,
and this horse is spooky, it is not a good combination.  You need
a reliable, relaxed trail horse that isn't going to panic at every
rock and rustle, until YOU get some experience on the trial.  If,
after two years you aren't seeing much improvement, aren't having
fun, or can't go out and do a ride (your goal, right?), I would
seriously look at replacing this horse, IMHO>


Karen


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