Re: RideCamp:spooky arabs

[Leigh331@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/26/99 11:55:43 AM EST, mlaboure@flash.net writes:

<< 
 I'm curious - are Arabs spookier than other breeds?  I have my first full
Arabian
 and he is terribly spooky.  I can "sit" the spooks of the other horses I've
 ridden, but this Arab has flung me off twice.  (I've written RideCamp about
that
 before.)  If Arabs are spookier, why?  Do most of them get over it with more
 miles?
  >>
I have had many arabs over the years, and none of them was spooky for long.  I
believe that arabs "sense" more from their riders than some other breeds, in
general.  If you are a very confident rider with a good seat, they tend to
spook less.  I did a post several months ago about "putting them in the box",
which seems to help young or spooky horses.  What this means is to keep
contact with the mouth and leg contact at all times.  I think this gives them
some security, they feel that you are in control of the situation.  I'm not
saying to hold tightly, just contact.  My arabs will do their worst spooks
when I have relaxed on them and "thrown" away the reins.  Miles and wet saddle
blankets will improve spookyness because it improves your confidence as a
rider.  My opinion only.  The arab is my riding horse of choice, once a trully
trusting relationship is built, there is not a better horse for me.
Leigh


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