Do You Ride Horses? V.4

[LissaJo]

Yeah, lol, unfortunately gotta walk before you run. What's lunging hard gonna teach her, but that being far away from you is safe? You're trying to tell her where to put her feet, and how fast. Gotta do that slowly. Starting it right from the beginning is the best way to get a good horse who doesn't respond out of fear/desperation, but who tries to solve problems. Also, if she was acting up for the farrier, and reluctant for you, have you ruled out foot pain/tender-footedness?

Yeah, both the vet and farrier told me she’s not in any pain. She was doing things that would have just hurt her worse if she had sore feet too, and it definitely seems like someone just didn’t correct her when she tried to avoid being handled. This girl put all her weight on the hoof stand to stand up on it and tip it over. /facepalm

lunging until exhausted is.. not a nice way to train and is a bit of a lazy way to train.. exhaust the horse so they stop fighting you do you want to have to take her out and lunge her for an hour every time you want to do something with her? If you DO pick a trainer to help you, i'd suggest not the person who told you to lunge until exhausted lol ultimately, this is YOUR horse. you need to make sure you train the behaviors you like (and the old school run them ragged until they comply is not favored among most people.. whats bullying her going to do to your relationship/bond with her?)

instead of lunging, i would focus on working with her to train her the behaviors you DO want. first step.. figure out what her reward style is.. does she like scratches or is she more food motivated? you can cut up a carrot or a couple horse treats into tiny pieces and stick in your pocket to reward her for good behavior if thats her jam, if shes too mouthy, dont do this/feed treats from a bucket and not your hand. she likely has trust issues and it can take a couple months for an animal to decompress and show their true personality.

I'd start working with picking up her feet and handling her legs.. personally, I like Clinton Anderson's method. just do a short 5-10 minute session, then groom her or do something else with her and do another. you can play games/teach her tricks and make sessions fun but also sneak in the important work so that she is learning too

p.s. Penny is a really cute name!

[Verdana]

I like what LissaJo is saying (although, personally, I prefer Warwick Schiller's philosophy to CA's) with regard to finding out what motivates her. It sounds like she's a new mare, and she's still speaking a different language (and probably hasn't had much consistency in a while). She might still be in the 'pushing buttons' phase, where she's trying to figure out where the boundaries are. In which case, starting as you mean to continue is essential! If you're lunging for a fear reaction now, and move to R+training later, that's hecka confusing for a horse. Did you manage to get any info on her background? I know for rescues that can be a little dubious.

I'm glad both the vet and farrier have ruled out pain. Always the first thought! My personal recommendation would be to choose and use a nice, structured groundwork plan while you're still figuring each other out.

@*Willow*
Don't put water bottles where she can get to them! Or keep her out of reach of them. It's the only thing to do and guarantee she won't turn it into a game. Sounds like she is just being playful and curious, like a baby who throws their toys or puts everything in their mouth. You could correct (put pressure on) every time she shows curiosity in the bottle to stop her pursuing them, but what's the point? I'd redirect her attention, like by getting her to bend her neck away from the bottles when you mount. But, if it were me, I'd probably just let her have her fun.

[*Willow*]

@*Willow*
Don't put water bottles where she can get to them! Or keep her out of reach of them. It's the only thing to do and guarantee she won't turn it into a game. Sounds like she is just being playful and curious, like a baby who throws their toys or puts everything in their mouth. You could correct (put pressure on) every time she shows curiosity in the bottle to stop her pursuing them, but what's the point? I'd redirect her attention, like by getting her to bend her neck away from the bottles when you mount. But, if it were me, I'd probably just let her have her fun.

Thanks, she is probably just curious, she’s only six.

[MoonLesbian]

Thanks guys, I feel bad that I even tried what the barn owner told me; I should have just kept doing what I was doing. She is a pretty fast learner (in one day she went from refusing any contact with her nose and mouth to reluctantly allowing me to deworm her) but she is stubborn and that’s where I get kind of stuck. As for her feet, she’s not too bad with her fronts but she needs major work on her backs—it’s not that she won’t let me pick them up, it’s that she kicks out when I do. It’s not a mean thing, she’s just trying to get her way, but it is still dangerous. I’m trying to figure out how to correct the behavior without getting kicked

[Verdana]

Oh okay, that does give the picture a little clearer. Stubborn/resistant... you just gotta be patient. And escalate the pressure until you get a response. The first time, it can get pretty loud! Maybe that's what the barn owner meant by 'chasing'. The big thing is to let go as SOON as there's a response. What you're seeing as stubborn, could well be what she's learnt is the right way to do things. When someone picks up her hoof, she kicks, and they stop trying to pick up her hoof. It's up to you to be consistent that you WON'T give up, and actually, you're gonna have that hoof until she settles down and stops fretting. MOMENT she lets you have it quietly, you give it back. Rinse and repeat.

If not pain, could it be balance? The horses I've known who are difficult with their feet, either have NO idea what they're being asked to do, have learnt a sequence of bad behaviour, or they're young/unbalanced and feel wobbly and nervous on three feet.

How's it going? Any change?

My horse life: Moved barns in 2020, currently learning Straightness Training. It's been intense, with a heavy focus on groundwork and a real change-up in fundamentals (especially in rein use - had to learn a halt entirely from seat, no hands allowed). I'm back to doing canterwork, lateral work, and a bit of jumping in this new format. But in October! I move to the UK, and I'm hoping to ride there through my university! Which will be a wild switch-up. Maybe even trying out for a team? I'm not sure, but my seat's way firmer and I'm a much quieter and more thoughtful rider than I was a couple years ago.

[MoonLesbian]

Being persistent in picking up her feet is what I was doing at first, but I get nervous about the kicking and it’s hard not to give in and stop early xD Unfortunately I haven’t been able to work with her much the past couple weeks because of mandatory overtime at work—wasn’t getting home until 1:30 in the morning and then I was too exhausted to do much before my next shift but that should be over this week unless they surprise us with more, so I’ll post an update when I have one!

Edit: I worked on Penny’s back feet today by picking them up with a lead rope instead of my hands and it went a lot better! A few tries without risk of getting kicked and she started lifting without kicking in one session! I’m very proud of her <3

I also have a few equipment questions if anyone has any advice! I tried the girth I have on her and it’s definitely too big, but I don’t know what size I should get her. My girth is 50” and tightened all the way it didn’t hang under her, but it wasn’t tight, either—I could slip a whole hand through it. Elastic on one side. I was thinking maybe 40”, but that seems like it might be too big of a jump and I’d hate to order a new one for it to be too small. Thoughts?

And then she’s got rub marks on her face from being haltered 24/7 before. They’re not raw anymore, but it’s bare pink skin and the sun is for sure irritating it, and I don’t think the fur is going to grow back. Does anyone have any recommendations for full-face fly masks that would give her some UV protection or anything else that might help with that?

[OutFoxed]

@MoonLesbian -

what's really hard with trying to get/give training advice over the internet - is the whole situation can never be fully explained.
It's hard to get an exact read of what's going on - the reason behind the behavior, or the state of the behavior.

Sometimes it's easier to use video context or approach professional trainers because they have tools or ways to explain how to work with the given situation.

- - -
Monty Roberts has an online University which has tons of videos of all sorts of scenarios and training - there's a free trial period and it might help to see a similar situation and ways to approach your own mare.

Warwick Schiller, Clinton Anderson, Parelli, and more have training videos - watch some youtube clips of them training/working horses and find someone who resonates with you and how you want to train. They should give reasons why they do EVERYTHING. Nothing should be left up to chance, or poorly explained/skipped over.

If you're interested - check out Shawna Karrasch for some positive reinforcement training (like clicker training). She also has a fabulous podcast that walks you through each exercise with troubleshooting steps. It really is an easy to follow guide and helps set up for success.
First Episode: Click | 50 Current Episodes: Click | (can be found on any podcast player as well)

- - -
With a girth or other equipment
To help determine a good fit, take baling twine and measure from the second billet hole on each side (pretend it's like a girth) and then use a tape measure to find the actual measurements needed - you can compare that to your 50" and see what size would be best.
If you can - check local consignment or marketplace to find a second-hand girth. (cheaper, get it sooner, and if you need a bigger size sooner than later, you didn't spend a bunch of money on something that quickly became obsolete).

- - -
I like the Cashel Crusader full face fly masks. The design and fabric really holds up to all sorts of horse shenanigans (found it buried in mud, stomped into pasture - and it just needed a quick rinse and then right back on.) The closure is nice and secure and doesn't get worn out easily (even with the most vile treatment). The mesh material is stiff and set in a way to stay off the skin/eye areas to help resist flies and keep skin irritant to a minimum. The soft fabric that is against the face is breathable and doesn't typically cause rubbing. StatelineTack has a sale going on (probably others do to, or your local tack shop) - With ears - Without Ears

To help with the skin issue - try Equiderma Skin Lotion. It is absolutely fabulous against all skin things (crud or regrowth or moisturizer) STL
You might also try a sunscreen to add extra protection.

- - -
I have been in the equine industry for about 20 years from stable hand to instructor, rider to barn manager. I majored in Equine Science at college and have worked at many barns (multiple disciplines - dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, reining, cowhorse, saddleseat, draft, gaited).

. . .
@Verdana -
That is so cool that you're going to the UK for school and for riding!
I hope you get the opportunities to explore the area and visit a ton of yards! There are amazing showing events to watch (the 5* events, the Royal Horse Show, Pony Clubs [the mounted games are insane!], and just exploring the countryside. If you are in the USA - the way that barns are setup/run in the UK can be fascinating - and the horseboxes! Like why don't they make more of those here! There is so much history with the horses - especially the native ponies! You can go to the moors and see herds of them - and some places ride them! Foxhunting in Ireland is an Experience that shouldn't be missed (although it takes a ton of guts to keep up with them - I don't know if I could go first field). Hopefully you can clinic or watch some great riders and horses while you're there. Maybe you can escape to Knights of Middle England, they do some amazing things on horseback.
not jealous at all lol

Also - that sounds like you've done a ton of work on your riding! Getting a halt from just your seat is hard!!! But once you really start connecting your seat into your riding (and not just for sitting) it's so hard to forget (or figure out how you forgot to use it before!). I still have issues putting more weight on one side for different cues (I find myself practicing in the car, haha). Hoping to try a clinic with the Franklin Method to help isolate and engage specific muscle groups and balance.
It is so awesome to be able to see a difference in your riding! That's great and a wonderful goal to always be improving! It can be so easy to stay in a rut - or not even notice you've been doing the same with no forward movement. Sometimes trying a different discipline, or a clinic, or occasional lessons with someone new can help keep riding fresh (and interesting).

[June Bug]

Does anyone use Shoo Fly Boots?
I need to get a new set of fly boots and the two kinds I've already tried aren't quite right so I'm looking into them, but I'm worried they don't cover low enough. Granix has a large scar on his pastern near the coronary band on the lateral quarter that I need to keep covered so the flies don't annihilate it. The pictures I've seen either don't really show how exactly they fit or look to be sitting so they don't cover that spot fully

I currently have a set of Cashel boots and a set of Shires Airflow boots.
I really like the Cashels, but they aren't tall enough so the flies chew up the upper half of his cannons.
The Shires are tall enough, but they twist and sag, especially if they get wet.

If you don't use, or don't like the shoo fly boots is there another kind you do like?

[_Human_]

I officially own my first horse and I love her so much. What sucks is I haven’t ridden for about 5-6 years and I feel so ungodly out dated lmao. I’m trying to quite literally get back in the saddle again so any and all tips are welcomed! So far I’ve ridden 2 times for 45 minutes to an hour long intervals but weather down here has been cruddy. She doesn’t have a job yet so once we both get used to what we are doing I definitely want to test some limits with her.

[kalcifer]

So I had a breed test done for my horse and It came back as Morgan and Akhal-Teke/Turkoman. My friends are all like "Wow, Teke! That's so cool!" and meanwhile I'm just super happy about the Morgan, lmao. Tekes aren't my style, so while it certainly explains a lot about him, they weren't really on my radar. Morgans are one of my favorite breeds though, especially the old style working type. <3

Anyone else done a breed test? Where you surprised? Disappointed? Happy?

reviving this thread because this question is interesting !!

I've never done a breed test on my boy but after not knowing his breed for 5 years I managed to finally get in touch with the owners who bought him from the breeder.

I always assumed he was mixed breed. he is 14.2hh, mostly white bay skewbald, very skinny fine legs and nice slightly dished face with large but fluffy ears. despite his slim legs his belly is a barrel. he gets very fluffy in winter with long fetlock hairs year round.

I've jumped him up to 1.20m and he is incredibly balanced around tight corners so jump offs with him were a breeze.
This lead to me believe that he was probably a mix between perhaps quarter horse (which would explain the balance and low center of gravity), arab (to explain his finer features) and perhaps some kind of more "native" pony breeds to generate that thick coat.

Turns out I was very wrong as apparently he is a purebred english riding pony...

I am not sure if I trust this "purebred" label as it doesn't really add up. for one I'm pretttyyyyy sure english riding ponies can not be coloured. secondly where did his overall body shape and fluff come from? and on top of that (although I recognise training is a huge factor in this) he doesn't exactly have that show pony attitude, more of a jerk that just wants to have fun attitude.

The only things this breeding explains is the arab-esque features he has, as arabs had a huge role in the breeding of the english riding pony and also the fact that he has more go than woah and thoroughbred bloodlines also influenced the english riding pony.

Anyways hopefully my rant made sense, does this breed determination seem dodgy to anyone else or am I overthinking it?
I don't deny that he could be part or even mostly english riding pony but the purebreed part just doesn't fit right with his description.
Give me your thoughts !!