Is this a normal mare? (Long)

Barrelracing4life · 06-23-2007, 12:05 AM

First of all, just wanted to say I'm a newborn here from Oklahoma!
I'm sorry this is going to be so long, but hey this is an advice forum right? lol!

I got my first horse in January, which I did take lessons about a year
and a half, before I got my horse. I was originally looking for a gelding, which I wanted more than a mare, because I've heard they are calmer. But, at the time I found an awesome horse, everything I wanted, EXCEPT it was a mare, so I was a little edgy about it, but she did shows and playdays, which I was planning on doing. She also was in the state finals, with doing shodeos. She was also 8-10 years old. But, before I found this horse, I looked at about 10 different ones, most were gledings, but most were too old and deadheads, and did nothing I asked them to do lol!

So, once I saw this mare, she was a beauty, I rode her, and she did EVERYTHING I asked her to do. She was owned by a 12 year old girl, who did 4h shows with her. And she had also owned her for 3 years. After the first time I rode her, I was pretty sure I wanted her, she was just out of my budget. I went a second time to ride her, and brought my riding instructor with me, and this was the first horse we both agreed on, that would be calm enough for me. Well, I made an offer and the lady understood my budget, and took what I offered.

I now have had her for about 6 months, and she is a total different horse, then what I saw both of the days I saw her. She is now in a herd, which I don't think she was in a herd too much before I bought her, she was in a stall the second time I saw her. She is now just ansy and is never still. She nickers a lot if the herd is not near. And whenever I tie her up, she constantly tries to get loose, and goes crazy being tied up, and never stands still. And if a horse she doesn't like gets behind her, whenever I'm leading her, she bucks at it.

Whenever, I ride her she constantly jerks her head all the way up and has hit me in the head a few times ouch lol! Which, it could be her teeth, which I'm calling the vet to get them floated next week, but sometimes I wonder if she jerks her head b/c she doesn't want to be ridden, she does it nonstop. And I also know there are tiedowns too. She also bucks sometimes, when being lunged, with or without a saddle on. It's also really difficult to ride her when it's her time of the month, she is even more wild. Is there a supplement or medicine to calm her down, when it's her time of the month? No vaccines though lol, she had her shots done in March, and was a complete idiot, and ran around as fast as she could in circles in the stall, and believe me it was fast, to get away from the vet, and I think she stepped on him a few times.

Finally, I also tried the barrels on her,(which she had done it a little bit in her past, but I don't think it was enough to knock a barrel down) and the first time I knocked a barrel down with her, she reared up and went wild over it. So I just kept knocking them down on purpose for about 30 minutes, and she finally got used to them, but I'm not positive it worked, but she seems to not care anymore, but I haven't been able to ride in about a week or so, due to all the rain we've had. So I haven't knocked a barrel down on accident since the first time she went crazy. So Yeah I was just wondering your thoughts and opinions on all this. Is this normal for an 8-10 year old mare to be this wild and crazy? Thanks for all your help,
I appreciate it!

BornToRide · 06-23-2007, 12:59 AM

Sounds to me like she just needs some training.

She sounds like a good hearted mare, she just has some issues. She is herd sour, so next time you ride her, do your normal thing, and take her to her pasture. When she starts getting ancy to get back with her herd, turn her around and take in the opposite direction for a while till she's comlpletely calm. Then take her back to her pasture and do the same thing till she calmy goes back to her herd when YOU decide, not her.

My only advice on the barrels would be to make sure and do some desensitizing with them...could it be possible that she is scared of them???
I am by no means at all a trainer, so take all I say with a grain of salt.

Good luck!!!

AlbertaGirl · 06-23-2007, 01:08 AM

Well I guess I get to be the first to say welcome to HT!

I've seen a few horses that act totally different when they move to a new home, and are in a new herd. It sounds like she's getting to be herd bound, just like my gelding - not fun! There are lots of things you can do to work on that, maybe some of the suggestions in this thread can be of use: http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=30745.

It's great you're getting her teeth done, that's wonderful. You said she bucks when she's saddled or not, and it sounds like she's just being naughty, but if there's ANY suspicion she could be in pain, you could have an equine chiropractor check her over, they can perform miracles! There are supplements you can give to mares to calm them down, especially during the summer, when they are cycling every 21 days or so, I THINK one is called Moody Mare. As far as her flinging her head around, hopefully the dental work will help with that, but maybe a martingale would be of some help?

Hopefully this can be of some help! Other people will start coming up with wonderful advice, and digging deeper into the problem, just wait and see

, you've come to the right place!

AlbertaGirl · 06-23-2007, 01:11 AM

Oops BornToRide and I were posting at the same time! But see? More help is on the way - lol!

texas sassy · 06-23-2007, 06:19 AM

It sounds to me like ya'll have not bonded. Maybe you could do some round pen join up exercises? Also, maybe trailer her somewhere BY YOURSELF so she has only you, no herd distractions when she gets there. I don't mean you have to ride her, just walk her, maybe so she learns to rely on you. She sounds very herd sour, which if she is thats a miserable frustrating situation. Also, lots of ground work, basic walks and whoas till she learns to respect you. OK the trailer thing seems a little flaky, BUT when my mare steps out of the trailer, and has no other horses around her, she is a MOMMA'S GIRL deluxe!! I believe it strengthens our bond.

Range · 06-23-2007, 09:23 AM

Rule out all the physical issues before you think training issues. She could be in pain in several areas - maybe a chiropractor? I know my mare was a nut ball this spring, but we'd had a lot of herd changes in the months before that. She bucked for the first time on the lunge line and it was SERIOUS bucking, but she had pain in her shoulder that wasn't apparent until she was circling.

The head tossing? Could be teeth, could be the bit, could be the bridle itself. Yes, I know there are people out there that say, "Tough, deal." However, when my mare was annoyed by the way the brow band was touching her ears, I changed her to a one ear and she stopped head tossing. No muss, no fuss, no battles.

Take some time, go back to ground work, take it slow, let her get to know you and the situation she's in now. Yes, I know that I'm different in my approach, but why fight when it will eventually come? Mares are funny creatures. They are more sensitive than geldings and take things to heart more.

MaggyMae · 06-23-2007, 10:17 AM

Good advice from everybody above. Are you still working with your instructor? If so, what does she have to say about her behavior? I agree especially about the back to basics, ground training, desensitizing, bonding....it could all help. Just go slowly and give her time.

By the way, WELCOME!

Barrelracing4life · 06-23-2007, 11:53 AM

could it be possible that she is scared of them???

Borntoride- yeah, I think she is scared of them, but once it dries up, I'm going to go knock them down again, to see if she does anything.

Are you still working with your instructor?

Maggymae- No, I haven't since I've gotten my horse. My instuctor hasn't seen her since I was at the previous owner's house. I was planning on taking lessons on her, but I just don't have the money.

Thanks to you all for helping me out, a lot of good advice and information, that I'm going to check into!

Lopin · 06-23-2007, 05:55 PM

First of all, I'd call up the previous owner and find out if she did any maintenance on the mare (chiropractor, injections, supplements, etc) then I'd make sure I had her in the same type of bridle/bit that she was used to. It amazes me that people so many times, buy horses and switch them to bits/bridles that are completely different than what they are used to being worked in and expect them to be the same horse they were. That is the number one thing I make sure I do/keep the same when I get new horses.

As for putting her on something, I'd recommend Regumate, but since it sounds like you don't have the funds, a $250+ bottle probably isn't something you are going to be able to do.

I'd also work on her herd sour-ness and try to get back to taking lessons with your instructor.

championhorse · 06-23-2007, 06:06 PM

Is there any way you can put her by herself away from the other horses? That would be a good start on getting her un-herd bound. If you worked her in a roundpen, each day first before you ride her,and you were her only company you could get her to start depending on you more.

Sounds like shes got the upperhand a little, and she knows it.

I think getting her teeth floated is a good idea, and like the others said make sure it isnt a pain issue. She sounds a little spoiled to me, but its hard to say over the computer, when it can be so many things.

hope you get it figured out.

I reread your post again, I don't think its a pain issue, shes herd bound and very spoiled. You need to show her who is boss and get her away from the other horses. The roundpen exercises with you will like I said help her to gain trust and respect you. (If your doing them right) I hope you get it all worked out.
Also after you have her teeth done, I would continue with the tiedown until you get her behaving better, I know a couple people that have been knocked unconscious because of the same thing, it can be very serious.

Barrelracing4life · 06-24-2007, 07:46 PM

Lopin- Yeah, I've been thinking about calling the previous owner, to see how much maintenance she has done on her. I called her when I was out buying a bit, so I do have the same kind of bit that she used on her. Yeah, that's a just a little out of my budget lol! I called my instructor to set up a lesson or two on her, to see what she thinks.

championhorse- Well, they do have paddocks there, but, they are really expensive, but, I know of this other boarding facility, that is a lot cheaper, but I've heard that it takes like a year to get one there, but, I may just go ahead and do that. But, I may also ask the barn manager where I'm at right now, if I can take her away from the herd for a few days or even a week. I do lunge her everytime for about 15 minutes before I ride her. Yeah, my family says she is too spoiled and maybe even a little too much for me, because I'm a timid rider. The previous owner, I know for a fact she spoiled too much for the 3 years she owned her.

Perrys_mama · 06-25-2007, 11:15 AM

She's taking advantage of you.

When I started riding, I thought all horses were like The Black Stallion...just think about where you want to go and your willing equine partner will take you there. Now, I know that's not you...but it might be you, a little. My first lesson experiences were on a barely broke 12 year old mare who tried every trick in the book twice.

That's when I realised that horses are big, strong, not too bright and opportunistic. Any shot at being dominant over another horse is worth a try (even though you happen to be in the saddle) and any shot at getting out of working is worth at least three tries. My frist little darling would try her "Spooking" at EVERYTHING SHE THOUGHT SHE COULD GET AWAY WITH! Even stuff she had been licking before I walked in. She knew that if she dumped me hard enough, she'd get put back out with her buddies.

Two things to remember on your little con artist:
-Never get on without a whip
-Never let her get away with those big reactions

Spooking is fine, rearing or bucking AREN'T. She can be scared, she just can't act up. You need to show her immediately that her action was not acceptable. If she bucks on the leadline, pull her away from the others and circle her at a quick trot until her eyes, ears and very SOUL are focused on you. If she won't focus, keep driving the pace...she'll eventually start to look to you.

As for the head tossing, Arabs are the ones who INVENTED that. You don't need a tie-down, a training martingale might help for a while though. Not a standing or a running one, mind you, a TRAINING martingale which is much less harsh.

If she's acting up while you're riding, force her back to an area of the arena she's comfortable in. And bend her. Bend her for 15 minutes. Put her on a 10 or 20m circle and make her work. Collect her up into your hands and push a fast walk or trot (walking is less work for you). If she won't bend on a 20m circle, go to a 10. Still being stubborn and prancing, go to a 5. If she breaks her bend, or puts one hoof outside the circle, half-halt outside and keep at it. Once you feel her "give", maintain the collection for a full circle, then praise her heavily. Then go back to whatever you were working on before.

Your horse sounds like she needs schooling, not training. She understands the basic aids, she's just being a turkey. There's a great book called 101 arena exercises (or something like that) that lists patterns and schooling workouts. It's fantastic for the turkeys.

Schooling exercises are incredibly valuable for you and your horse to gain confidence with each other. They aren't scary for the rider (just flat patterns at a walk and trot) but they are a PILE of work that builds basic skills for both of you. To be honest, I wouldn't even consider running this horse on the pattern until she (and you) are schooled up a bit. When you think about barrels, the more responsive and attentive the horse, the better that course is going to go...schooling will supple and strengthen your horse, and make both of you better athletes.

When you look at what trainers do with horses, it basically breaks down to three steps:
-Breaking/Starting
-Schooling
-Performance Skills

When you're maintaining a performance horse, I like to see about 3 schooling sessions per ONE performance session in the week.

More schooling means more fitness, more suppling, better balanced gaits, stronger horse, more confident rider.

Wow, not too preachy, am I?

Barrelracing4life · 06-25-2007, 09:49 PM

Perrys_mama- That's all a really good idea, thanks!!

Hmm... yeah, that 101 arena exercises book sounds interesting. lol, not too preachy for me, the more instructions, the more I learn.

NoniMe · 06-25-2007, 10:05 PM

I love the 101 Arena Exercises...not that I can do them, as Tango and I haven't managed to get to that point yet, but we will. I sit and read them...and read them...and walk them with him and trot them with him (while I'm running along side...through 4 inches of sand...). We'll learn them this way, and then when I can safely ride him, we'll learn them again that way.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Best-
Noni

Barrelracing4life · 06-26-2007, 12:01 AM

Well, it looks like another whole week of rain here in Oklahoma, so I have no idea when I can ride next. It's been raining here about everyday for the past 3-4 weeks now. Well, I called the vet to get her teeth floated this saturday, so I'm gonna see if the head tossing was her teeth. I do have a friend who has an indoor arena, so I might go there this sunday but, not sure about it yet. I sure hope this rain pattern goes away soon, I'm getting impatient lol!

Barrelracing4life · 06-26-2007, 12:03 AM

Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I'm taking a lesson at my boarding facility, with my instructor, after I get her teeth floated, and when the rain stops. Haven't made an exact date yet, just having to wait for it to clear up.

06-23-2007, 12:05 AM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	Is this a normal mare? (Long) First of all, just wanted to say I'm a newborn here from Oklahoma! I'm sorry this is going to be so long, but hey this is an advice forum right? lol! I got my first horse in January, which I did take lessons about a year and a half, before I got my horse. I was originally looking for a gelding, which I wanted more than a mare, because I've heard they are calmer. But, at the time I found an awesome horse, everything I wanted, EXCEPT it was a mare, so I was a little edgy about it, but she did shows and playdays, which I was planning on doing. She also was in the state finals, with doing shodeos. She was also 8-10 years old. But, before I found this horse, I looked at about 10 different ones, most were gledings, but most were too old and deadheads, and did nothing I asked them to do lol! So, once I saw this mare, she was a beauty, I rode her, and she did EVERYTHING I asked her to do. She was owned by a 12 year old girl, who did 4h shows with her. And she had also owned her for 3 years. After the first time I rode her, I was pretty sure I wanted her, she was just out of my budget. I went a second time to ride her, and brought my riding instructor with me, and this was the first horse we both agreed on, that would be calm enough for me. Well, I made an offer and the lady understood my budget, and took what I offered. I now have had her for about 6 months, and she is a total different horse, then what I saw both of the days I saw her. She is now in a herd, which I don't think she was in a herd too much before I bought her, she was in a stall the second time I saw her. She is now just ansy and is never still. She nickers a lot if the herd is not near. And whenever I tie her up, she constantly tries to get loose, and goes crazy being tied up, and never stands still. And if a horse she doesn't like gets behind her, whenever I'm leading her, she bucks at it. Whenever, I ride her she constantly jerks her head all the way up and has hit me in the head a few times ouch lol! Which, it could be her teeth, which I'm calling the vet to get them floated next week, but sometimes I wonder if she jerks her head b/c she doesn't want to be ridden, she does it nonstop. And I also know there are tiedowns too. She also bucks sometimes, when being lunged, with or without a saddle on. It's also really difficult to ride her when it's her time of the month, she is even more wild. Is there a supplement or medicine to calm her down, when it's her time of the month? No vaccines though lol, she had her shots done in March, and was a complete idiot, and ran around as fast as she could in circles in the stall, and believe me it was fast, to get away from the vet, and I think she stepped on him a few times. Finally, I also tried the barrels on her,(which she had done it a little bit in her past, but I don't think it was enough to knock a barrel down) and the first time I knocked a barrel down with her, she reared up and went wild over it. So I just kept knocking them down on purpose for about 30 minutes, and she finally got used to them, but I'm not positive it worked, but she seems to not care anymore, but I haven't been able to ride in about a week or so, due to all the rain we've had. So I haven't knocked a barrel down on accident since the first time she went crazy. So Yeah I was just wondering your thoughts and opinions on all this. Is this normal for an 8-10 year old mare to be this wild and crazy? Thanks for all your help, I appreciate it! __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"

06-23-2007, 12:59 AM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,647	Sounds to me like she just needs some training. She sounds like a good hearted mare, she just has some issues. She is herd sour, so next time you ride her, do your normal thing, and take her to her pasture. When she starts getting ancy to get back with her herd, turn her around and take in the opposite direction for a while till she's comlpletely calm. Then take her back to her pasture and do the same thing till she calmy goes back to her herd when YOU decide, not her. My only advice on the barrels would be to make sure and do some desensitizing with them...could it be possible that she is scared of them??? I am by no means at all a trainer, so take all I say with a grain of salt. Good luck!!! __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

06-23-2007, 01:08 AM
AlbertaGirl Seasoned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 4,071	Well I guess I get to be the first to say welcome to HT! I've seen a few horses that act totally different when they move to a new home, and are in a new herd. It sounds like she's getting to be herd bound, just like my gelding - not fun! There are lots of things you can do to work on that, maybe some of the suggestions in this thread can be of use: http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=30745. It's great you're getting her teeth done, that's wonderful. You said she bucks when she's saddled or not, and it sounds like she's just being naughty, but if there's ANY suspicion she could be in pain, you could have an equine chiropractor check her over, they can perform miracles! There are supplements you can give to mares to calm them down, especially during the summer, when they are cycling every 21 days or so, I THINK one is called Moody Mare. As far as her flinging her head around, hopefully the dental work will help with that, but maybe a martingale would be of some help? Hopefully this can be of some help! Other people will start coming up with wonderful advice, and digging deeper into the problem, just wait and see , you've come to the right place! __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o)

06-23-2007, 01:11 AM
AlbertaGirl Seasoned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 4,071	Oops BornToRide and I were posting at the same time! But see? More help is on the way - lol! __________________ Some people say horses don't have a sense of humor... they obviously haven't met mine yet ;o)

06-23-2007, 06:19 AM
texas sassy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 707	It sounds to me like ya'll have not bonded. Maybe you could do some round pen join up exercises? Also, maybe trailer her somewhere BY YOURSELF so she has only you, no herd distractions when she gets there. I don't mean you have to ride her, just walk her, maybe so she learns to rely on you. She sounds very herd sour, which if she is thats a miserable frustrating situation. Also, lots of ground work, basic walks and whoas till she learns to respect you. OK the trailer thing seems a little flaky, BUT when my mare steps out of the trailer, and has no other horses around her, she is a MOMMA'S GIRL deluxe!! I believe it strengthens our bond.

06-23-2007, 09:23 AM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,955	Rule out all the physical issues before you think training issues. She could be in pain in several areas - maybe a chiropractor? I know my mare was a nut ball this spring, but we'd had a lot of herd changes in the months before that. She bucked for the first time on the lunge line and it was SERIOUS bucking, but she had pain in her shoulder that wasn't apparent until she was circling. The head tossing? Could be teeth, could be the bit, could be the bridle itself. Yes, I know there are people out there that say, "Tough, deal." However, when my mare was annoyed by the way the brow band was touching her ears, I changed her to a one ear and she stopped head tossing. No muss, no fuss, no battles. Take some time, go back to ground work, take it slow, let her get to know you and the situation she's in now. Yes, I know that I'm different in my approach, but why fight when it will eventually come? Mares are funny creatures. They are more sensitive than geldings and take things to heart more. __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery www.goatsandsoaps.com for all your Boer goat and bath soap needs.

06-23-2007, 10:17 AM
MaggyMae Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 716	Good advice from everybody above. Are you still working with your instructor? If so, what does she have to say about her behavior? I agree especially about the back to basics, ground training, desensitizing, bonding....it could all help. Just go slowly and give her time. By the way, WELCOME! __________________ Visit the U.S. Equine Rescue League website to learn about our rescued horses: http://www.userl.org/index.html

06-23-2007, 11:53 AM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	could it be possible that she is scared of them??? Borntoride- yeah, I think she is scared of them, but once it dries up, I'm going to go knock them down again, to see if she does anything. Are you still working with your instructor? Maggymae- No, I haven't since I've gotten my horse. My instuctor hasn't seen her since I was at the previous owner's house. I was planning on taking lessons on her, but I just don't have the money. Thanks to you all for helping me out, a lot of good advice and information, that I'm going to check into! __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"

06-23-2007, 05:55 PM
Lopin Coming two Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Home of Brett Favre Posts: 1,751	First of all, I'd call up the previous owner and find out if she did any maintenance on the mare (chiropractor, injections, supplements, etc) then I'd make sure I had her in the same type of bridle/bit that she was used to. It amazes me that people so many times, buy horses and switch them to bits/bridles that are completely different than what they are used to being worked in and expect them to be the same horse they were. That is the number one thing I make sure I do/keep the same when I get new horses. As for putting her on something, I'd recommend Regumate, but since it sounds like you don't have the funds, a $250+ bottle probably isn't something you are going to be able to do. I'd also work on her herd sour-ness and try to get back to taking lessons with your instructor. __________________ RIP Buz 4/16/89 - 6/17/09 When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

06-23-2007, 06:06 PM
championhorse Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,374	Is there any way you can put her by herself away from the other horses? That would be a good start on getting her un-herd bound. If you worked her in a roundpen, each day first before you ride her,and you were her only company you could get her to start depending on you more. Sounds like shes got the upperhand a little, and she knows it. I think getting her teeth floated is a good idea, and like the others said make sure it isnt a pain issue. She sounds a little spoiled to me, but its hard to say over the computer, when it can be so many things. hope you get it figured out. I reread your post again, I don't think its a pain issue, shes herd bound and very spoiled. You need to show her who is boss and get her away from the other horses. The roundpen exercises with you will like I said help her to gain trust and respect you. (If your doing them right) I hope you get it all worked out. Also after you have her teeth done, I would continue with the tiedown until you get her behaving better, I know a couple people that have been knocked unconscious because of the same thing, it can be very serious. __________________ Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.

06-24-2007, 07:46 PM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	Lopin- Yeah, I've been thinking about calling the previous owner, to see how much maintenance she has done on her. I called her when I was out buying a bit, so I do have the same kind of bit that she used on her. Yeah, that's a just a little out of my budget lol! I called my instructor to set up a lesson or two on her, to see what she thinks. championhorse- Well, they do have paddocks there, but, they are really expensive, but, I know of this other boarding facility, that is a lot cheaper, but I've heard that it takes like a year to get one there, but, I may just go ahead and do that. But, I may also ask the barn manager where I'm at right now, if I can take her away from the herd for a few days or even a week. I do lunge her everytime for about 15 minutes before I ride her. Yeah, my family says she is too spoiled and maybe even a little too much for me, because I'm a timid rider. The previous owner, I know for a fact she spoiled too much for the 3 years she owned her. __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"

06-25-2007, 11:15 AM
Perrys_mama Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 887	She's taking advantage of you. When I started riding, I thought all horses were like The Black Stallion...just think about where you want to go and your willing equine partner will take you there. Now, I know that's not you...but it might be you, a little. My first lesson experiences were on a barely broke 12 year old mare who tried every trick in the book twice. That's when I realised that horses are big, strong, not too bright and opportunistic. Any shot at being dominant over another horse is worth a try (even though you happen to be in the saddle) and any shot at getting out of working is worth at least three tries. My frist little darling would try her "Spooking" at EVERYTHING SHE THOUGHT SHE COULD GET AWAY WITH! Even stuff she had been licking before I walked in. She knew that if she dumped me hard enough, she'd get put back out with her buddies. Two things to remember on your little con artist: -Never get on without a whip -Never let her get away with those big reactions Spooking is fine, rearing or bucking AREN'T. She can be scared, she just can't act up. You need to show her immediately that her action was not acceptable. If she bucks on the leadline, pull her away from the others and circle her at a quick trot until her eyes, ears and very SOUL are focused on you. If she won't focus, keep driving the pace...she'll eventually start to look to you. As for the head tossing, Arabs are the ones who INVENTED that. You don't need a tie-down, a training martingale might help for a while though. Not a standing or a running one, mind you, a TRAINING martingale which is much less harsh. If she's acting up while you're riding, force her back to an area of the arena she's comfortable in. And bend her. Bend her for 15 minutes. Put her on a 10 or 20m circle and make her work. Collect her up into your hands and push a fast walk or trot (walking is less work for you). If she won't bend on a 20m circle, go to a 10. Still being stubborn and prancing, go to a 5. If she breaks her bend, or puts one hoof outside the circle, half-halt outside and keep at it. Once you feel her "give", maintain the collection for a full circle, then praise her heavily. Then go back to whatever you were working on before. Your horse sounds like she needs schooling, not training. She understands the basic aids, she's just being a turkey. There's a great book called 101 arena exercises (or something like that) that lists patterns and schooling workouts. It's fantastic for the turkeys. Schooling exercises are incredibly valuable for you and your horse to gain confidence with each other. They aren't scary for the rider (just flat patterns at a walk and trot) but they are a PILE of work that builds basic skills for both of you. To be honest, I wouldn't even consider running this horse on the pattern until she (and you) are schooled up a bit. When you think about barrels, the more responsive and attentive the horse, the better that course is going to go...schooling will supple and strengthen your horse, and make both of you better athletes. When you look at what trainers do with horses, it basically breaks down to three steps: -Breaking/Starting -Schooling -Performance Skills When you're maintaining a performance horse, I like to see about 3 schooling sessions per ONE performance session in the week. More schooling means more fitness, more suppling, better balanced gaits, stronger horse, more confident rider. Wow, not too preachy, am I?

06-25-2007, 09:49 PM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	Perrys_mama- That's all a really good idea, thanks!! Hmm... yeah, that 101 arena exercises book sounds interesting. lol, not too preachy for me, the more instructions, the more I learn. __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"

06-25-2007, 10:05 PM
NoniMe Seasoned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,777	I love the 101 Arena Exercises...not that I can do them, as Tango and I haven't managed to get to that point yet, but we will. I sit and read them...and read them...and walk them with him and trot them with him (while I'm running along side...through 4 inches of sand...). We'll learn them this way, and then when I can safely ride him, we'll learn them again that way. Good luck, and let us know how it goes. Best- Noni __________________ Apparently, I have a warped sense of humor. "Who knew?"

06-26-2007, 12:01 AM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	Well, it looks like another whole week of rain here in Oklahoma, so I have no idea when I can ride next. It's been raining here about everyday for the past 3-4 weeks now. Well, I called the vet to get her teeth floated this saturday, so I'm gonna see if the head tossing was her teeth. I do have a friend who has an indoor arena, so I might go there this sunday but, not sure about it yet. I sure hope this rain pattern goes away soon, I'm getting impatient lol! __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"

06-26-2007, 12:03 AM
Barrelracing4life Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 68	Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I'm taking a lesson at my boarding facility, with my instructor, after I get her teeth floated, and when the rain stops. Haven't made an exact date yet, just having to wait for it to clear up. __________________ "Where would I be without barrel racing?"