Recent content by CathyQ

Thanks Goldenstar, I will try her with blinkers. A simple solution just might be the answer to a complex problem.

Thank you everyone, lots of food for thought and things for me to try. I did try the determined rider and although she had partial success, Ella finally decided she would go no further, whip or no whip. Eventually, rather than give in to her altogether, I had to lead her to where we wanted her...

Thank you Meriod for your suggestions. I hadn't thought of blinkers, so will give that a go. A few people have suggested long reining, but I have no clue where to start with this, so I will try and find someone to help me. I had my husband in stitches, going through my repertoire of every 'go'...

That's really interesting. 6 weeks ago I bought a 20yr old mare from Ireland, who had apparently been a riding/driving mare. I suspect she didn't do much riding, as she had studded shoes, doesn't respond to normal riding aids and will not canter, preferring to show off her most incredible...

Thank you for your reply. What you say does make sense, so I think I will discount driving as the reason for her napping. I have tried using voice commands, but apart from instantly responding to 'whoa', she takes no notice of forward commands. I too think that it is a confidence/trust issue, as...

Hi all, 6 weeks ago I bought a 20yr old Irish Cob mare from Ireland. I was told she had done some driving but had mainly been used as a tourist pony on the street on Kildaire, so was 'bombproof' in traffic and a guaranteed hack alone mare. Hmm...don't you just love dealer guarantees! So, yes...

Thank you. Getting another horse may bring me more problems. I know many people who cannot ride one of their horse without the other coming as well, which is just not possible fir me. If you force them to go out without their companion, it can create all sorts of new stress, being forcibly...

Thank you everyone for great advice. Will keep you updated on our progress. Have a happy and healthy New Year. X

Red has company, just not another horse in his field. He is surrounded by animals...3 alpacas, 6 goats and 3 mini donkeys, all of which he likes and 'talks' to. He is also just yards away from the house and sees people many times every day. I go in the field/shelter with him at least 6 times a...

Hi Jan, thank you so much for sharing your story with me, it does give me confidence that Red will eventually be ok. I don't know whether I can get a mate for him anytime soon, but I will be looking into it straight away. Red also was bought to restore his owner's confidence after a serious...

Wow, what great replies...thank you all so much. Yes, this is the same horse that windsucked/cribbed and that I tried to return to the vendors, but they did not care they had mis sold him to me and said they had spent all my money, so tough. I started court action, but withdrew after one week...

Hi all, I got a new horse, Red, (15.1 cob, 11yrs old) on the 8th December...my first one since 1969! He was quite calm when he arrived on my small holding and took the goats, donkeys and very noisy 5 afghan hounds all in his stride. He had a bad, spooky, reaction to the food I was told to give...

Again, in, thank you so much for your encouragement and concern. The emails are continuing and the fight is far from won, but I know I am in the right. Will let you know the good news (forever the optimist) as soon as I have it. X

Thank you everyone, your support and understanding in the face of my naïveté is much appreciated. I am however, having a battle royal with the owner, who is digging her feet in, saying she can't afford to give me my money back. But we will get there in the end. Thanks again all of you.

I do indeed. Thanks x