Bad news- need advice/options

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shadowboy

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Hey guys- i dont know if you remember asking you all if i should keep the super duper but spooky mare after she spooked and i fell into the fence? Well I have had to have an x-ray and they suspect that i have fractured my coccyx (i am in lots of pain) so nooooo riding for 8 weeks/doing anything strenuous. However, trial for the mare end in six weeks- so sums are telling me that that this is really bad timing. I dont know what to do. Do i keep her regardless not being able to keep trialing her/not knowing how she will react at the show on sunday? Or give her back?
She had her teeth done today for the first time in her life and she was as good as gold, best behaved horse on the yard- things like that make me want to keep her as she is so kind. I guess I could take her to the show and just see how she reacts but not ride (not sure if this is allowed) or give up with her after all this is the worst injury i have sustained since i started riding at 6 years old (18years ago!)

Opinions etc really and truely valued!
 
What age is she and what has she done experience wise? Is she just spooky because of inexperience or could the spooking be because of an underlying pain related problem? Also how much will you trust her when you get back on board? These are all things you need to ask.
 
She is rising 7. No there is no pain related issues as she has had her teeth done and there were no issues, she has had a saddle fitted to her and she is treated once a month by a bowen therapist who stables her horse on our yard! But yes there is the trust issue!
 
Hmmm... been in a similar situation to you - had a mare on trial, had a bad fall within a week... still kept the mare and few months later she trampled me, got me off a few more times and my once-very-good nerves were in tatters - needless to say we parted company after a year together and it took me a long time after that to rebuild my confidence.

The fact that you have this mare on Trial sugests to me that you question whether she is right for you in the first place maybe this answers your question for you. As much as it is hard to believe there is a perfect horse out there for you... it just might not be her...
 
The degree of your injury shouldn't really be a measure as to the character of the horse. As a youngster my last horse went over one jump like a total pleb sending me flying twisted through the air to break my pelvis (not nice!!!) but he was a wonderful kind horse. My current horse dumped me every time I got on for the first few weeks after I bought her and apart from a couple of cracked ribs, no real damage done. The fact is though that she is and probably always will be far more dangerous than the other horse although my injuries would contradict this if you see what I mean.

Does your horse really have particularly violent, unpredictable reactions or was it just an unfortunate accident that could and does happen to anybody on any horse? Most horses spook, can you work on your riding and confidence with a trainer to help you ride through it or is the horse just like a catapult that doesn't give you a chance at all? I tend to react to these sort of mishaps with more determination to learn how to deal with the problem but there's no shame in calling it a day, looking for another horse and probably an easier life. Difficult decision, good luck.
 
I was one of the people that told you to keep her. However, under the circumstances I would probably send her back.

Really hope you get better soon. x
 
Given the fact that you cannot ride her for the trial, I would send her back..... these things happen.... and there are plenty of horses out therre who dont spook..... also someone else riding her will not give a true image.... this person may be a better rider than you (no offence) and will therefore get a different tune out of her, or they may not be as good as you and the whole thing could go horribly......
 
I think to send her back too. After all if you can't ride her you can't trial her.

Some horses always spook, it is just part of their nature and they don't necessarily improve much with age. There are plenty of others that don't too.

I know it was unfortunate that you fell off - it wasn't the horse trying to get rid of you, but if you are worried about falling then this is just going to affect your riding and become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
 
Not sure what I'd do in this situation. Will the current owners extend the trial, given the circumstances? Ring them up, be honest and explain the news. They will either want to take her back and re-advertise, or extend the trial. Orange-horse may be right about the self-fulfilling prophecy. Only thing about that is it could happen with a horse you've had for a year or more, too. I think ring the owners and discuss options with them. They should understand.
 
Hi guys thanks for your responces. She pooked because i pulled money out of my pocket and passed it down to instructor she saw it and freaked out. But because we were near the fence i flew into fence back first. Funny thing is hacked her out day after (didnt realise extent of injusries) for twohours encountered lorries/rude drivers/dogs/ducks/plastic bags etc and not a single spook! I think shes just really unpredictable..... have had to email owner as tried calling all morning and no answer... will let you know what she says!
 
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