Battling mares riding out

[Fletch1963]

Hi all
About 18 months ago my wife was thrown from an unruly gypsy cob and trampled. She is an experienced rider and has ridden and owned horses since childhood. The experience made her nervous and wary, but she's riding again and we have recently purchased a 4yo Welsh C. A new mare has been introduced to the yard, and they both constantly fight. The new mare has been placed in a fenced paddock along side the main field and introduced to some older mares with no problems. My question is, is it a good idea for the 2 mares to ride out as my wife comes home with tales of them bucking at each other, or am I just being overprotective. Thanks for your time. Fletch

 

[Meowy Catkin]

If both riders are fully in control of their horses and keep them at a safe distance, then it should be fine. I have ridden out many times with a horse that my mare didn't like, but she knows that when she's under saddle she isn't allowed to kick out or ignore my aids.

As your wife's mare is very young and your wife has confidence issues, I would err on the side of caution in this case though and not ride out with that particular horse. Confidence is very fragile and from what she is telling you, the horses aren't completely listening to their riders.

 

[Fletch1963]

Hi, thanks for your reply. My wife is a confident rider and has brought her mare on, as she had been un ridden when she bought her ( I was only told after!) I think after reading your post I'm being overprotective.

Thank you again

Fletch