Bought unseen problems returning

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Jasmine2023 said:
I am happy to try working with him but don't want to push him if he's not ready. But I have spoken to the YO and we have given a timescale for improvement so the sooner we work with him the better.
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Tbh now that he knows that he gets to go in the field with everyone else and won't be left in a stable, I imagine that he will be much more cooperative no matter what you do. Just build your own comfort zone slowly.
 
If you think you may want to keep him, or at least work with him for a few months… I’d wholly recommend joining an online groundwork training plan, such as trt method.

You will be amazed at the things you can teach a horse to do, and the structured lessons build on from each other. You also get horse time then, without the faf of having to tack up and ride!
 
Sounds like the YO has a plan so feel free to ignore me. I don't know the horse! But by groundwork or handling lessons I mean the sort of handling that actually helps a horse settle as it gives them a sense of routine/boundaries. Horses actually like being handled by people who are calm, matter of fact, confident and clear. So the fact that he is settling so quickly being brought in and out suggests he is respondingwell to that. It would be hepful if you were able to learn how to move him around too - lead him, ask him to step back or over etc. That won't be experienced by him as being pushed. If anything he will feel reassured. And while you may struggle to feel assertive with him at first, if you do this in a lesson you can learn how to handle him like that - and if it's going wrong the instructor is there to take over again. I've been there too many times to count: ineffective on the end of the lead rope then a more skilled person takes the rope and the horse is immediately responsive. It's a skill so don't worry if that happens! It;s all learning. I personally think learning the skills of handling horses on the ground is often over-looked and often needs to be taught later on to people. As an aside, people use Equine Assisted Therapy to teach epople assertiveness skills because with a horse you often need to 'fake it till you make it'. Hope tomorrow goes well whatever you decide to do.
 
@Jasmine2023 that sounds a really positive update to me. Teeny weeny baby steps and not being afraid to go back a step if necessary is, I think, the way forward. No advice on tomorrow, I would just see how you feel and play it by ear - if you are feeling worked up better wait till next time. Well done on the step forward.
 
Definitely second watching the TRT videos on groundwork- there are some other good groundwork trainers too who are worth watching. They will help you understand more about how your horse thinks and their reactions. I can’t remember the names of the other trainers
, but I’m sure someone will be along here to recommend! What I will say though is teach yourself some relaxation techniques so you can do a quick body check before you start work on the ground. Again, lots of useful info on YouTube. I also have/had MH issues and I fully recommend learning to mentally and physically relax- without losing awareness- makes a massive difference! Wishing you all the best😊
 
I haven't commented so far @Jasmine2023 but I'm delighted to read your latest post re him behaving better for the yard staff. Lots of people have given advice and it must feel a bit overwhelming for you. Honestly, the two important things here are your and Ozzy's well being. Many roads lead to Rome and the saying is never more true than in the horse world so I think the best way forward is to formulate a plan that works for you and the yard you are at.

Ozzy is very like a child suddenly moving house and having to settle in at a new school - nothing is familiar, he has no friends and he doesn't know his way round so he is feeling overwhelmed and defensive. Don't put yourself under pressure to achieve too much too soon, baby steps are fine and don't try and progress until you and he are confident with what you doing. For example it would be great if in a month you could happily give him a groom and pick his feet up unaided but if it takes longer so be it. Personally, I think it would be great to keep up your lessons on one of the yard horses as you say it helps your mobility but if costs are an issue how about alternating a ground work session with Ozzy and a riding lesson? Between ground work lessons you can practice things and build up your rapport with him. The beauty of your livery set up is his day to day needs are being met by the yard so you aren't under too much pressure to rush things yourself.

I'm a similar age to you with many health issues and can no longer ride, feel free to message me anytime. I have my own livery yard and have guided many new owners through their first experiences of getting a new horse.
 
That sounds much more positive. I think time doing groundwork with him is a great idea, I'd echo what Ambers Echo has said, groundwork is a fantastic thing. I'd try to take the pressure of yourself to do xyz and just do what you're comfortable doing for a bit till you get to know Ozzy better and both get more confidence each other with some good experiences.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
But the membership is for the year, so even if you cancel before the year is up you still owe the full amount. They don't sell one month's membership.
OP if you have no other public liability insurance BHS Gold is a good idea, I have it but we don't insure our horses for vet bills, so it's different.
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They do sell a monthly membership. I have one.
 
Hi. Read through and I feel your pain, worry and every fear! My mare arrived 9 years ago. YO purchased for me. Saw her in her stable. Felt proud. Fell in love- led her out for a nibble of grass and the blooming thing nearly broke my foot! Her wild eyes. Her complete panic. For three weeks her default set when being led was ‘run away’ - within a week we clocked she was just scared and actually ran away but either stopped after 5 strides and looked back or met us at her field gate! We took our time. Within weeks I realised I was now in love and she is the kindest mare on the ground I have ever known. Infact my then 10 year old children fell for her and at 15 my daughter stole her from me. Someone said to me sometimes you not sent what you want - you are sent what you need. I seem to collect autoimmune illnesses so just being at the yard is my happy place. But I will never forget those first few weeks. I learned so much about her, horses and myself. My daughter is an amazing horsewoman now. I always say it is not because she rides a lot. It’s because of the work she does on the ground with horses. Go at your speed. Ozzy will go at his and then at some point your paths will merge. When? No idea! Ozzy has found you. That’s what you need to remember. Smile- you are a proud horse owner and he is a lovely looking lad!
 
Ceifer said:
OP why don’t you start another dedicated thread to your progress? There have been several over the year with members chronicling their journey.
Might help bolster your confidence
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And lots of us are rooting for you both and really, really hoping it all works out in the end. He looks like a lovely sort, I can see why you might have been smitten enough for heart to rule head in buying.
 
I'm not sure if I should post this but it seems like he went through a sale a month ago. Someone commented on the trace my horse post.

Bless him, it sounds like he's been passed around a bit and it explains a heck of a lot. Poor bugger probably doesn't know if he's coming or going.
 

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Forgot the link, sorry

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Trace My Horse UK | Trying to trace my newly purchased boy | Facebook

Trying to trace my newly purchased boy. Sold as Ozzie and 8yo. Proving to be quite quirky so would love to know his history!
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From the sales and, he sounds like a good sort and now he's in good hands, he'll settle and in the end you're going to have a cracking little horse.
 
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