I Can't Bring My Horse In - ADVICE NEEDED!

Evelyn said:
The majority of teenagers in NZ who ride own TB's off the track - they are just horses and if treated just like horses the majority make fantastic all rounders. Many horses will be idiots the first few weeks in their new home - especially if a bit clingy. I think peole are tending to be rather pessimistic and discouraging.
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I don't doubt it for a minute I've known a few ex racers who have made fantastic all rounders! If they are treated like horses - given boundaries, rules etc and the OP simply sounds like she is having trouble with said horse already and the horse has no boundaries.

If that leadership isn't put into place in the first few weeks (such as horse plays up; horse gets a treat and put back in the field - what is that teaching it!), the horse will carry on as it is now and I think the reason people are being quite pessimistic and discouraging is that its probably quite a sore point with most; seeing young teenagers being bought horses that are too much, the horse becomes a liability as the teen cant cope with it or handle it, teen gets hurt, horse get PTS or sold to a dealer and ruined further. There are definitely exceptions to the rule as I said, many make brilliant horses and this horse may well do - but there's no doubting at this moment support and guidance from experienced people is needed in this situation; and it seems where they are now, they cannot get it.
K x
 
A lot of these comments, whilst potentially true are not helpful in anyway! My first horse was a pretty much unbroken TB mare who had trained in a herd to race and jump NH fences with no rider!! So total lunacy! Stella, your mare will be unsettled/scared/clingy to others in her new environment. This is not uncommon. She has no idea who you are and cannot communicate with you vocally so her behaviour is trying to let you know that she is fightened and cannot leave her new field mates as they are the only security she has. If it is possible, for a few weeks - bring her out of the field with another horse at all times, make sure she has the safety net until you get to know each other and start asking for her respect.

I have just bought a gelding that came 11 weeks ago and he is still unsettled somedays when he is left alone. But compared to trying to jump out the stable on the first day, he is 110% better. You have to understand that she is insecure and at this point, will not look to you for that security, it will always be back to the safe field with her chums.

So my advice is to put on your hat/gloves/bp if you think you need it, and lead her up with another horse , tie them both up with nets, brush her/pat/treat, put her back. Do it EVERY day if possible, until you feel the routine is going well enough to attempt it solo, if she isnt ready and reverts back, dont worry keep at it. She will soon settle. One thing I learnt with my TB mare was to not confront this behaviour, at this stage you cannot presume she is taking the p - and tell her off, you must give her the benefit of the doubt and be firm and safe but always rewarding the small steps forward.

Please PM me if you need any support, I have been in a very similar position. Good Luck
 
I think the problem here is lack of support. My daughters first "proper" horse was 16h 6yo TB from a point to point yard. The big difference is that whilst he was green, he was an obliging kind of a chap and we had huge support from her Pony Club instructor who put us right more than once. She helped us make the transition from pony to horse. They went on to make a fabulous pair and 3 years later were novice eventing sucessfully. It can be done but not without help and commitment.

Agree with everyone re hat, gloves, bridle, no treats in the field. Get some good help quickly and all this is probably solvable.
 
i understand what you are going through with her, i had the same when i started riding Taz my 17.2hh ISH arse at the age of 13 years old, i had gone from a 12.2hh moo bag to him and it was a huge change and the problem with taz is he knows his size and he does throw his weight around, he was awful to lead he didnt understand when you asked him to slow down on the ground and he would just walk straight acroos infront of you, he was perminantly in the monty roberts head collar as he was on assisted and everyone was scared of handling him, he would rear, kick and he would pull you off the floor and just generally drag you around just because he could... me being only 5'2ft didnt help haha but when he got into a routeen of being brought in at a cirtain time, fed at a cirtain time etc he settled, i must admit not completely he can be a handful still but he doesnt scare me anymore, i was lucky enough to have horsey parents who had worked with race horses, showjumpers etc but in the end you have to learn to handle them yourself as otherwise you will just be tied down by when you can do anything with them, i would suggest having another person on the other side of her with a long line off of the other side of the rope part of the monty roberts headcollar, and you do the same, that way you are a safe distance away, then take her out of the field daily a bit further at the same time and soon she will get the idea that playing up is boring and also have you contacted her previous owner about her behaviour and whether they experience it and what did they or what would they do about it :) good luck!
 
I have to say so many great comments and solutions, to problems but i have to slightly inclined to agree with people that this girl is very over horsed. Not by size or age but by general experience and knowledge. I think should you know enough about this type of horse you would have relised boundaries are key to creating a good relationship which is safe for both of you. If she dosent respect you on the ground, you dont have a chance whilst riding her.

I think as heartbreaking as it is you should seriously consider other options, there are way to many nice horses in the world who are in need of good loving homes than to waste your time with a horse you ultimately arent doing what you want with and isnt making you happy. Let somebody else who knows more about this type of horse have it, its not fair for you to loose your confidence and the horse be ruined by someone who dosent have the knowledge to deal with it, and eventually end up an even bigger problem for someone else.

There is no shame in admitting a horse is too much for you, but shame for being too stuborn to deny you both a better future!!
 
Has nobody else ever had any trouble with their horses in the first few days/weeks of their partnership? Does nobody ever have trouble handling their normally well behaved horses when they are excited - say on a very windy day? Of course its very important (and difficult!) to admit a horse is unsuitable but this combination hasn't been given a chance yet!

This horse was apparently easy to handle in its previous home and there's no reason to believe that this won't be the case once she has had a chance to settle in and is reminded of ground rules by a confident adult. I agree that the OP does have guidance from an experienced person to be sure no problems do develop, but based on what the OP has told us, I think many of the replies so far have been way too alarmist. I had a lovely horse who could be a little sod to bring in occasionally in the Winter but was beautifully mannered in the stable and was a very successful competition horse. I competed him for many years and it would have been a terrible shame if I sold him just because he got away from me occasionally and made his own way to the stable! There's no such thing as a perfect horse.
 
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If you want to go the NH way then get one of there RA's in to guide you but you'll have to move yards to do that if they won't let you have different trainers on your current one.
 
Can you speak to an experienced adult friend up the yard and get some help. Ask if they would lead their horse in front of yours and see if you can just get yours to follow. Preferably they lead your horse and you lead their quiet one.

She does sound like she is walking all over you. You need to find an instructor asap. Get your parents to speak to your YO.

Is the mare in by herself? She may settle when she is actually out with some horses. Personally I always keep a new horse in a few days (it's good quarantine practise anyway. I wouldn't be happy to be at a yard that doesn't do this). It helps them settle a bit before meeting new friends.

I also think the schooling livery idea is a good one.

Also perhaps call the old owners. Are they local? Could they come out and give you a hand.
 
Peoples advise on here conflicts from thread to thread.....you get a thread where someone is scared to hack out and her horse is being nappy and she is terrified of it and people are telling her to give horse time to settle etc....

then

we have this thread where the majority are telling her to get rid and she has had it a matter of minutes.

I'd say give the mare time to settle, she is clearly a little stressed by being seperated from her friends. Try bringing her down to the yard with someone else and thier horse so she doesn't feel like she is all alone. Spend time with her and build up the bond. The kicking out at you in the field are you sure that wasn't her trying to play with you. she isn't that old and might be trying to play as she is in the field on her own.

I wouldn't give up just yet some horses can take months to settle, you just need to be her support and confidence.
Try bringing her down in her bridle as well as the headcollar, if she learns that she jumps around on the rope and then you take her back it won't take her long to learn that.

Was she in season over those days, some mares are worse to take away from friends when in season.

Get some help and good luck.
 
I bought an ex-racer as my first horse after a long break from horses - he was much older at 15 but that didn't make any difference TBH!

He was very nervous to begin with - he totally freaked when I tried to ride him the first time - and would hide behind his field mates when I tried to catch him.

Sounds like your mare is feeling very unsettled and scared. You can catch her which is a good sign. From what you have said, she starts to get afraid when you take her away from her safety in the herd. She does not recognise you as her leader yet and therefore does not trust you to keep her safe.

These things do take time - you need to be consistent with her and firm. Enlist the help of another adult and remain calm as much as possible. My TB taught me so much.

Take things at your own pace and be safe - it is very early days yet.
 
I haven't read every reply but thought I would stick my tuppence worth in :)
TBs are very sensitive, if you have had other types before you will find you have to treat Stella a bit differently.
She needs time to settle in, if she was an angel at the last place then there is no reason that she can't be an angel for you. Sometimes they can take months to properly settle, new people, new owner, new horses, new environment, new routine. Can you see why she is so unsettled. They are extremely sensitive and thrive on routine. My mare is the perfect horse as long as she has her routine. When we change from the winter to the summer routine it takes her a week or so to adjust. Racehorses have a really strict routine, fed at a cerain time, exercised at a certain time, out to the field at a certain time. This is what they are used to and I suspect that she was in a decent routine at her last place, therefore, she was an angel.
As for the dually, if you put that on my mare and tightened the nose part, then she would go right up in the air. She understands pressure and release, but it is done sensitively. Stella won't understand the dually and if you aren't quick enough to release the pressure when appropriate then she will be confused even more. I would ditch this and get a normal nh halter or just a standard headcollar. she will probably understand it better. Also a 20ft rope is a lot to deal with, maybe a 12ft one would be a better option.
I worry that you are going to get into trouble unless someone helps you to bring her in for a few times. Just to get her accustomed to that routine. I don't think you should be doing it yourself at the moment. Please wear gloves and your hat. Spend some time with her grooming etc to build the bond. Please don't try to ride her at the moment, if you can't handle her on the ground then you are going to struggle on her back. Get some help from someone with experience of horses like this. Hopefully eventually you will get it sorted and have the angel back
 
Children should learn to ride on ponies, no one should buy them a pet when they are unable to look after it, this has all the hallmarks of a disaster, mother has no experience, child has no experience, no wonder horse decides to opt out.
Was it cheaper than riding lessons?
 
MrsD123 said:
Children should learn to ride on ponies, no one should buy them a pet when they are unable to look after it, this has all the hallmarks of a disaster, mother has no experience, child has no experience, no wonder horse decides to opt out.
Was it cheaper than riding lessons?
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Bit harsh!

Mother has already said in an earlier post that this is the girls 3rd horse her previous one being 14.1h (I think).

I know plenty of 13 year olds who have 16hh horses (many competing far more than I ever will) and know several who have had problems to start with. Just because the mare is taking time to settle doesn't necessarily spell disaster.

The lack of adult help is worrying but again (from memory) the mother has posted to say that daughter will now be supervised / assisted.

I agree the situation doesn't sound ideal but it's a bit early to say it's a no hoper - given assistance and time who knows . . .
 
You are not over horsed!!! people that say you are, are probably idiots and jealous, that is what everyone told me, so ignore any comments which just insult your inteligence they are not helpful to you or anyone else.

Do you have a stable, if you can get your horse to it or is it a grass livery only?

Is your horse out with a friends horse?

1. Like you have been doing work with in the field, this is where it is happiest. If you like NH do that with it in the field obviouly no join up becuase I assume the field is too big and there are other horses. You and your horse need to get on the same wave lenght and the best place to do this is somewhere where your horse is happy (in your case its in the field).

2. If your horse is in the field with your friends horse and you have a stable to go to get your friend to lead their horse to the stables and you try and follow with yours. If your horse doesnt want to go and backs up, then send it backwards, dont turn it round and lead it back, send it backwards make it back up, (have lots of room) if you are into NH you will know how to read signs. So when you send it back at some point your horse will tell you its fed up, at this point send it back further (only slightly but its important you get past this point) then call your friend back and start again. when/if it stops again repete the expersise. The reason you do this is its where your horse 'wants' to go, then it says ok ive had my fun and you tell it to keep going, this is you making it go where you want it to go. This may take a long time but I find it works. If you get it to the yard with your friend give it some food, groom it, make a fuss then go back to the field. Dont release it and do the exersise again. Once you get it to follow your friends horse with stopping at all, you can quite for the day but not before then. BTW you wanna do this on a totally free day and it could take you all day!!!

3. Once it comes in with your friends horse leading, try it with your friends horse next to you, or you leading. If your horse stops or goes backwards repete the sending back exersise. Once your horse comes in with the friends horse behind your horse, its time to try it all again without the second horse.

4. Once you can bring your horse in on its own it should realise you are boss and you can start doing other things with it, work slowly but be firm and do not let it do what it wants!!! and dont end a day no a bad note!!

If when you try and bring your horse in it spins round and heads back to the field then insted of making it reverse make it turn in that direction until again it gives the signal that its fed up of that game, then continue to turn it then ask for it to walk forwards again, and keep repeting it until it does as you want.

As for getting your parents involved. I would ask them to stay out of it because if they are not used to horses they are more likely to get hurt or stood on, that is why you need to get a friend (adult or child) to help you. If you can I would consider moving yards as the owner doesn't sound very suportive or helpful and as you are a child you could probably do with some suport, but that is beside the point. When handling your horse always wear hat and gloves and if you feel you need it body protector, but all that is common sense.

Good luck and I hope you get the problem sorted but ignore people who say sell your horse and that you are over horsed because that is not helpful advise. At 13 and your height you are very capable of handliing a 16.2 TB. Keep working at it and take small steps and be persistant and patient. Good luck!! :) Once you and your horse and working togther you will have learnt loads and will feel so brilliant about yourself, its worth all the hard work!! :)
 
Chestnut Stella said:
heya,
i am 13 years old and have recently bought a 16.2 7yr old chestnut TB mare. When i went to go and view her she was lovely, she walked up to the owner when being caught and was a plod to lead around the place. We were very surprised to here that she is an exRacer and was raced up to the age of 4.
She arrived at my yard on saturday and was moved around from stable to stable quite a bit because of other horses getting wound up in her presence, so in the end we decided to turn her out. The next day (sunday) i came down to hopefully bring her in, but i struggled quite a bit. She was an angel to catch but when i led her up to the gate she just kept whinnying to the horses in the fields around her, and jumping around threatening to rear. So i kept hold of her and made her stand still but i knew i wasn't going to get anywhere so i just let her go. I also went down on monday to see if i could get her in before it started to rain and so she could have a rug on. So i went down to the field and caught her fine, i was able to lead her out of the field and through the jumping paddock, but when i got to the main track that leads up to the yard she started to jump around and toss her head. So i thought "Well i got her a lot further than yesterday, i may as well let her go back to her comfort zone and try again tomorrow." So stella went back to the field to be reunited with the mares and geldings in the fields surrounding her. On the way back to the yard i bumped into the yard owner, and he told me that stella was too much for me and that i should just sell her on and get something that ISN'T a racehorse. I was a bit taken aback at the fact he didn't actually give stella any chance. Am i right in thinking that?!
I also went down to the field today to see if i could just tie her up in the jumping field and give her a groom and see if we could bond a little to help her get over the fear of leaving all the other horses. So i caught her fine (again) started leading her to the gate, and she just kept spinning in circles and bunny hopping around the place. I kept hold of her for about 10 minutes when it started to seem like she was actually being dangerous. So i let her go again. Due to the fact i had nothing going on for the day i thought i would just sit down in the field and just see if she took any interest in me and the treats in my pocket. She took absolutely NO interest in me, so i walked over to the field where the horse she is quite chummy with lived and gave him a bit of a pat and fed him some treats, stella then took interest in me. So i rubbed her head and gave her some treats. I thought i would see if she would follow me with the treats so i walked away slightly and she did. So i gave her a big pat and tried it again. So i walked a few steps like the last time and she just turned around and tried to kick me. Luckily i jumped out of the way just in time, but i really don't want stella to be a naughty horse and i would love to be able to lead her in without forcing her to do anything.
If it helps, i use a monty roberts dually halter with a 20ft line. Please give me any advice you know! Anything would be helpful!

Thankyou x
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put a bridle on it do not let it go until you have it in the yard even if you have to be out there till 2am in the morning !!

do not feed it treats, do not bring a friend in with it eitehr as you will always then have to do this !!
 
It's taken four months since my boy recovered from his op for him to settle into being brought in, tacked up and ridden. That is because h was injured only 2 weeks after I boght him and the rest of the time has been recouperation. He refusedto leave the field at first, planting himself. I tried everything, but it took me about an hour each time to get him out of the field. However, I made a major break through recently. Firstly, I became much more firm with him, and secondly, gave him a tiny feed before doing anything else with him (juat a hand full of nuts). Now he comes in like a dream and doesn't even look for te others even though they are well out of sight. I have neverhad a problem with a horse coming in before, and it did throw me to start with. But you need to get o know your horse's personality and what tactics they respond to, as the same thing rarely works for different horses! Most importantly, you need to take your time.
 
Tinks81 said:
put a bridle on it do not let it go until you have it in the yard even if you have to be out there till 2am in the morning !!

do not feed it treats, do not bring a friend in with it eitehr as you will always then have to do this !!
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Absolutely agree with this - stop letting it go all the time, you are only teaching it bad manners by giving up like that - if you want to bring it in then bring it in.

I do think you need to change yards though and get some help before the horse hurts you or you ruin the horse!

That is a massive jump from 14.2 to a TB and 7 years of experience is not enough when most of those years you were at junior school!
 
The_Hooligan said:
I'm sorry and stand to be proven wrong but something doesn't add up and I don't think we are being given the enitre truth, having said that, if it is the case and you are not allowed to bring help onto the yard, Move asap to somewhere equiped to help you. I also don't really get why at 13 you have such a big horse unless you are very tall? what did you buy her for, ie dressage, jumping, hacking etc

Just seen that you are in Natural Horsemanship, I would think that your horse does not understand what you are asking her to do and suggest you give that rubbish up pronto, at 13 you really don't know enough to approve or unapprove any type of training
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^^ couldn't agree more!!

I'm just reiterating what everyone else has said but it seems there was no need to get a horse THAT big for you!? is this a first horse?

It seems to me that with non-horsey parents buying something that is frankly quite dangerous, and leaving you to get on with it on your own is frankly plain stupid!!! This could end in you getting seriously hurt, what if she did rear up and came crashing down on you?

And as for the natural horsemanship thing... i don't agree with it and think it is utter b******S but i respect that other people enjoy it blablabla, but perhaps you should get to grips with tried and tested methods of dealing with your new horse, who is new to you, new to surroundings, new to the horses, scared, taking the p*** and everything else before you force upon her these natural methods that she has probably never been taught before!

I'd never stand for a yard that was less than perfect with ridiculous rules just because it was convenient, stand up to them (especially while their instructor is away and otherwise incapable of teaching herself) and ask if you can have someone in that can help you do some groundwork with her and build a trust and understanding between you both or leave!!!!
 
You do not buy an ex racer for a child, who has no help and parents know nothing, infact, any child. End of. Sorry for my blunt opinion that I will probably get bashed for, but hey-ho. I know about 'exceptions to the rule', blah blah, I have been doing it long enough.

I am currently reschooling and rebreaking an 8yo ex racer and a 4yo TB, the ex racer was bough by a novice at 5 (against advice of instructor), the horse WAS good, he was still highly strung , but safe, now because of the total lack of experience of this owner, and not knowing how to deal with him at the time, the horse is now (3 years on) a total nightmare (read my post about being in a ditch). I am experienced and I won't take him out again unless there is some miraculous improvement in his behaviour.

Now, the 4yo tb, who was bought as 'any novice can ride' for a 15yo girl. The horse came, a little underweight with an injury too it's foot, so could not be ridden for 8 weeks. Now this horse is feeling well, although now rebacked and not bothered by a rider at all, this horse rears, I mean rears. I wouldn't put a novice anywhere near it atm. The 15yo is not in the least bit interested in it because she is frightened of it. Won't even lead it from the field.

Now, I'm not saying don't persist for a little while untill horse has settled, as giving up now would be silly, now you have got him, give him a chance.
Just know, and take advice on when you need to call it quits. If the horse comes good (hope for you it does when settled) then good for you, but don't, whatever you do hurt yourself, or get yourself into a situation that is dangerous. Know when to say that it's gotten too much. Get as much help and advice from everyone around you, you should be having adult supervision at all times when you are handling this horse to start with.

At 13 you should be worrying what colour stuff you want to buy for your horse, not whether or not it's going to kill you!
 
The problem here is not age or inexperience - it's half term. Sorry, I mean you're too tall. The average height of a jockey is 5'3''-5'5'' (there are of course excellent taller ones but in general horses resent the extra height and deep voice;))
What you need is an average height 7 year old pony clubber with a Forester (or 'sawn-off OTTB' as they're known) hand your horse over to the feisty oompa loompa-problem solved!
NB. When I say 'pony clubber' this is not to be confused with NH enthusiast;)
 
anxious mum said:
thanks for all the advice for my daughter. Just to answer a few points: our mare has been off the race track for three years and has been a riding horse for at least two, doing all the usual stuff. We saw her twice, rode her several times - once on the busiest country road I have ever seen - and she was an absolute lamb. We had her five-stage vetted - so if things continue, could ask vet to check blood. We bought her privately so have little chance of comeback. I will get help - I won't allow my daughter to ride - or even take her out of the field on her own till I am absolutely sure she has settled down. Thanks for your concern. If things don't improve I will do well by the horse but we'll just have to cut our losses.
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Saw her twice rode her several times?

A five stage vetting should include a blood test, no point now as any doping dosage will have gone ... ask the previous owner to come and help you or take it back.
 
MrsD123 said:
A five stage vetting should include a blood test, no point now as any doping dosage will have gone
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Wrong. A five stage will include TAKING blood, which can be tested at a later date, but is not tested as a matter of course.
 
MrsD123 said:
Saw her twice rode her several times?
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Yes, I thought that just didn't add up when I did the maths, but I had already posted my opinion, (please send it back) so didn't bother to repost. I think Mum is feeling bad here and tryig to justify her decision as a sane one, which I am sure it was because no one would knowingly put their daughter at risk. I think it was just an inexperienced decision.

At the risk of offending I notice some people have posted about the child bringing this horse in on a short lead rein. I wouldn't! On a short lead if they go up unless you are really tall you have 2 chioces: get you head boxed by front feet or let go. Neither is a good option! Letting go is obviously best!

If I had to bring this horse in I would use a bridle with a long line clipped to one side of the bit. (Yes I know, through the bit to the other side but you don't have the control to pull the head round when it's through the bit if it tries to leg it. Yes I know the bit may start to come through the mouth, not with a fulmer and frankly, so what...uncomfy ah well behave then and it wont be!..The bridle needs to fit well and the bit must not be low in the mouth.) I would expect a fight because it put up a fight at first and has subsequently been let go. So there is going to be a fight. I would also wear a crash cap and gloves. I would ask someone to come and do the gates for me. Once on the yard I would need to gauge the situation as to what to do next. Plan a) would be straight in a stable with other horses close by and expect a fair degree of screaming for it's field mates whilst box spinning. Meanwhile praying it would chill before it worked it's self into too much of a state or tried to come over the door. Subsequent plans depend on how plan a) goes....maybe shut top door, maybe get it out and lunge it so it can burn some energy. Not talking side reins here, just boots if safe to apply, no boots if not safe to apply.


I haven't read this entire thread since my original post, just bits. Have you approached the previous owners about taking it back? If it was a private sale and they cared for the horse they may well take it back.

anxious mum said:
thanks for all the advice for my daughter.... We had her five-stage vetted - so if things continue, could ask vet to check blood. I will get help - I won't allow my daughter to ride - or even take her out of the field on her own till I am absolutely sure she has settled down. Thanks for your concern. If things don't improve I will do well by the horse but we'll just have to cut our losses.
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Inexperience is not a crime. What more can this lady do.

EDIT: Just read more thread! This is a child we are talking to...do you think we could all be nice please? There is just no need for harsh replies to an inexperienced child who is asking for help is there!
 
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Business said:
Yes, I thought that just didn't add up when I did the maths, but I had already posted my opinion, (please send it back) so didn't bother to repost. I think Mum is feeling bad here and tryig to justify her decision as a sane one, which I am sure it was because no one would knowingly put their daughter at risk. I think it was just an inexperienced decision.

At the risk of offending I notice some people have posted about the child bringing this horse in on a short lead rein. I wouldn't! On a short lead if they go up unless you are really tall you have 2 chioces: get you head boxed by front feet or let go. Neither is a good option! Letting go is obviously best!

If I had to bring this horse in I would use a bridle with a long line clipped to one side of the bit. (Yes I know, through the bit to the other side but you don't have the control to pull the head round when it's through the bit if it tries to leg it. Yes I know the bit may start to come through the mouth, not with a fulmer and frankly, so what...uncomfy ah well behave then and it wont be!..The bridle needs to fit well and the bit must not be low in the mouth.) I would expect a fight because it put up a fight at first and has subsequently been let go. So there is going to be a fight. I would also wear a crash cap and gloves. I would ask someone to come and do the gates for me. Once on the yard I would need to gauge the situation as to what to do next. Plan a) would be straight in a stable with other horses close by and expect a fair degree of screaming for it's field mates whilst box spinning. Meanwhile praying it would chill before it worked it's self into too much of a state or tried to come over the door. Subsequent plans depend on how plan a) goes....maybe shut top door, maybe get it out and lunge it so it can burn some energy. Not talking side reins here, just boots if safe to apply, no boots if not safe to apply.


I haven't read this entire thread since my original post, just bits. Have you approached the previous owners about taking it back? If it was a private sale and they cared for the horse they may well take it back.



Inexperience is not a crime. What more can this lady do.

EDIT: Just read more thread! This is a child we are talking to...do you think we could all be nice please? There is just no need for harsh replies to an inexperienced child who is asking for help is there!
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Great answer and so agree with you.
 
Dear OP,

The best thing you can do, is get your parents to get in a REAL person with proper experience to come and advise you, as half the stuff on here is bull*****, codswallop and crap. Half of them can't decide what is right, and the other half are quite happy to exert their 'expert opinion' over you because they can.

:D

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
 
DragonSlayer said:
Dear OP,

The best thing you can do, is get your parents to get in a REAL person with proper experience to come and advise you, as half the stuff on here is bull*****, codswallop and crap. Half of them can't decide what is right, and the other half are quite happy to exert their 'expert opinion' over you because they can.

:D

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
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She does need to get someone in but unfortunately is not allowed to as the yard has it's own instructor who has just had a baby and is not currently available.
 
At the risk of offending I notice some people have posted about the child bringing this horse in on a short lead rein. I wouldn't! On a short lead if they go up unless you are really tall you have 2 chioces: get you head boxed by front feet or let go. Neither is a good option! Letting go is obviously best!
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Quite agree.


However, this post reminds me a bit of a scenario we had on my yards many, many moons ago. And makes me smile because of it.

Two little scraps of girls, one rather large TB ex racer, who definately had a mind of his own, and lots of tears about not being able to bring him in. The usual, he would lead like a lamb, then plant, then go up, twist and go. They didn't stand a chance.

15 years later and the old TB is well in to his dottage, and the one little scrap still has him. He is adored, conquered and very, very happy.

So not all bad beginnings have bad endings..........
 
I think the most crucial thing to change here is the yard. A yard that doesn't allow liveries to bring in their own instructors is asking for trouble in a situation like this. This kid and her horse desperately need an experienced instructor on hand, otherwise the risks of something going unpleasantly wrong are greatly magnified.
 
OP...my first horse was a 3 year old unbacked TB I saw in a field and fell in love with.....it should have gone horribly wrong but it didn't but only because I was on a great yard surrounding by knowledgable trustworthy people who gave me all the help I needed, We can only offer advise but it is based on what we imagine the situation to be, my point is, you need to find someone that knows what they are doing who will help you. Even if it means moving yards until you have got this sorted....don't stumble along getting more and more scared of your mare...and good luck!!
 
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