Equine_Dream
Well-Known Member
I think what people fail to remember is that horses are not machines. Like us they change over time. Things that never used to worry them may do one day for one reason or another. Their likes and dislikes change. They have good moods and bad moods.
Also it always amazes me how people assume a horse will stay the same when in a completely different environment with a different routine. Again they are not machines.
For example say someone is selling a horse as a safe allrounder. Current owner rides horse most days a week, in a nice soft bit, with soft aids. Horse is safe and knows his job well.
Someone then comes along and buys horse. However this person doesn't have as much time to ride and horse is now stabled a lot more than he was in previous home.
New owner rides horse and finds him to be a bit full of it and strong. New owner is now slightly nervous to ride horse so he is left even longer without being ridden.
Someone suggests new owner tries stronger bit so new owner buys a gag. Suddenly horse who was previously used to a snaffle now has a gag in his mouth which he does not like. New owner doesnt have quite as soft hands as old owner and is accidentally tugging at horses mouth. Horse doesnt like this and starts to nap when ridden.
Suddenly safe allrounder is a bouncy napping sod, however it was certainly no fault of the old owner or the horses.
Also it always amazes me how people assume a horse will stay the same when in a completely different environment with a different routine. Again they are not machines.
For example say someone is selling a horse as a safe allrounder. Current owner rides horse most days a week, in a nice soft bit, with soft aids. Horse is safe and knows his job well.
Someone then comes along and buys horse. However this person doesn't have as much time to ride and horse is now stabled a lot more than he was in previous home.
New owner rides horse and finds him to be a bit full of it and strong. New owner is now slightly nervous to ride horse so he is left even longer without being ridden.
Someone suggests new owner tries stronger bit so new owner buys a gag. Suddenly horse who was previously used to a snaffle now has a gag in his mouth which he does not like. New owner doesnt have quite as soft hands as old owner and is accidentally tugging at horses mouth. Horse doesnt like this and starts to nap when ridden.
Suddenly safe allrounder is a bouncy napping sod, however it was certainly no fault of the old owner or the horses.