Pro or go elsewhere

[dorsetladette]

I'd be really tempted to find a retirement/rehab livery and chuck her out for the winter. Then spend the winter talking to pros and work out the best option going forward.

Locally we have a few young pro eventers with competition/schooling livery yards dealing with a small number of horses in a strict routine. Would a yard like that work for her?

 

[Morgan123]

haven't read all the replies yet but I agree she sounds mega stressed out. If you're thinking of turnout full time, have you thought about a track type yard? They are usually very used to dealing with horses who are stressed out in stable type routines, holistic management, and the horses are out 24/7 in a herd, with plenty of choice etc. Not for everyone but may suit you - they're also full livery usually too. There's a track system facebook page (would need to be barefoot but they can help with that too).

 

[charlotte0916]

It doesn’t work. They are acting this way because they are defensive anxious. It just would tip them over the edge.

One of the problems I find with mares is that they do hold onto things and don’t forgive easily. Both under saddle and on the ground. If it’s pain related in the past they don’t forget quickly. You just have to get through it with patience and repetitive work.

This is exactly it. She gets internally stressed quietly then if you ignore that she gets externally stressed, then defensive and offensive. But she’s not a horse you can overrule so you have to work with rather than against and if you do loose your rag she will remember and be defensive for some time after. In some ways a very good exercise in keeping your cool and a sense of empathy above all else.
Also I think you may be my new favourite person for advice - a survivor of one of these mares!!

 

[charlotte0916]

My gelding who was a bit this way inclined was infinitely better able to cope with the world in general with more turnout in a herd where most of the horses lived out (due to his health needs he himself couldn't totally live out & needed some time in a stable eating good quality hay / haylage year round. Oddly once settled in he was actually happier to come in during the day, often on his own & be in for less time than to come in overnight in winter & have company.)

When on a "normal" yard he frequently wouldn't let the staff catch him, nearly broke YMs fingers (her own fault for not listening to how she was told to handle him), couldn't be handled safely in a stable if not tied up. He weaved when stressed (& threatened to come over stable doors when especially stressed) He could still have his moments but was overall a lot calmer & easier to deal with in a different environment with just me & a few other people handling him - none of who tried to bully him or insist that he behaved like a "normal" horse... He REALLY hated being bullied & would absolutely choose "fight" if he was scared & cornered (strangely he'd go down to the field like a lamb with YOs non horsey sister)

This is it for her too, turnout helps her decompress her brain. Also YOs who’ve tried to ‘make’ her behave tend to end up with more problem than they started. One such who was very shouty and would get up in their faces was on her list of least favourite people.

I’ve talked to my current YO and she’s willing to work for a solution where we are now I’ve got her on oestress and in the last 3 days it’s really taken the edge off - so think there may be a hormone element that’s riling her up too.

 

[charlotte0916]

I'd be really tempted to find a retirement/rehab livery and chuck her out for the winter. Then spend the winter talking to pros and work out the best option going forward.

Locally we have a few young pro eventers with competition/schooling livery yards dealing with a small number of horses in a strict routine. Would a yard like that work for her?

One option I’ve got currently is renting a 10 acre field where she is now so she could have 24/7 turnout or close to it with a friend. The benefit of this would be she wouldn’t have to move, she’d still have the arena/hacking to keep in work or alternatively enough turnout to turn her away for a while. She’ll also have 2/3 weeks off in December/Jan so would be turned out for that time.
I’m also in touch with a pro currently to hopefully get her opinion at the end of the month ?

 

[LEC]

This is exactly it. She gets internally stressed quietly then if you ignore that she gets externally stressed, then defensive and offensive. But she’s not a horse you can overrule so you have to work with rather than against and if you do loose your rag she will remember and be defensive for some time after. In some ways a very good exercise in keeping your cool and a sense of empathy above all else.
Also I think you may be my new favourite person for advice - a survivor of one of these mares!!

I have a story on instagram devoted to mare drama!! Stories • Instagram

I have 4 mares.... 3 sport horses and a shetland.

 

[charlotte0916]

I have a story on instagram devoted to mare drama!! Stories • Instagram

I have 4 mares.... 3 sport horses and a shetland.

Crikey you’re very brave ? I can see why you’d like a gelding now! What’s your account on Instagram? Would love to follow your survival methods!

 

[LEC]

Crikey you’re very brave ? I can see why you’d like a gelding now! What’s your account on Instagram? Would love to follow your survival methods!

LCounsell80