mrdarcy
Well-Known Member
I've got two arabs and I love 'em! But they are very bright and require a different approach to handling - as you've found out!
My oldest lad (19yo now) was a terrible rearer in his younger days (well before I owned him). Rearing was his answer to everything. He'd rear rather than go in his stable, rear rather than come out, rear if being asked to go into the school. He was very difficult but he did grow out of it and ended up as a champion endurance horse.
However even in his dotage he will still throw in a proper full up rear (only on the ground, never ridden) if he's asked to do something he really doesn't want to. I know exactly how far I can push him before backing off, asking again, backing off, asking again until he gives in. Picking a fight with an arab never works - they just get mad and even more stubborn!
My oldest lad (19yo now) was a terrible rearer in his younger days (well before I owned him). Rearing was his answer to everything. He'd rear rather than go in his stable, rear rather than come out, rear if being asked to go into the school. He was very difficult but he did grow out of it and ended up as a champion endurance horse.
However even in his dotage he will still throw in a proper full up rear (only on the ground, never ridden) if he's asked to do something he really doesn't want to. I know exactly how far I can push him before backing off, asking again, backing off, asking again until he gives in. Picking a fight with an arab never works - they just get mad and even more stubborn!