Sell her or persist - can't take much more

[BBH]

I haven't read other posts but I really feel for you. I am in the process of giving away a horse that sometimes pulls because I have a knackered back and can't afford to be wrenched or pulled.

I persisted with this horse for seven years and he is not nasty in any way but can get an ' attitude'. Hard as it is if I knew then what I know now I would have moved him on sooner. He is now with someone he has just ' clicked' with and is being an angel, some horses just get on with certain people and I wasn't the right one for him.

Horses are meant to be fun not a daily trauma and in your shoes I would move her on.

 

[ladyt25]

Sounds like she needs a heck of a lot of groundwork. I jhave a bargy horse but he is not as extreme as yours at all and he has learnt some respect over the years!!

I would certainly cut out any hard feed as it sounds like she does not need it one bit and try and find someone in your area who could help you. I know of a lady in Yorks who takes on horses like this to school etc. i don't know how much she charges though and not sure if Yorkshire is too far. Her name is Sarah Ussher -you can google her and contact her that way. She does get results.

As has been mentioned uit does sound like your mare's going through that 'phase' that they often do at 6/7 years of age, testing the boundaries etc so it is veryimportant to let them know whow's in charge sooner asap.

 

[charlie55]

If she is not in pain etc then i would try a couple of things before giving up. I would cut out all feed, give her soaked hay and lunge her everyday and see how she goes.

A gelding up my yard that i do when the owner is away literally rears up by his door and as soon as you open the door he gallops out and away, it is hard work but it can be fixed! Normally takes about 4 days to stop him doing this with me, but he goes straight back to doing it when the owner is back, because she doesnt correct him or put him right.
But, this for you may be hard because of your back.

I would help you out if i were nearer but im in Kent. Although we have room here with an indoor school if you fancy another move

Good luck with what ever you decide to do, but id definetly try a few things first, 30 years is a long time to give up x

 

[mahorse]

I really feel for you

I'm going through almost the same thing with my mare at the moment, she is rising 7.
I had to get off yesterday and told my YO/Friend/Instructer that I just couldn't do it any more....
She got on and sorted horse out, then made me ride her.... it really helped having a professional there so I would definitely try to get some professional help if you can.
I am also using a calmer on mine, she is also given sedalin (waits for the disapproving comments) before I ride as she is coming out of box rest and just is so fresh and full of beans its safer for her and me. Yesterday the sedalin had no effect....
Good luck and if you want to PM me to compare notes then please do so.....

 

[Kat]

Just to stop the barging while you sort other things out get a chain for the stable door. That way she can't escape when you open the door. Put a headcollar (or dually/controller headcollar) on her without opening the chain at all. Either do it over the chain or duck under the chain to get in.

You can get a Kelly Marks Associate to come out and work with you - this should be cheaper than Richard Maxwell himself and should get similar results.

Sounds like cutting her feed completely and working her hard on the lunge might take the wind out of her sails a bit too.