Pictures Should I Sell My Horse

No no, don't worry OP, there are lots of people from other countries on this site.

you say you've had her from age 3 and she was broken to ride before you bought her? So has her spooking always scared you?

I would say that if you bought a badly started 3yo and then have muddled through by yourself with some problems still persisting then some professional input could make a massive difference to you both. But equally she possibly wasn't the best type of horse for you anyway so selling and getting another definitely wouldn't be a wrong decision

Good luck xx
 
No no, don't worry OP, there are lots of people from other countries on this site.

you say you've had her from age 3 and she was broken to ride before you bought her? So has her spooking always scared you?

I would say that if you bought a badly started 3yo and then have muddled through by yourself with some problems still persisting then some professional input could make a massive difference to you both. But equally she possibly wasn't the best type of horse for you anyway so selling and getting another definitely wouldn't be a wrong decision

Good luck xx


Thanks! I do want professional help. Absolutely. And her spooking....I can handle bucking (though I want her to stop thay because I want her to be safe for others to ride) but spooking is probably my greatest fear as a rider. My mare is a bolter. When she sees something scary, she turns on her hind legs, and get away. (She is part mustang btw, but is not off the range) She will hold her head up high and run, making her stride extremely uncomfortable and I get afraid because of that. I admit I'm scared of the idea of getting unseated in full flight. I've ridden high headed "racers" and none of them have been fun for me (it may be different for every rider though).
So, my goal is to get help for myself so I will be able to handle her better, and then she will also go to that training in September to become more disciplined and collected. I really do love this mare, and selling her would break my heart. So, before I decide, I will try everything to make our partnership work. And if it doesn't, then I will know, and know that I didnt give up until I had tried everything:)
 
The training is September sounds great, but in the meantime is there really no other trainer who you could get to help you? Having some professional help might change your summer from being a lonely struggle to being an enjoyable challenge.
 
You say you keep her at home, does she have other equine company? if not that may make a huge difference to her behaviour as however settled they seem being alone usually means they are never as relaxed as they need to be to sleep properly and the spooking would be one issue that could well show up in ridden work because she is living alone so has to be on high alert most of the time.
If she does have company make sure it is not leaving her in charge at all times, one of mine is herd leader and is totally relaxed living with two or more others but far less so if only with one, herd dynamics can really affect how they are to ride and something worth looking into as it can often be easily changed.

Jst read the OP again and see she does have company so forget my earlier thoughts although herd dynamics are still worth looking into, she may still be lacking resting time or structure within her life in some way, getting a trainer involved before Sept would give you a chance of having a decent summer to build up your confidence rather than leaving it and possibly losing the benefit over next winter, there must be someone who could come and help you even if they are not the ideal person the wait is excessive and your confidence may be far worse by then.
 
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You say you keep her at home, does she have other equine company? if not that may make a huge difference to her behaviour as however settled they seem being alone usually means they are never as relaxed as they need to be to sleep properly and the spooking would be one issue that could well show up in ridden work because she is living alone so has to be on high alert most of the time.
If she does have company make sure it is not leaving her in charge at all times, one of mine is herd leader and is totally relaxed living with two or more others but far less so if only with one, herd dynamics can really affect how they are to ride and something worth looking into as it can often be easily changed.

She has two buddies; a welsh pony mare, and a calm Quarter horse mare. Believe it or not, the calm Quarter horse is the top, while my taller mare is the bottom. She respects both of them. She is a very submissive mare. I know these issues I have with her is mainly my flawes riding ability, so I will strive to better myself. I must have confidence, which is hard because I am a people (and animal) pleaser, and hate to hurt any feelings, so I tip toe around. So, I will keep working with her, get some determination and say "We can do this!" (in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice) ;):D

Thanks for giving me some helpful advicw.
 
You are correct: I am NOT from the UK. I just noticed that this site is specifically for people in the UK. I'm so sorry. Should I get out of it? I should have noticed the site url said UK in it. I'm dumb. Sorry.
Um....I'm not sure how to explain a Coggins test, as I don't understand it fully either, but it is required if you plan to travel and go to shows and trailer your horse anywhere. So, I think it ensures that the horse is healthy and doesn't have any communicable diseases. I think. I am probably wrong, but that's the best explaination I can come up with.
I want to take lessons, but I would need to find a good place to do that (I do not board my horse at a stable, she is home with me)
I rode 3 different horses yesterday, all of which were for sale, but I believe I am spoiled, because none of them had smooth gates like my mare. That is one thing that I love about her. By far, the smoothest horse I have ridden (though the Belgian/percheron/paint was like riding a couch)
So, I WILL look into training for myself, and hopefully I will break my sloppy hand habit and improve.

Okay, thanks everyone for being so helpful! I will try and leave you UK residents in peace ;)
Btw, how's the weather there? Snow on the ground here makes riding no fun. Wish I had an indoor, or even an OUTDOOR arena.
Thanks again!

this site is for everyone whichever country they live in, and it is interesting to hear how different countries look after their horses, we have posters from usa and france who post quite often so please dont feel you have to leave, i was just curious as i had never heard of a coggins test, so wondered if it was another country's rules.. sorry if i made you feel unwelcome, that was definitely not my intention...
 
this site is for everyone whichever country they live in, and it is interesting to hear how different countries look after their horses, we have posters from usa and france who post quite often so please dont feel you have to leave, i was just curious as i had never heard of a coggins test, so wondered if it was another country's rules.. sorry if i made you feel unwelcome, that was definitely not my intention...

No problem. And I didn't think you were saying I wasn't welcome. I understood. Was just worried I made a mistake. I've been told by a couple members that I am allowed, so will probably stay in it. Thanks!
 
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