Should I send my horse away for schooling livery?

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi
I was wondering if I could draw on the experience of the forum for opinions please (please be kind because I’m struggling and doing my best).

I’m in a bit of a hole with my horse right now, he’s very challenging/anxious on the ground and prone to big reactions. He’s had KS surgery this year and I’ve done all of his rehab but he is a tricky person at times. When he’s settled and happy he’s easy but this year has been hard on him. I’ve started ground work which is really helping but we’ve got a long way to go as both learning. Ive got the chance to him away on schooling livery (to someone who can teach groundwork and help with his various issues). But I’m wondering if sending him away will exasperate his issues because we’ve moved yards a bit this year (necessary but hasn’t helped his anxiety), he’s been through enough and I don’t want to cause him more issues but equally I know I need help.

He’s not sellable sadly, otherwise I’d probably sell and get something easier.

Most days I deal with what’s thrown at me (sometimes his back legs!) but my confidence does get knocked at times (I’ve been injured on the ground and it’s not fun).

If he goes away I’d have 1-2 lessons per week on the ground with him.

So should I send him away for a month or two or is that more disruption he doesn’t need? I’m worried he could be great at the new place but revert to his old ways with me?
Thanks in advance

 

[Flowerofthefen]

If I could I would always choose someone to come regularly to me to help sort the problems in his own environment. You also know exactly whats happening to him as well . Being an anxious lad you would have to choose a schooling livery very carefully.

 

[stangs]

Depends on the trainer but, for the most part, I don’t think getting sent away again would do him much good. Imo one of the most important things we can do for horses is ensure they have a settled herd of friends. If he’s always being moved, that won’t be possible for him, and it’ll exasperate his issues. Imagine if you had to change workplaces so regularly.

In this case, it sounds like having a good (and sympathetic) groundwork trainer coming to you would be best. You may need to get trained up as much as he does.

 

[splashgirl45]

i would think you are better to work with a trainer at the yard he is at, use the money you would have spent on the trainer for both of you..

 

[Caol Ila]

My horse's previous owner sent him to a pro for schooling. He was at the pro yard for about two months. The horse was green as a green thing, but he'd been sympathetically started by his first trainer. He was a blank slate. That trainer says he was bold and curious and super easy to back. The horse returned from the pro yard quite nervous, with serious issues about flappy things, i.e. rugs, saddles, saddle pads, plastic bags, etc., and he turned into a trembling, sweaty mess if you rode into an arena. So, you know, that's cool. Guess who gets to sort that mess out? The soft mug who bought him. I occasionally think angry thoughts in the direction of the pro yard in question.

I don't think I would have ever sent a horse away, but I'm definitely not doing it now. If I got stuck, I would get the trainer to come to me.

 

[Bellaboo18]

Has he been scoped for ulcers? Just thinking he's been through alot (sounds like you have too!)

I actually think sending him away is a really good idea *if* you pick very carefully...maybe if it goes well he can go on sales livery. Sounds like you might not be the right fit x