bakewell
Well-Known Member
Just because you can't pinpoint the pain with current diagnostics doesn't mean it's non-existent. Look at how many "naughty" horses or buckers we knew when younger that make us feel a bit shamefaced realising now that they were in pain.
I also think there's a point at which you've been consistent, patient, stubborn etc and it's not a case of "not backing down" (say in the case of a bad loader)... that the horse is not suitable for the job you want it to do. I would consider doing the first stages of breaking the horse to harness, long lining etc, to see if the behaviour persists in a different job, it's a bit easier for some back/ gut/ ovary problems. It's also a relief for the horse to be able to comply with your wishes if there's a genuine reason for stopping them in their current job.
Tbh given the undermining of your valid feelings towards the horse I'd say continuing isn't doing you good as a horsewoman (/person). Tuning into your feelings and attempting to understand a completely different species is quite a rare skill, you need to try and retain that.
I also think there's a point at which you've been consistent, patient, stubborn etc and it's not a case of "not backing down" (say in the case of a bad loader)... that the horse is not suitable for the job you want it to do. I would consider doing the first stages of breaking the horse to harness, long lining etc, to see if the behaviour persists in a different job, it's a bit easier for some back/ gut/ ovary problems. It's also a relief for the horse to be able to comply with your wishes if there's a genuine reason for stopping them in their current job.
Tbh given the undermining of your valid feelings towards the horse I'd say continuing isn't doing you good as a horsewoman (/person). Tuning into your feelings and attempting to understand a completely different species is quite a rare skill, you need to try and retain that.