pinkyp1968
New User
I have had my 15 yr old Cleveland X mare for 6 months now. She appeared bolshy and lacking in manners at first. She cannot be bridled easily and I have worked so hard with that. I have had a behaviouralist come and assess her twice, had her teeth checked and have tried different bits. She came in a hanging cheek mullen which she seemed to have serious aversion to. I have tried her in a thicker snaffle and loose ring rubber mullen. I have decided to get rid of the bit completely and go bitless. She extends her neck and crosses her jaw when worried, confused or stressed.
Now I cant even get her away from the other mare (elderly ex racehorse) who this mare absolutely dominates. She plunges, tries to gallop off and has started coming across as mean. She cant be led quietly even in the field as she tries to trot off in front of you and circle. I feel there is some separartion anxiety here as well as wilfullness.
When riding her out she constantly tries to go back to the field but can be kept going. When turned for home she tries to take off and if I try and keep a hold of her she plunges, bucks and rears. This happened the last time I rode her as the worst she has ever been and I admit it has un-nerved me now and am losing confidence.
I am far from a novice rider as my ex racehorse mare can be quite psychotic at times but I know she would not be malicious. Wheras this mare, I feel could attack. I dont want to sound dramatic but even the behaviouralist later said she felt uneasy around her but couldnt put her finger on it. She feels she is really an Alpha female and has some issues which we have been working on.
She hasnt had an easy life although I am sketchy on details. She was beaten about the head for stealing other horses food a few years ago. Her previous owner stated she had had owners who had basically turned her away so I am starting to suspect this problem has always been here.
She doesnt have any respect and will do things but only on her terms and when she wants. How can I build up the respect. She really needs exercising as she is very fat now from not been ridden as much as she needs. I have the time but I have started to feel unsafe on her.
Apologies for the long post, please feel free to ask questions as I am sure I havent covered it all. I am considering selling her back to the previous owner but dont want to give up on her. I actually bought her as a safe horse for my partner to ride who is not as experiencedas I am. There is no way I would put him aboard
Now I cant even get her away from the other mare (elderly ex racehorse) who this mare absolutely dominates. She plunges, tries to gallop off and has started coming across as mean. She cant be led quietly even in the field as she tries to trot off in front of you and circle. I feel there is some separartion anxiety here as well as wilfullness.
When riding her out she constantly tries to go back to the field but can be kept going. When turned for home she tries to take off and if I try and keep a hold of her she plunges, bucks and rears. This happened the last time I rode her as the worst she has ever been and I admit it has un-nerved me now and am losing confidence.
I am far from a novice rider as my ex racehorse mare can be quite psychotic at times but I know she would not be malicious. Wheras this mare, I feel could attack. I dont want to sound dramatic but even the behaviouralist later said she felt uneasy around her but couldnt put her finger on it. She feels she is really an Alpha female and has some issues which we have been working on.
She hasnt had an easy life although I am sketchy on details. She was beaten about the head for stealing other horses food a few years ago. Her previous owner stated she had had owners who had basically turned her away so I am starting to suspect this problem has always been here.
She doesnt have any respect and will do things but only on her terms and when she wants. How can I build up the respect. She really needs exercising as she is very fat now from not been ridden as much as she needs. I have the time but I have started to feel unsafe on her.
Apologies for the long post, please feel free to ask questions as I am sure I havent covered it all. I am considering selling her back to the previous owner but dont want to give up on her. I actually bought her as a safe horse for my partner to ride who is not as experiencedas I am. There is no way I would put him aboard