Trainer in Warwickshire

[Hote204]

Hi

I was after a little bit of advice please I have had my mare for 3 years now and she has always been forward, stubborn and strong willed lol. She is 12 years old now and when i first got her, she was pretty much unbroken...she used just to get in the school and trot round like a crazy. One time she even decided to plow through the fence back into the field. I'm not going to lie, its been a hard 3 years.

I love her to bits and i would never sell her but i think there has to be an easier way. This week i have lunged her and one day, she was a beaut. Really listening and responding but 2 days later we have a mad horse who refuses to listen, trotting at full pelt head throwing and distracted by pretty much anything.

She was a pleasure to ride on Monday. Last night i rode her and the old mare is back. I feel like I'm in a no win situation. I ride keeping contact light for her and she just goes back to this mad fast trot. I tighten up my contact, she pulls and pulls. She wont bend, although sometimes she will. It has been like this for 3 years pretty much.

This horse had 3 owners in 6 months and i know why but i am not giving up. I had a professional trainer (very highly regarded) come out and was a little puzzled. They jumped on, said "i think i know someone who can help you with this" and then didn't return for further lessons! The thinks the only thing the leg is for is to speed up, she trots sideways. I am not saying this is all her fault but i know she knows what i am asking her to do, i think she just doesn't want to do it.

So what i am looking for is a trainer, a good one. If me and my horse are going to make it through this, i need to do this now lol!

Thanks

 

[Old Bat]

Have you had her back, saddle, teeth checked? I would make absolutely sure there is no discomfort causing the actions (reactions?) first before trying to train through it. Whereabouts in Warwickshire are you?

 

[Hote204]

I have all of those checked and I am in Bedworth

 

[Old Bat]

Ah, ok, I knew it was a big county, don't know anyone up there I'm afraid but good luck x

 

[kc100]

I'd say you probably need to send her away, ideally to someone who is more of a 'natural horsemanship' style trainer - sounds like she has trust issues with people (and rightly so if she's been passed around 3 owners in 6 months), she was broken late and probably not very well....she needs to go right back to the start and ideally you'd send her away for that as there's only so much a trainer can do once a week for you.

However there is a lady who specialises in these kinds of problem horses in the area - http://www.inspirationalhorsemanship.co.uk/contactvickijayne.html

I've never used her but worth a try.

If you are willing to send away, then Amanda and Matthew at Mills stables are great - they are not 'natural horsemanship' but overall experienced trainers who have worked with all sorts and are lovely.
http://www.millsstables.com/

This place also sounds like it could be a good fit (again no personal connection to them however so cant recommend in that way):
http://www.hfstables.co.uk/

 

[Hote204]

Brilliant thank you - i will look into those!

 

[Feival]

Fiona Wingrove at Fox Farm. She's lovely and you can find her on facebook.

 

[diamonddogs]

Another vote for Vicki Maris

And Blake McCusker's good as well, based at Coombe View.

Katie McAlister is local too.