Would like to build trust with my first horse

[Jananna]

I am a first time horse owner (Daisy just got here last Thursday ), my sister is also a first time horse owner. We bought our two mares at the same place. Daisy is the lead mare between the two and quite bossy, problem is she tries to boss me too! I have practically zero experience with horses, but I know that I should be the leader! I've been watching a lot of Warwick Schiller's videos and I'm very interested in working with my horse likewise, but I know I have to build trust and show some leadership first. Any thoughts on how I could accomplish this? Thanks!

 

[Fides]

How long have you been riding for?

 

[Jananna]

I went trail riding once while on vacation last year, and when I was younger our cousins had horses we would get to ride a few times (not often) and that was a while ago. I havn't ridden Daisy yet, I don't feel like trying until we have a bit of an understanding between us! She's a 9 y/o Thoroughbred, never been raced, although she's been trained to race.

 

[Fides]

Ok you are going to need a LOT of help. I'm going to bullet point this as otherwise it could be a very long reply.

- you a beginner and the seller had no business in selling you a horse and it was highly irresponsible of you.
- Do not ride the horses yourself! Get a good riding instructor ASAP to ride both horses and assess if they are suitable for beginners. Usually thoroughbreds aren't - though not always.
- have lessons and lots of them and please don't ride without and instructor there until you are in control.
- are you on full livery? Do you know enough about horses to care for them yourself?
- do you know worming and vaccination routines
- shoeing and what to look for?
- has a saddle fitter checked the saddle fits?
- do you have a vet, farrier and dentist organised?
- do you know what signs to look out for for colic and laminitis in particular?

Please make sure you get an experienced support network round you but also please consider sending both the horses back - as a complete beginner you could get seriously injured

If you are a troll - shame on you!

 

[Jananna]

I did ride the mare my sister bought (didn't mention this because it didn't seem like much ). Daisy was pastured down the road and the previous owner said she was actually better trained then Saphira (my sisters mare). Saphira went like a dream and was very well behaved. I simply feel that I would like Daisy to fully trust me before I ride her. My mom grew up on a ranch/farm and has worked with horses, so we feel she can help us in the riding instructer department . We are going to use the same farrier the previous owner used, and we havn't bought saddles yet (looking for something reasonably priced). However, thank you for chewing me out on the vet/health signs/worming. I will try to get on the ball with that!

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

that's me scared !!!!!! no more comments to add really !

 

[misswinter]

Surely must be a troll!

 

[Pingypo]

Definitely don't ride without working with the horse loads! Do everything really gradually, you should get lessons on other horses to at a riding school or something. READ LOADS make sure you know all worrying things that can go wrong with horses, what to do if ... etc. Do not try to do anything you have seen other people doing, likelihood is they've been practising for a long time. Being a leader doesn't mean being an overpowering leader or harsh with the horse. Don't forget, that horse will have to get to know you and your ways and learn what you mean by the instructions you give. Go easy on the horse, practise makes perfect and time is important, it takes a lot of hard work to get to where you want to be.

 

[flirtygerty]

Surely must be a troll!

I would love to agree with you, but these days, who knows

 

[cptrayes]

I went trail riding once while on vacation last year, and when I was younger our cousins had horses we would get to ride a few times (not often) and that was a while ago. I havn't ridden Daisy yet, I don't feel like trying until we have a bit of an understanding between us! She's a 9 y/o Thoroughbred, never been raced, although she's been trained to race.

If you are not a troll, you could be looking at a short life and a messy death.

Please sell the horses and go and learn to ride and look after horses before you buy any more. Horses are not puppies.

 

[kellypyart]

Take the horses back and stick to one with rockers! You may live a little longer!

 

[flirtygerty]

If you are genuine and not a troll and I have my doubts, take thing slowly, take your horse for a walk, lots of grooming and get to know it from daily care, I have four horses ranging from two 20 yr olds to a four yr old, each need different handling, being individuals with their own needs, just tonight, my 20yr old wb mare knocked me over in the field, just because she's in season and felt threatened by the others, I told her off, trust comes with time and consistent handling, but there's always room for accidents

 

[oldie48]

Clearly a troll, no one is that stupid!