Amye
Well-Known Member
It is a bit soon to tell but its defo improving. I had a trainer out when his grumpyness and moodyness had just got all too much a few weeks ago. As i knew he wasnt well i backed off and let him be rude and grumpy as i didnt want to piss him off (in heinsite this was a bad idea). The trainer said he can be grumpy but in his own space. since then i have accepted nothing other than a happy attitude, if he so much as goes to think about pulling a face at me i correct him. Zero tolerance and its working a treat. All the daily tasks of leading, feet, grooming and rugging are back to being nice experiences for us both.
I think the fact his breathing is starting to improve with dust free bedding, medicine and supplements along with my zero tolerance attitude he is getting back to being the happy sweet boy he wasWhen he was his worst i didnt really want to be near him so i assume he would have picked up on that and no doubt felt the same towards me. Now he invites me in, respects me as being in charge and seems to enjoy my company again. No doubt the release of this pressure of having to maintain a grumpy attitude is helping him relax also.... meaning he sleeps!
He has been a star to lunge and i rode him for the first time on the weekend, bless him, there wasnt anything in the tank having had 5 weeks off and being poorly but he was super, didnt push him hard, i just wanted to know he was still the same horse to ride as he has always been golden!
It will be a year on Sunday of owning him and i'm so happy we seem to be turning this corner! I must say in terms of people buying a horse a bit gunho he really is the perfect first horse for experiencing the reality of it all. He has taught me more in one year than i could have ever imagined.
Glad you're enjoying him again
Sounds like you're both back on track which is great! It's difficult when you know they're ill, as you don't want to be 'mean' by telling them off but they do need to know that they can't be grumpy at you. Yes, I think as he starts to feel better in himself his attitude will improve, combined with you being firm with him
They do pick up on our feelings a lot don't they! I know with mine, if i'm not feeling it when riding him, he'll be much more likely to plod along and it takes more effort to get him going.Ahhh well happy horse-iversary for Sunday! Nice you are thinking of your past year positively
Horse owning is all about the ups and downs.