From: Cindy
My twin sister and I finally got a horse after wanting one for years. (we're 13) We bought a 12 year old QH/Appy mare from our neighbors who didn't take very good care of her. I have a lot of questions, but will be happy if you could answer a couple.
1) Handling feet. Whiskey (mare) dosn't like her feet touched. She was getting pretty good at picking up her front, but she wouldn't pick up her back. If your hand remained on her cannons longer than a quick run over, she will pick up her foot and kick, then move away. We bought some hoof ointment, but she won't let us do anything. I've read about rubbing your hands down the legs to a comfortable postion, moving closer, ect. The real problem is when you try to pick them up. Help! We have to have the farrier out to do her feet and I know she's going to be horrible.
2) grumpy. Whiskey has been grumpy lately. She has a corner of the feild she likes to stand in, ao that's where she usually is. We have electric fence. When you start doing something she dosn't like (usually with her feet) she either backs up or turns away from you. I know this is bad, but we are somewhat limited about correction because we don't want her to back into the electric fence. Help?
3) riding. Whiskey is a up-headed, sometimes shying kind of girl. I am perfectly comfortable handling her on the ground, but riding her is a diffrent matter. We've had her two weeks and we havn't even ridden yet. Not dream horse ownership. The last time I rode her (before we had her) she ran away with me. I didn't get bucked off or anything, but it was still scary. Her hackamore that she was usually ridden in is bent and she throws her head with it, but you can't control her with a halter. I'd like to ride her bareback because her saddle dosn't fit and that's the way I like to ride, but that is going to take courage, too. We tried it once before and she was okay but spooked when you trotted (the bouncing). I guess I don't have a lot of confidence in me riding ability, and Whiskey's a little taller than the Arabs I'm used to. (she's 15.2) I love her but this isn't the way I want having a horse to be. I know I wrote a lot but I would appreciate help.
Thanks, Holly.
The first thing for you to do is have the vet come out and look at the mare. If the previous owners didn't take very good care of her, she probably needs all sorts of things -- shots and de-worming and teeth-floating, for example!
This mare doesn't sound very happy, and the first thing to look for is a physical cause. The vet will be able to tell you whether she is sound, he will be able to take care of her medical needs, he will help you plan a sensible diet for her, and he will also be able to make suggestions that may help the farrier do HIS job better. It will also make your life better if your mare isn't in pain from neglected feet or teeth.
You need proper tack for your mare -- and that means a bridle (or hackamore) and saddle that FIT her. If riding causes her pain, she won't be very interested in cooperating with you. Bareback may not be a good choice, either, she is built to be comfortable bareback AND unless you're a good, balanced rider. That bouncing is horribly uncomfortable for you, I know -- but remember that it feels even worse from your mare's side of the ride. ;-)
So here are my suggestions: have the vet come out FIRST, and don't ride your mare until the vet has had a chance to check her over and do whatever needs doing. Keep working on her with your desensitizing technique to get her to cooperate picking up those hind legs. WEAR YOUR ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMETS. Not just for riding, I hope you already do that! -- but wear them when you handle your mare, especially when you're trying to deal with picking up feet. It's much, much better to be safe than sorry. If you don't already have helmets, make that your absolute priority, and stay OFF the mare until you have them on your heads with harnesses fastened. Every time, every ride, okay?
While you're doing these things, your other VERY important task is to find yourselves a good riding instructor. Begin by checking with the American Riding Instructor Certification Program -- their directory of certified instructors is online, and it's updated constantly so you can trust that it's current. The website is
http://www.riding-instructor.com/
or you can e-mail the organization directly, at
aria@riding-instructor.com
and find out what certfied instructors are available in your area. If there's nobody in your area, call the one who's nearest your area and ask if she knows of a good instructor closer to your home. Not all good instructors have certificates, but if an ARICP-certified instructor recommends someone, you can be reasonably sure that the other instructor is safety-oriented, ethical, and a competent instructor. It's a good starting point! You could also ask your veterinarian -- vets know a lot of things you wouldn't suspect they know, including which area instructors might be most suitable for your situation and needs. For instance, you'll probably need an instructor to come to YOU, at least for a while.
Your instructor is going to be your best friend for the next year or two, so pick a good one. This is going to make ALL the difference to your mare, your riding, your safety, and your FUN. Go for it -- and do let me know how it all works out.
Jessica
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