|
|
Post by mansfieldponies on Apr 21, 2016 19:40:22 GMT
I currently have a mare who has been pretty difficult for me to ride, only purchased recently. When I first get on, she is very sharp, doesn't like any leg on her. I pat her and encourage her and keep talking to her. When I ask for trot, she gets a little worked up too (As if she's too scared to move forward off leg) but she's sharp about it. I had physio out for her and was told she was in pain, but I started her again today (physio's orders) and only on her left rein she got worked up just bronked - i was told she was most sore on her left shoulder, but now i'm worried that this is becoming a habit now, and all i can really do is sit there quiet on her. Any advice? What can i do to keep her nice and settled? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Apr 22, 2016 4:07:25 GMT
Can I ask if she was like this when you tried her? Did you have her Vetted? Have you spoken to her previous owner/ rider about this? How long have you had her? Was she purchased from a producer/ dealer or private person? How was she advertised? It maybe that if she has not been advertised correctly you may have some recourse, you could ask if they will take her back if she was like this from the very start.
Failing that I would do some gentle lunging before mounting; this will achieve 2 things, firstly it will allow her to fully loosen up and hopefully prevent pain and secondly take the edge off of her. If you are having physio then consult him/ her first.
The only other thing that comes to mind is her feed regime? Has this been changed? It might be that a different feed does not agree with her, so once again go back to her previous owners to establish her diet and turnout, are you keeping her in for longer hours than previously? This could be another reason for pain and sharpness.
You have not said what type she is, I know for certain that there are certain riding ponies that can be very sharp on thier breeding, this could be another reason, if this turns out to be the case then there will not be a lot you can do as this is how they are, other than seek advice from someone you know who gets on with those bloodlines.
Good luck and please lets us know what works for you as it might help someone else
|
|
|
|
Post by sjw87 on Apr 22, 2016 9:34:21 GMT
I'm disappointed that the first comment in reply is regarding seeking recourse from the seller. It's wise to speak to the old owner incase they can offer any advice as they know her better than any of us on here but I'm saddened that the horse world has got to a point where it's presumed that no-one is honest and it's easier to send a horse back than work through any issues.
Has the physio seen her and assessed her again before saying to bring her back into work or did they treat her, give you a timescale and now you're at the time to restart work? It does sound as though she may still be sore - anything from slipping in the field, getting cast in the stable, travelling or an issue with tack could be responsible.
Have you had her saddle checked? Even if it looks fine, it would be worth trying something else. I have a mare who numerous professionals deemed was just naughty as every check appeared ok - I changed her tack and she has beena different horse since. She really sounds to me as though something is catching her when asked to move forward. Hopefully something easily resolved.
Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards
|
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Apr 22, 2016 16:34:15 GMT
I'm disappointed that the first comment in reply is regarding seeking recourse from the seller. It's wise to speak to the old owner incase they can offer any advice as they know her better than any of us on here but I'm saddened that the horse world has got to a point where it's presumed that no-one is honest and it's easier to send a horse back than work through any issues. Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards Actually if you had read my post throughout I asked some questions, if the mare had ridden completely differently then I consider that it is pertanant to wonder why, it is also feasible that the previous owners would be happy to take her back if they thought that the mare was unhappy. I also suggested that they might be able o help with the problem, however if the mare was quirky then in fairness to the animal they should have made that clear. I then went on with other pieces of advice. So please read everything prior to making a negative response. |
|
|
|
Post by judyh on Apr 22, 2016 17:01:50 GMT
I would also ask how experienced the new rider is? Too many people blame the horse when they are over horsed . My neighbour got an ex eventer on loan, I took one look of a photo of him jumping and commented to my daughter she wouldn't ride one side of him. Three months later he was returned to the owner and her nerve shattered. Please get an experienced instructor to evaluate the partnership and take their advice
|
|
|
|
Post by sjw87 on Apr 22, 2016 20:12:54 GMT
Gillwales, I do not wish to argue with you. I was just disappointed that after the OP asking for advice on how to work through this problem with the horse, your opening paragraph was in reference to finding ways to return the horse. You then stated 'Failing that...' and offered some very valid suggestions.
Your suggestions of possible reasons for the behaviour etc are all worthy of exploring, I was simply saddened by your insinuation that these should only come secondary to trying to return the horse.
Of course, this is the internet and that may not be how you meant it to come across but that is how I interpreted it, and how others may do too.
I hope that the OP finds a resolution to the problem.
Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards
|
|
