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I have worked for several trainers who all tie horses saddled for awhile.

I have too.... Definition is what is 'awhile' I guess. I think an hour is a long time. Just can't see myself leaving them five to eight hours or more unattended. I have never had anyone where I thought that was near necessary. Of course they stand tied on highline that long camping.

I do agree that some is good.

I don't know exactly what the problem is here.. I thought when Cindy described him getting all excited over mares and acting studlike, it was when he was turned out with them and he'd 'hang out' so to speak, but I'll look upthread.

I'm not riding this afternoon. My son and DIL asked if I would babysit so they could ride:)

"Awhile" would depend on the problem. I took Cindy's post as that he was doing that stuff when she was riding or leading him. I asked her in a private mail but she is on a field trip with the folks at her nursing home, so I haven't heard back.

Becky

I know that what I told Cindy sounded regimental and harsh. But keep in mind the circumstances. A young horse and a beginner rider. If she lets the horse get by with ANYTHING, you know horses enough to know they will take advantage, even a calm laid back horse will test it's limits. A beginner rider cannot let a horse get by with the little stuff, it will snowball on them to the point that the little stuff turns to big stuff and they will not be able to get it under control because of their lack of experience. As Barney Fife would say, "nip it in the bud". It is easier to keep a good horse good, then to fix problems.

The best way to keep one good is ride ride ride. A young horse messed with only once a week for an hour or so can start getting unruly. They need to be controled. As I told her, halter and riding time is their work time. I'm not saying to make it unpleasant, but it is still work time, pasture time is their relax time.

Becky

OK - I see that he gives her trouble working when the mares are next door. Hmmm. Well, I think I'd just boot him back into attention. I think Cindy meant the story to show that he tried to look back but she managed him and got his attention back. Without knowing more, sounded like end of problem. :~D

Becky, in the mission of trying to lighten things up a little on the thread, maybe you did come on a little strong, but we won't tie ya to a tree ;~D (joke)

I believe you strongly feel the horse needs quick and rather extreme measures. I didn't have the sense of urgency you had... But I will credit that you know the horse and Cindy and have a good foundation to advise as you did. When I read Cindy's post it didn't strike me as something out of control, but I agree with you on not letting things snowball.

I certainly think these little things come up with any horse, and even experienced riders can learn new tricks. I'll always consider what you said if I have future problems I think your tips will solve. I think it is fun for Cindy to come here and tell us this stuff as a new rider seeing things for the first time, and we both probably tend to have strong opinions given freely! It may turn out that Cindy tells us both to put a sock in it eventually! But all in good fun.

At any rate, Cindy and Becky, I hope I don't exasperate both of ya, by being between you, I think all this shows is there are as many opinions as there are horsewomen.