Replies

CindyDawg

A suggestion. Groundwork. Lots of it. As much as it takes. If you ain't got the horses respect on the ground, you certainly ain't gonna get it in the saddle and if he's bucking you off, he ain't got no respect for you. Try a variety of groundwork maneuvers, such as putting the lounge line around the saddle horn and gently pull from the other side until he gives you his head. Once he starts giving himself willingly on the ground, he'll be much more willing in the saddle. There ain't nothing better for a horse than a wet blanket.

Hello, cowboy:)

OK, I just got in from feeding and Rocky didn't flinch at all when I ran my fingers over his hip. Wouldn't you think it could have just been a cramp? I'm thinking of buteing him again today, letting Heather and Co. ride him just at a walk for a short time. Then maybe ride him everyday like that and bute him again on Sat. and Sun. for precautionay sake, so he'll be good to go Mon. What ya think?

Becky

Hello, cowboy:)

OK, I just got in from feeding and Rocky didn't flinch at all when I ran my fingers over his hip. Wouldn't you think it could have just been a cramp? I'm thinking of buteing him again today, letting Heather and Co. ride him just at a walk for a short time. Then maybe ride him everyday like that and bute him again on Sat. and Sun. just for precautionary sake, so he'll be good to go Mon. What ya think?

Becky

Thanks,

Yeah, I have to discipline me too:') I would rather just "ride". Before it was closed down I was always wanting out of the arena. Not it doesn't sound so bad:')

The horse hasn't been a big behavior problem on the ground. She just doesn't seem to know some stuff. She will sometimes try to weave in my space or try to walk faster and get ahead of me when we stop or want to follow me back out of the pature. Would like to lean on me when grooming too. Just manner stuff, I have been working with her on and shes getting better.

What I really meant by ground work was more arena work though. I had been really working on my feet on the ground stuff but we need controlled saddle work if I'm going to seriously think about keeping her. She throws me again and... No need in encouraging her with my lack of experience though. She just isn't sharp on turns and exercises and resistive. Give her a rut or trail though and she's comfortable. I kind of think she might have been run hard though before used . I have to use the longe line caz she thinks she's just supposed to run in the round pen and acts shy when stopped. So maybe she's just doing what she's been not taught to do. Who knows? I feel like I bought a "good" car that ran just fine until the warrenty expired and then problems start to show up:')