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Discussion: help needed
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Bartiboo |
help needed
Nov 2 2007, 9:32 AM EDT
I bought a gorgeous 7-year-old mare nearly five months ago. The next day I got on her and she bolted before I got my foot in the second stirrup, the saddle slipped when she breathed out (didn't know then how much she puffed herself up!) and I hit the deck - badly! In the weeks that followed I had to desensitise her to everything before I could even think about getting back on board. Mainly lunging and later long-reining, I have got her a lot more flexible and balanced, but her lack of schooling means she is still very green and has no idea of leg aids. It took ages of slowly building up to the process of getting on board and eventually I did, but as soon as she knew you were on her back she took off like a bullet out of a gun. Over the last few weeks the time she has given anyone getting on her before she shoots off has got less and less, to the point where you now don't get time to swing your leg over before she's off. If you hold the reins tight to stop her shooting forward, she goes backwards or sideways just as fast. If you can stick on board, she calms down once she has had her initial 'blast' across the school, and when she is behaving, she has lovely paces. She is brilliant on the ground - even won an inhand class at the only show I have taken her to, and her behaviour there was perfect. Her back, teeth, feet and tack have been checked by experts and she had a 5-stage vetting, so there are no physical problems. It goes without saying that my confidence is dented, but I love her to bits and want to overcome this remaining - but vital - problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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SLW84 |
1. RE: help needed
Nov 2 2007, 4:47 PM EDT
Hi Bartiboo - Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. I will try my upmost to help you. Firstly, can you please tell me a bit about her history, prior to you buying her? As you have said everything physical is fine, which is great news so obviously we are looking at a psychological problem. Before you brought the mare, had you seen her ridden, do you know when she was backed, what she has done riding wise etc etc. It is hard for me to advise you on this without a bit more about her history as you have had her for such a short time. It would be great if you could email me (equivice@fsmail.net), with as much history on this mare as possible, no matter how small. Also, a pic would be great if you could attach it. Anything you email me will not be posted onto this site, however your previous post will remain for others to offer advice. The mares behaviour sounds a bit strange, especially as she will calm down if the rider can stick on. So if you can email me some further info, I will mail you back with a more in depth advice. Look forward to hearing from you soon, Sam 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Bartiboo |
2. RE: help needed
Nov 8 2007, 9:15 AM EST
My really grateful thanks to you for all the help and advice you have sent to me after taking up your offer to email you with the details of the problems I have had. Not only have you come up with some great tips to try out but your manner and approach are so friendly yet knowledgable. I will whole-heartedly reccomend you to anyone looking for advice, and I am so glad that I spotted your piece on the Interdressage newsletter. Do you find this valuable? |
