redacted :rolleyes:
[QUOTE=Mosey_2003;7967509]
Check out http://www.parelli.com They have a LOT of ground exercises :yes:[/QUOTE]
Yeah, don’t do this.
I’m not really sure what you’re asking, but I think you’re basically saying that you’re worried about riding your mare again? Have a plan, in that case.
If it were me, I’d want the vet out to give the mare a good check up and clear her for riding before I sat on her again. I’m an adult though, and pay my own bills, so I can see how you might not be able to swing that. If your parents won’t get the vet back out, examine your mare’s back carefully. Is it sore? Does she react to pressure/touching? Is it hot/swollen still? If yes, then give her another week off and repeat.
If no, then you can ride her again. If she’s been off a while, her shape has probably changed and your saddle might not still fit. Pop it on her and check. I’m not an expert on western saddle fitting, but I’m sure if you ask, people on her can tell you what you’re looking for. If it fits, take her to a safe area and mount. Use a mounting block so you’re not pulling on her so much. You might want to see if you can find an experienced person for the first few rides back. (And sorry, but you’re not that person. Not yet!)
People aren’t trying to be ‘mean’, they’re worried that you’re going to be hurt. A very experienced horsewoman was killed in my country when the horse she was clipping kicked her. They are big, reactive and sometimes stupid animals. Why are your parents so against you taking lessons or getting a job? Why don’t you want to work in the store?
I’ve refrained from posting until now because…well…it’s hard to even know what to say in this kind of situation.
So, here’s what I will say: OP, you don’t know what you don’t know.
In other words, a LOT of what you have posted here shows that you have not had quality instruction about care of horses, working with horses, and riding horses. Your horses are not getting their feet trimmed regularly enough, for example. Your friend that has never had any training herself is NOT a qualified trainer, and, even if she were a qualified trainer, you having taken two years of lessons does not even come close to teaching you what you need to know to work with a well-trained, problem free horse on your own, much less a horse with a serious medical condition and/or limited training.
In short, you are in very far over your head. The lack of confidence you are feeling is probably because you know, at least subconsciously, that you are not capable of dealing with all of the issues this horse is presenting to you on your own. I’m not going to tell you that you should be more confident, and I’m not really able to give you advice on becoming more confident because YOU SHOULD NOT BE CONFIDENT in your ability to handle this horse and this situation on your own.
In order to become more confident, you need to become more COMPETENT. As many others have stated, the way to become more competent is to obtain quality instruction from a professional trainer. This professional should have received training themselves at some point in their lives before becoming a trainer.
You really, truly need competent instruction. Not just on riding, or groundwork, but also on very basic things about horse care (hoof trimming and vet needs, for example). There is basically zero chance that you are an expert or even minimally knowledgeable about saddle fit. Saddle fit is very complex and difficult to understand even for those of us that have been riding horses for our entire lives. I’ve been riding horses for just under 30 years, for example, and I am by no means an expert on saddle fit. In fact, I hire a professional saddle fitter to advise me on saddle fit.
So, please, please, PLEASE, either find a way to get actual training from a professional instructor, or make the decision to sell your horses so that they can have a chance at receiving proper training and health care. You can get back into horses as an adult, when you have a job and can choose to spend your money on learning how to properly care for, train, and ride horses.
What you are currently doing is the equivalent of asking for advice on how to be more confident in skydiving, while simultaneously refusing to take any skydiving lessons.
Wish Upon a Star - you are in Montana correct?
Are you by any chance near Billings, or Missoula/Hamilton, or Kalispell, or Bozeman, or Powell/Cody, WY?
I ask, because each of these towns as a US Pony Club.
I came from a family that didn’t have horses, knew nothing about horses, and had a very limited budget for horses. But, I was crazy about them, so they humored me, got me a horse - which I did not know how to ride properly - or properly take care of. BUT Pony Club was a life saver!
I enrolled in my closest club (45 mins away), and my trusty dad drove me out to PC meetings every Saturday.
Pony Club doesn’t just teach riding - no their emphasis is on horse care, stable management, etc - and they teach it in a way that kids can learn to be independent, and care for their horses correctly.
If there is any way you can participate with these clubs at all, I HIGHLY recommend it. Pony Club changed my life!
[QUOTE=meupatdoes;7967375]
Well, those aren’t free, sooo…[/QUOTE]
Its not uncommon to not get a prepurchase exam on less expensive horses. I doubt if the OP’s horse cost a lot. No need to be snarky to the OP.
Oh and PLEASE do not pick up some Parelli DVDs and try that on your horse :sigh::sigh::sigh:
Just NO. His “program” can be very confusing, especially for horses that have been trained the “normal” way.
DO get some US Pony Club manuals - they are thorough, they are straight forward, they are written for younger audiences, and they have very SOUND, tested by time, advice.
Not some new age voodoo.
A lot of people are concerned about saddle fit. So let’s try this.
Take your fit and able to be ridden horse and put the saddle on without the pad. Cinch the saddle just so it will stay on in case the horse spooks at something. Not tight.
Square the horse up on a level surface (Back feet should be paired with back feet, front feet paired together.)
Have your sister or friend hold the horse so the area between the horses ears (The poll) is level with the withers.
Take pictures from each side of the horse. From the back of the horse. Just in front of the saddle. Take a look at this for the idea. http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/western-saddle-fit-for-my-mare-497379.html
Next you are going to want to make a photobucket account (Or just from FB) and upload this pictures and then post them on the thread. Those asking about the saddle fit will be able to see how the saddle fits, at least to your other horse Cowgirl. It was will give them a much better idea on whether you are doing it correctly or not.
Now… as for getting the farrier twice a year. In the 10 years I have had horses at my place, they saw a farrier once a year. They had so much room to move and rocks and sand and varied terrain that their hooves wore naturally. I had the farrier out once a year to check angles and what not. The farrier never touched trimmed there feet or even rasped them. When I moved them from my house to the barn I am now working out the BO was impressed with the freshly trimmed look they had. Because they are now show horses and are in more of a clay like environment they see the farrier every 8 weeks and even now the Gelding only gets his toe squared every 12 weeks and MAYBE a trim by 16 weeks. He just doesn’t grow a ton of hoof.
Feeding: You live in Montana…Land of the big sky. Land of snow, real snow, Mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, brooks and creeks. There is so much water in Montana that the grass there grows and grows and grows. 100 cows would never be able to eat a pasture down for as much and as fast as it grows. Your horses maybe be on an acre of grassland, 2 acres, how ever many acres and have grass to spare. You might lose your horse in the pasture for as high as the grass grows. Down here in the SW… I was paying $13 for 50 pounds of grass, in Montana, its probably close to $5 for a 100 pound bale of grass. They are on pasture, getting enough grass to keep them fat. Some people don’t quite understand that it is vastly different in different areas of the country. You are in prime Ranch/Horse/Cow country and pay very little money to feed your horses.
Trainers/Barns/Lessons - Again, you live in big sky country where the nearest town is 20 miles away, that might be only 20 minutes because it is all by highway. I live in NM where everything is a half hour at the least away no matter where you go…sometimes it takes longer to get somewhere in the state then out of it! I have NO Trainers, NO barns, NO Lessons near me, nothing… I have to go at least 45 minutes, if not an hour to locate any of these things. In my town we have horses and places to buy feed but everyone here are backyard owners who learned to ride horses just by getting on and staying on. Here the only activity you use your horse for is to go hunting or move the cows, sometimes for a parade. There are no shoers, farrier or trimmers in the area, you either do it yourself or you don’t do it at all cause the nearest farrier is an hour away and wants to charge you $50 just for a simple trim. Its not uncommon here to see a skinny horse tied to a fence next to the 2 lane road eating the grass. The closest 4-h is half an hour away, no one has time to drive 30 miles for that, they all work out of town, who wants to drive MORE. I am sure biking anywhere is not an option for you.
Horsemanship: Again you live in Montana where it is a completely different world then a lot of COTHers are used to or know. Montana horsemanship is a lot of Rodeo, Barrel Racing, Ranch horses and horses used for Cattle and livestock management, they are working horses… not show horses. They do double duty, on Friday they are moving cattle, on Saturday they are at the rodeo bulldogging, on Sunday they are medicating cows. A lot of the areas in Montana are working cattle ranches where the horses work 7 days a week for long hours a day. It might take 2 days to get to the cattle that are in the summer pasture and 4 more days to get them moved down to the winter pasture. They are trained in different ways then show horses are trained. They are tools to be used, not pets or show horses to be shown off. They are expected to stand still, move when told, be intuitive when a cow races off. To be obedient as well as a partner. A cowboy has to trust his horse to the nth degree. There are no trainers, no barns, no lessons for that kind of stuff, that kind of stuff is handed down from generation to generation, from cowboy to cowboy. The methods might be a bit rougher then us city folk are used to but the job gets done. The horse is their livelihood and they take damn good care of their horses, if they didn’t, well they have no income.
My mom taught me everything I know and guess what, its basically diddly squat. I learned how to be a pretty rider on a finished horse. When it came to getting my own horse and training it, I did it by natural horsemanship. Not Pat Parelli, not clinton anderson… I did it by reading books, by watching old Buck video’s and by good old fashioned body language. I learned how to read the horse and watching the horse. I found my weakness and that weakness for me is getting on for the very first time. I sent my first horse off to a trainer. He took that horse, called me the next day and said to me “This horse is already trained… what do you need me for?” Well I needed someone to get on the first time, that is where my confidence lacks. If I see someone get on for the first time, I can do it the second time no problem. So what did that trainer do for the 30 days he had her? He taught her how to rope, he took her camping in the woods, he took her on long trail rides. He basically had all the fun on my dime for 30 days.
I am now training my 3rd horse (I sold the first one for a tidy profit. Sold the 2nd one I trained as well, all green horses, but solid citizens. both are doing well. Also sold the 2 year old with a solid foundation and ready for training for a good sum) She is a Caspian pony and I have a mentor that helps me a long and let me tell you something, there is nothing like a naughty pony to instill some confidence in a person, holy cow does she try everything in the book and I have fallen off her. But guess what, she is making me a solid and confident rider. I cantered on her for the first time in 20 years… I can get on any horse now and if they pull something tricksy on me you will hear me say “Stop it, I ride a pony and if I can ride her, nothing you do will scare me” The trainer will laugh and the horse I am riding will usually sigh and go along with what I say.
I still get nervous, I still get scared and when I do, I just think about all the crap that pony tries on me.
There is NO shame in getting off a horse and walking back to the barn from a trail ride. It is better to be safe then sorry and a horse can read your emotions. If I am nervous, the horse I am riding is going to get nervous “Whats that, why is she scared, if she is scared I should be too… OMG is there a monster in that garbage can, OMG OMG there is… OMG”
One day I was so amped up because my horse was being a pill, we had a great ride the day before, even galloped on the trail, it was so fantastic, the next day his previous owner as coming over for a trail ride and I was so happy, I couldn’t wait to show her what we could do… and wouldn’t you know it… he balked, he refused to go forward, he cow kicked, thrashed his tail back and forth, it was horribly embarrassing… but I didn’t let him get away with it…I asked for one step, just one step forward and I would get off…he did what I asked, just one step. I got off and got a different horse.
By that time I was all worked up and antsy…I knew better to get my pony, I know how she acts when I am antsy and tense, so does she… so I got a different horse… and boy did he dance and jig and snort and blow and finally, I asked for help to get down and then walked back to the barn in tears. No one came back laughing at me, no one was upset. I felt bad for ruining the ride, but they all said I didn’t…I felt bad cause my horse was a pill and everyone was waiting on me. Which just made me feel in a hurry and I had the wrong emotions.
I learned from that experience…now when I feel frustrated at something my trainer says “Get mad, growl at her, growl at her” So I did and my horse was like “Oh crap, look who grew a pair, I better trot” and I laughed so hard. So when I get antsy or nervous, I growl and it makes me release the tension and I relax so the horse relaxes.
Watch the series from Tommy Garland… from start to finish…He has some GREAT ground exercises you can do with your mare that will help your bond AND help you find better control of her that will help you in the saddle. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM3g3aot_5-CgXhH3zs6WOA
Now if you read all this, congrats to you. If you have questions PM me. Trust me… I have confidence issues myself and some fear issues I am working through. A mentor and someone you trust is helpful, but if that is not available to you… let self preservation kick in and follow your gut. If you feel it is not safe, don’t do it… find another way. (Also, check out heartland on Netflix, Great shows and she goes through a lot of what you might be feeling)
[QUOTE=KSquared;7968603]
A lot of people are concerned about saddle fit. So let’s try this.
Take your fit and able to be ridden horse and put the saddle on without the pad. Cinch the saddle just so it will stay on in case the horse spooks at something. Not tight.
Square the horse up on a level surface (Back feet should be paired with back feet, front feet paired together.)
Have your sister or friend hold the horse so the area between the horses ears (The poll) is level with the withers.
Take pictures from each side of the horse. From the back of the horse. Just in front of the saddle. Take a look at this for the idea. http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/western-saddle-fit-for-my-mare-497379.html
Next you are going to want to make a photobucket account (Or just from FB) and upload this pictures and then post them on the thread. Those asking about the saddle fit will be able to see how the saddle fits, at least to your other horse Cowgirl. It was will give them a much better idea on whether you are doing it correctly or not.
Now… as for getting the farrier twice a year. In the 10 years I have had horses at my place, they saw a farrier once a year. They had so much room to move and rocks and sand and varied terrain that their hooves wore naturally. I had the farrier out once a year to check angles and what not. The farrier never touched trimmed there feet or even rasped them. When I moved them from my house to the barn I am now working out the BO was impressed with the freshly trimmed look they had. Because they are now show horses and are in more of a clay like environment they see the farrier every 8 weeks and even now the Gelding only gets his toe squared every 12 weeks and MAYBE a trim by 16 weeks. He just doesn’t grow a ton of hoof.
Feeding: You live in Montana…Land of the big sky. Land of snow, real snow, Mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, brooks and creeks. There is so much water in Montana that the grass there grows and grows and grows. 100 cows would never be able to eat a pasture down for as much and as fast as it grows. Your horses maybe be on an acre of grassland, 2 acres, how ever many acres and have grass to spare. You might lose your horse in the pasture for as high as the grass grows. Down here in the SW… I was paying $13 for 50 pounds of grass, in Montana, its probably close to $5 for a 100 pound bale of grass. They are on pasture, getting enough grass to keep them fat. Some people don’t quite understand that it is vastly different in different areas of the country. You are in prime Ranch/Horse/Cow country and pay very little money to feed your horses.
Trainers/Barns/Lessons - Again, you live in big sky country where the nearest town is 20 miles away, that might be only 20 minutes because it is all by highway. I live in NM where everything is a half hour at the least away no matter where you go…sometimes it takes longer to get somewhere in the state then out of it! I have NO Trainers, NO barns, NO Lessons near me, nothing… I have to go at least 45 minutes, if not an hour to locate any of these things. In my town we have horses and places to buy feed but everyone here are backyard owners who learned to ride horses just by getting on and staying on. Here the only activity you use your horse for is to go hunting or move the cows, sometimes for a parade. There are no shoers, farrier or trimmers in the area, you either do it yourself or you don’t do it at all cause the nearest farrier is an hour away and wants to charge you $50 just for a simple trim. Its not uncommon here to see a skinny horse tied to a fence next to the 2 lane road eating the grass. The closest 4-h is half an hour away, no one has time to drive 30 miles for that, they all work out of town, who wants to drive MORE. I am sure biking anywhere is not an option for you.
Horsemanship: Again you live in Montana where it is a completely different world then a lot of COTHers are used to or know. Montana horsemanship is a lot of Rodeo, Barrel Racing, Ranch horses and horses used for Cattle and livestock management, they are working horses… not show horses. They do double duty, on Friday they are moving cattle, on Saturday they are at the rodeo bulldogging, on Sunday they are medicating cows. A lot of the areas in Montana are working cattle ranches where the horses work 7 days a week for long hours a day. It might take 2 days to get to the cattle that are in the summer pasture and 4 more days to get them moved down to the winter pasture. They are trained in different ways then show horses are trained. They are tools to be used, not pets or show horses to be shown off. They are expected to stand still, move when told, be intuitive when a cow races off. To be obedient as well as a partner. A cowboy has to trust his horse to the nth degree. There are no trainers, no barns, no lessons for that kind of stuff, that kind of stuff is handed down from generation to generation, from cowboy to cowboy. The methods might be a bit rougher then us city folk are used to but the job gets done. The horse is their livelihood and they take damn good care of their horses, if they didn’t, well they have no income.
My mom taught me everything I know and guess what, its basically diddly squat. I learned how to be a pretty rider on a finished horse. When it came to getting my own horse and training it, I did it by natural horsemanship. Not Pat Parelli, not clinton anderson… I did it by reading books, by watching old Buck video’s and by good old fashioned body language. I learned how to read the horse and watching the horse. I found my weakness and that weakness for me is getting on for the very first time. I sent my first horse off to a trainer. He took that horse, called me the next day and said to me “This horse is already trained… what do you need me for?” Well I needed someone to get on the first time, that is where my confidence lacks. If I see someone get on for the first time, I can do it the second time no problem. So what did that trainer do for the 30 days he had her? He taught her how to rope, he took her camping in the woods, he took her on long trail rides. He basically had all the fun on my dime for 30 days.
I am now training my 3rd horse (I sold the first one for a tidy profit. Sold the 2nd one I trained as well, all green horses, but solid citizens. both are doing well. Also sold the 2 year old with a solid foundation and ready for training for a good sum) She is a Caspian pony and I have a mentor that helps me a long and let me tell you something, there is nothing like a naughty pony to instill some confidence in a person, holy cow does she try everything in the book and I have fallen off her. But guess what, she is making me a solid and confident rider. I cantered on her for the first time in 20 years… I can get on any horse now and if they pull something tricksy on me you will hear me say “Stop it, I ride a pony and if I can ride her, nothing you do will scare me” The trainer will laugh and the horse I am riding will usually sigh and go along with what I say.
I still get nervous, I still get scared and when I do, I just think about all the crap that pony tries on me.
There is NO shame in getting off a horse and walking back to the barn from a trail ride. It is better to be safe then sorry and a horse can read your emotions. If I am nervous, the horse I am riding is going to get nervous “Whats that, why is she scared, if she is scared I should be too… OMG is there a monster in that garbage can, OMG OMG there is… OMG”
One day I was so amped up because my horse was being a pill, we had a great ride the day before, even galloped on the trail, it was so fantastic, the next day his previous owner as coming over for a trail ride and I was so happy, I couldn’t wait to show her what we could do… and wouldn’t you know it… he balked, he refused to go forward, he cow kicked, thrashed his tail back and forth, it was horribly embarrassing… but I didn’t let him get away with it…I asked for one step, just one step forward and I would get off…he did what I asked, just one step. I got off and got a different horse.
By that time I was all worked up and antsy…I knew better to get my pony, I know how she acts when I am antsy and tense, so does she… so I got a different horse… and boy did he dance and jig and snort and blow and finally, I asked for help to get down and then walked back to the barn in tears. No one came back laughing at me, no one was upset. I felt bad for ruining the ride, but they all said I didn’t…I felt bad cause my horse was a pill and everyone was waiting on me. Which just made me feel in a hurry and I had the wrong emotions.
I learned from that experience…now when I feel frustrated at something my trainer says “Get mad, growl at her, growl at her” So I did and my horse was like “Oh crap, look who grew a pair, I better trot” and I laughed so hard. So when I get antsy or nervous, I growl and it makes me release the tension and I relax so the horse relaxes.
Watch the series from Tommy Garland… from start to finish…He has some GREAT ground exercises you can do with your mare that will help your bond AND help you find better control of her that will help you in the saddle. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM3g3aot_5-CgXhH3zs6WOA
Now if you read all this, congrats to you. If you have questions PM me. Trust me… I have confidence issues myself and some fear issues I am working through. A mentor and someone you trust is helpful, but if that is not available to you… let self preservation kick in and follow your gut. If you feel it is not safe, don’t do it… find another way. (Also, check out heartland on Netflix, Great shows and she goes through a lot of what you might be feeling)[/QUOTE]
:yes: Not enough like buttons!
Wish, your lack of confidence is your common sense telling you that you are in a dangerous situation.
The advice you have gotten here is consistent. I doubt it will change, no matter how much you hope it will.
When I was your age, my parents were not horse people, either. They did not understand my fascination with horses. But they did pay for me to be in a lesson program for several years. I was able to ride many horses, progress my riding and compete in many shows (and even win some classes). Through the program I went on trail rides and horseback camping trips. Along with wonderful friends I met in the program.
My parents refused to buy me a horse. Now I am so glad because I would never have had the great riding experiences and the learning I had in the lesson program. I became a confident rider, and as an adult I’ve owned 6 horses (not all at the same time).
Your parents apparently don’t know the statistics on injuries to children dealing with horses. I know it wasn’t their intention to put you in as much danger as if they sent you out to play on the freeway. I hope they will agree to sell the horses and sell a good part of the equipment, and put all the money toward sending you to a great lesson program so that you can really ride. 
Here is an article …
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8281833
Among the stats for children under the age of 16 …
“The typical patient profile was that of young female equestrians with little experience and little weekly riding practice, … often using different horses.”
Almost 65% of accidents are falls from the horse, and about 25% are handling the horse on the ground. Falls obviously tend to cause head and shoulder injuries. In other studies, 2/3rds of accidents causing death are due to head injuries.
“… in these situations preventive measures are often disregarded.”
“Active (better education, warming up, falling practice) an passive (head protection!) safety measurements are recommended for prevention of injuries in young riders in particular.”
I don’t know if your safety practices have been addressed. Adult supervision? Helmet? Shoes? Etc.
As long as you keep these horses, I don’t think you will get the chances to ride confidently that you would like, or go all of the places and do all of the things you could be doing with horses. But if you are free of ownership the whole world of horses will open up to you.
[QUOTE=KSquared;7968603]
A lot of people are concerned about saddle fit. So let’s try this.
Take your fit and able to be ridden horse and put the saddle on without the pad. Cinch the saddle just so it will stay on in case the horse spooks at something. Not tight.
Square the horse up on a level surface (Back feet should be paired with back feet, front feet paired together.)
Have your sister or friend hold the horse so the area between the horses ears (The poll) is level with the withers.
Take pictures from each side of the horse. From the back of the horse. Just in front of the saddle. Take a look at this for the idea. http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/horse-forums/western-saddle-fit-for-my-mare-497379.html
Next you are going to want to make a photobucket account (Or just from FB) and upload this pictures and then post them on the thread. Those asking about the saddle fit will be able to see how the saddle fits, at least to your other horse Cowgirl. It was will give them a much better idea on whether you are doing it correctly or not.
Now… as for getting the farrier twice a year. In the 10 years I have had horses at my place, they saw a farrier once a year. They had so much room to move and rocks and sand and varied terrain that their hooves wore naturally. I had the farrier out once a year to check angles and what not. The farrier never touched trimmed there feet or even rasped them. When I moved them from my house to the barn I am now working out the BO was impressed with the freshly trimmed look they had. Because they are now show horses and are in more of a clay like environment they see the farrier every 8 weeks and even now the Gelding only gets his toe squared every 12 weeks and MAYBE a trim by 16 weeks. He just doesn’t grow a ton of hoof.
Feeding: You live in Montana…Land of the big sky. Land of snow, real snow, Mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, brooks and creeks. There is so much water in Montana that the grass there grows and grows and grows. 100 cows would never be able to eat a pasture down for as much and as fast as it grows. Your horses maybe be on an acre of grassland, 2 acres, how ever many acres and have grass to spare. You might lose your horse in the pasture for as high as the grass grows. Down here in the SW… I was paying $13 for 50 pounds of grass, in Montana, its probably close to $5 for a 100 pound bale of grass. They are on pasture, getting enough grass to keep them fat. Some people don’t quite understand that it is vastly different in different areas of the country. You are in prime Ranch/Horse/Cow country and pay very little money to feed your horses.
Trainers/Barns/Lessons - Again, you live in big sky country where the nearest town is 20 miles away, that might be only 20 minutes because it is all by highway. I live in NM where everything is a half hour at the least away no matter where you go…sometimes it takes longer to get somewhere in the state then out of it! I have NO Trainers, NO barns, NO Lessons near me, nothing… I have to go at least 45 minutes, if not an hour to locate any of these things. In my town we have horses and places to buy feed but everyone here are backyard owners who learned to ride horses just by getting on and staying on. Here the only activity you use your horse for is to go hunting or move the cows, sometimes for a parade. There are no shoers, farrier or trimmers in the area, you either do it yourself or you don’t do it at all cause the nearest farrier is an hour away and wants to charge you $50 just for a simple trim. Its not uncommon here to see a skinny horse tied to a fence next to the 2 lane road eating the grass. The closest 4-h is half an hour away, no one has time to drive 30 miles for that, they all work out of town, who wants to drive MORE. I am sure biking anywhere is not an option for you.
Horsemanship: Again you live in Montana where it is a completely different world then a lot of COTHers are used to or know. Montana horsemanship is a lot of Rodeo, Barrel Racing, Ranch horses and horses used for Cattle and livestock management, they are working horses… not show horses. They do double duty, on Friday they are moving cattle, on Saturday they are at the rodeo bulldogging, on Sunday they are medicating cows. A lot of the areas in Montana are working cattle ranches where the horses work 7 days a week for long hours a day. It might take 2 days to get to the cattle that are in the summer pasture and 4 more days to get them moved down to the winter pasture. They are trained in different ways then show horses are trained. They are tools to be used, not pets or show horses to be shown off. They are expected to stand still, move when told, be intuitive when a cow races off. To be obedient as well as a partner. A cowboy has to trust his horse to the nth degree. There are no trainers, no barns, no lessons for that kind of stuff, that kind of stuff is handed down from generation to generation, from cowboy to cowboy. The methods might be a bit rougher then us city folk are used to but the job gets done. The horse is their livelihood and they take damn good care of their horses, if they didn’t, well they have no income.
My mom taught me everything I know and guess what, its basically diddly squat. I learned how to be a pretty rider on a finished horse. When it came to getting my own horse and training it, I did it by natural horsemanship. Not Pat Parelli, not clinton anderson… I did it by reading books, by watching old Buck video’s and by good old fashioned body language. I learned how to read the horse and watching the horse. I found my weakness and that weakness for me is getting on for the very first time. I sent my first horse off to a trainer. He took that horse, called me the next day and said to me “This horse is already trained… what do you need me for?” Well I needed someone to get on the first time, that is where my confidence lacks. If I see someone get on for the first time, I can do it the second time no problem. So what did that trainer do for the 30 days he had her? He taught her how to rope, he took her camping in the woods, he took her on long trail rides. He basically had all the fun on my dime for 30 days.
I am now training my 3rd horse (I sold the first one for a tidy profit. Sold the 2nd one I trained as well, all green horses, but solid citizens. both are doing well. Also sold the 2 year old with a solid foundation and ready for training for a good sum) She is a Caspian pony and I have a mentor that helps me a long and let me tell you something, there is nothing like a naughty pony to instill some confidence in a person, holy cow does she try everything in the book and I have fallen off her. But guess what, she is making me a solid and confident rider. I cantered on her for the first time in 20 years… I can get on any horse now and if they pull something tricksy on me you will hear me say “Stop it, I ride a pony and if I can ride her, nothing you do will scare me” The trainer will laugh and the horse I am riding will usually sigh and go along with what I say.
I still get nervous, I still get scared and when I do, I just think about all the crap that pony tries on me.
There is NO shame in getting off a horse and walking back to the barn from a trail ride. It is better to be safe then sorry and a horse can read your emotions. If I am nervous, the horse I am riding is going to get nervous “Whats that, why is she scared, if she is scared I should be too… OMG is there a monster in that garbage can, OMG OMG there is… OMG”
One day I was so amped up because my horse was being a pill, we had a great ride the day before, even galloped on the trail, it was so fantastic, the next day his previous owner as coming over for a trail ride and I was so happy, I couldn’t wait to show her what we could do… and wouldn’t you know it… he balked, he refused to go forward, he cow kicked, thrashed his tail back and forth, it was horribly embarrassing… but I didn’t let him get away with it…I asked for one step, just one step forward and I would get off…he did what I asked, just one step. I got off and got a different horse.
By that time I was all worked up and antsy…I knew better to get my pony, I know how she acts when I am antsy and tense, so does she… so I got a different horse… and boy did he dance and jig and snort and blow and finally, I asked for help to get down and then walked back to the barn in tears. No one came back laughing at me, no one was upset. I felt bad for ruining the ride, but they all said I didn’t…I felt bad cause my horse was a pill and everyone was waiting on me. Which just made me feel in a hurry and I had the wrong emotions.
I learned from that experience…now when I feel frustrated at something my trainer says “Get mad, growl at her, growl at her” So I did and my horse was like “Oh crap, look who grew a pair, I better trot” and I laughed so hard. So when I get antsy or nervous, I growl and it makes me release the tension and I relax so the horse relaxes.
Watch the series from Tommy Garland… from start to finish…He has some GREAT ground exercises you can do with your mare that will help your bond AND help you find better control of her that will help you in the saddle. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM3g3aot_5-CgXhH3zs6WOA
Now if you read all this, congrats to you. If you have questions PM me. Trust me… I have confidence issues myself and some fear issues I am working through. A mentor and someone you trust is helpful, but if that is not available to you… let self preservation kick in and follow your gut. If you feel it is not safe, don’t do it… find another way. (Also, check out heartland on Netflix, Great shows and she goes through a lot of what you might be feeling)[/QUOTE]
Thank you! Well said; you are 100% right about all you said about Montana, you really summed it up! Thank you, I checked out that Tommy Garland and I love it,and am following along! and as far as Heartland, I love watching that show! Thanks, and I will be sure to take you up on PM-ing you when I have questions!
[QUOTE=OverandOnward;7968649]
Wish, your lack of confidence is your common sense telling you that you are in a dangerous situation.
The advice you have gotten here is consistent. I doubt it will change, no matter how much you hope it will.
When I was your age, my parents were not horse people, either. They did not understand my fascination with horses. But they did pay for me to be in a lesson program for several years. I was able to ride many horses, progress my riding and compete in many shows (and even win some classes). Through the program I went on trail rides and horseback camping trips. Along with wonderful friends I met in the program.
My parents refused to buy me a horse. Now I am so glad because I would never have had the great riding experiences and the learning I had in the lesson program. I became a confident rider, and as an adult I’ve owned 6 horses (not all at the same time).
Your parents apparently don’t know the statistics on injuries to children dealing with horses. I know it wasn’t their intention to put you in as much danger as if they sent you out to play on the freeway. I hope they will agree to sell the horses and sell a good part of the equipment, and put all the money toward sending you to a great lesson program so that you can really ride.
Here is an article …
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8281833
Among the stats for children under the age of 16 …
“The typical patient profile was that of young female equestrians with little experience and little weekly riding practice, … often using different horses.”
Almost 65% of accidents are falls from the horse, and about 25% are handling the horse on the ground. Falls obviously tend to cause head and shoulder injuries. In other studies, 2/3rds of accidents causing death are due to head injuries.
“… in these situations preventive measures are often disregarded.”
“Active (better education, warming up, falling practice) an passive (head protection!) safety measurements are recommended for prevention of injuries in young riders in particular.”
I don’t know if your safety practices have been addressed. Adult supervision? Helmet? Shoes? Etc.
As long as you keep these horses, I don’t think you will get the chances to ride confidently that you would like, or go all of the places and do all of the things you could be doing with horses. But if you are free of ownership the whole world of horses will open up to you.
:)[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your advice. I am only unconfident with my new horse…and that comes from me not knowing her personality yet. I am, though, in fact, enjoying my other horse very much. The reason: I have had her for 2, almost 3 years…she’s a very good horse. And, I’m starting to gain confidence with my new horse also! I’m very glad and yes, I usually wear a helmet…am planning to also when I start riding her again. (which will not be for a while)
I still take lessons and I have been riding for a long time. I ride with different trainers and they give me tools of handling different situations. I have a young off-the-track-tb that can be a challenge at times. He had knee surgery and when he came off stall rest and needed to be ridden again…I had to get a trainer to ride him regularly. He felt good and was full of P&V. Right now he is down in FL for six weeks getting exposed to many things that he hasn’t been exposed to here.
Your saddle doesn’t fit her. She told you that she was hurting but reacting the way she did. I pay attention to the horse’s body language. Like my horse if I have a saddle pad on that is to fluffy he gets aggitated and will flick his tail and not respond to my aids. OR he will just be naughty and if I ignore his signs he will buck me off. How did I learn this by watching his body language and taking lessons. I will go out in the field and just watch the other horse’s interact with each other. Sometimes he needs to be reminded that I am Alpha mare. I growl at him and put him back in his place. He backs off and is respectful.
I do work in the round pen and getting him to pay attention. I have watched Buck’s videos and attended several clinics. Also listened to people who are far more advanced than myself.
I have learned the hard way to always get a pre-purchase exam even if the horse isn’t much $$. Because a cheap horse that has a major medical issue will turn into an expensive horse to upkeep. It is worth spending the $$ to vet out something.
[QUOTE=AppendixQHLover;7969277]
I still take lessons and I have been riding for a long time. I ride with different trainers and they give me tools of handling different situations. I have a young off-the-track-tb that can be a challenge at times. He had knee surgery and when he came off stall rest and needed to be ridden again…I had to get a trainer to ride him regularly. He felt good and was full of P&V. Right now he is down in FL for six weeks getting exposed to many things that he hasn’t been exposed to here.
Your saddle doesn’t fit her. She told you that she was hurting but reacting the way she did. I pay attention to the horse’s body language. Like my horse if I have a saddle pad on that is to fluffy he gets aggitated and will flick his tail and not respond to my aids. OR he will just be naughty and if I ignore his signs he will buck me off. How did I learn this by watching his body language and taking lessons. I will go out in the field and just watch the other horse’s interact with each other. Sometimes he needs to be reminded that I am Alpha mare. I growl at him and put him back in his place. He backs off and is respectful.
I do work in the round pen and getting him to pay attention. I have watched Buck’s videos and attended several clinics. Also listened to people who are far more advanced than myself.
I have learned the hard way to always get a pre-purchase exam even if the horse isn’t much $$. Because a cheap horse that has a major medical issue will turn into an expensive horse to upkeep. It is worth spending the $$ to vet out something.[/QUOTE]
Weeellll…ok, I see where you are coming from! I really do! The vet did say that it wasn’t anything from when we had her; and also that it wasn’t saddle fit,and he said her injury would’ve been building up before we got her,and proceeded to get worse. Would you have any other ideas though also? I’d love your help! Yes,she did tell me she was hurting. I’m so glad I listened to her! And, I pay attention to body language also. I’d be mistaken if I didn’t!
In defense of OP, that mare had not been ridden much or at all for a couple of years exceot for a few weeks right before they bought her, no doubt to get her tuned up for sale. Then OP rode her with her saddle. Twice, probably not for long since she’s a bit timid around the new horse.
I vote mare came with the fistula, either from seller/trainer riding hard in an ill fitting saddle the month before OP bought her or maybe it’s part of why mare was not ridden much or at all for a couple of years. The things don’t pop up overnight and IIRC are the very devil to get rid of, takes a very long time during which they improve and then go bad again. Haven’t seen one one in a great many years though-like 40.
And I would not have gotten a PPE on a ranch horse either, a simple PPE could still have missed a just starting to brew fistula if they even looked for one, it’s really not very common any more. It’s unfortunate but don’t think OP caused it with 2 brief rides.
I think if OP can develop a sort of PM or e mail mentor out if this, it will be good. Not as good as personal help but better then the current situation. Good for the posters who have volunteered and I hope she allows them to mentor her.
Maybe we can wrap this on a positive note after all ? Credit OP, I think she does want help and she keeps coming back despite smack downs and had lost the emojis plus the over emotional reactions. And she does face some challenges in Montana that are daunting to a 15 year old.
[QUOTE=kookicat;7967797]
Yeah, don’t do this.
I’m not really sure what you’re asking, but I think you’re basically saying that you’re worried about riding your mare again? Have a plan, in that case.
If it were me, I’d want the vet out to give the mare a good check up and clear her for riding before I sat on her again. I’m an adult though, and pay my own bills, so I can see how you might not be able to swing that. If your parents won’t get the vet back out, examine your mare’s back carefully. Is it sore? Does she react to pressure/touching? Is it hot/swollen still? If yes, then give her another week off and repeat.
If no, then you can ride her again. If she’s been off a while, her shape has probably changed and your saddle might not still fit. Pop it on her and check. I’m not an expert on western saddle fitting, but I’m sure if you ask, people on her can tell you what you’re looking for. If it fits, take her to a safe area and mount. Use a mounting block so you’re not pulling on her so much. You might want to see if you can find an experienced person for the first few rides back. (And sorry, but you’re not that person. Not yet!)
People aren’t trying to be ‘mean’, they’re worried that you’re going to be hurt. A very experienced horsewoman was killed in my country when the horse she was clipping kicked her. They are big, reactive and sometimes stupid animals. Why are your parents so against you taking lessons or getting a job? Why don’t you want to work in the store?[/QUOTE]
This!
We are really NOT trying to be mean wish, we see BIG safety issues in the situation that you nor your parents see up close.
[QUOTE=Wish_Upon_a_Star2000;7969313]
Weeellll…ok, I see where you are coming from! I really do! The vet did say that it wasn’t anything from when we had her; and also that it wasn’t saddle fit,and he said her injury would’ve been building up before we got her,and proceeded to get worse. Would you have any other ideas though also? I’d love your help! Yes,she did tell me she was hurting. I’m so glad I listened to her! And, I pay attention to body language also. I’d be mistaken if I didn’t![/QUOTE]
I am sure it isn’t your fault that she had it and FW is not an easy thing to detect. It takes a long time to heal from those.
I would take the job at that store your parents want you to do. My first job was at McDonald’s. I hated every minute of it but it was a pay check which went to horse expenses.
OP - a lot of people on this board have a lot of money and take their riding very seriously and are very into training and progressing with their horse. Their advice comes from this place. They may not necessarily understand the culture of where you live where horses are as common as dogs.
To me, it sounds like primarily you are riding for the fun of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and realistically, most people do not need weekly lessons in order to play around on the trails or toddle around in the arena.
You were brave to come on this board and ask for help and got a lot of scathing answers.
If you can join a Pony Club, that would be great for you as it will teach lots about horse care and one can never have too much knowledge in that way.
You are right to be nervous about riding your new horse because she showed you signs of potentially dangerous behaviour and you were smart to pick up on them and get the vet out. You need to speak with your vet about her progress and when she can be ridden. Also, speak to your vet not only about when she is ready to be ridden but also what signs to look for in the event of a re-occurring problem and how long and how often she should be ridden at first.
It is great that you are going to do the camp thing with your friend in March. Until then, it is a good decision for you to work with her on the ground and get to know her while you ride the other horse.
One should always be cautious when dealing with a new horse. Trusting too much can get you hurt. Once you have more positive experiences with Cowgirl, your confidence will begin to grow.
If you would like to PM me, I can give you my email address and you can bounce questions off of me, or send pictures or videos to me of your riding. I have years of experience teaching riding lessons and working with green horses, and would be happy to help you long distance.
[QUOTE=Wish_Upon_a_Star2000;7969313]
I’m so glad I listened to her! And, I pay attention to body language also. I’d be mistaken if I didn’t![/QUOTE]
All true Always listen to that inner voice, if it’s telling you something’s not right. Sometimes it is just lack of confidence and we need to get over it, but since you don’t have much ground support to help you figure out if that’s all it is, better to err on the side of caution for your own safety (and also the horse’s!)
OP I’m in Montana and lived around all the major places in Montana, horse-wise.
Contrary to vivid COTH imaginations, there are a lot of lesson barns and horsemanship trainers in Montana that you would have a blast with and I can recommend several of them if you’d like, especially if you’re around Bozeman, where I know the most.
I grew up here-my parents bought me a string of ponies and then finally a 4 year old unridden colt and a halter. That was the extent of their horse investment and they didn’t want to mess with 4H or anything else. I did the best I could. There are places all across Montana right now with people that just moved here and got a couple horses b/c that’s what you do and they’re just doing the best they can.
OP if you’re for real, PM me and I will make some recommendations for reasonable vet care, a decent farrier and some fun people to ride with.
Okay, THANK YOU. An extremely competent, high level rider friend that I’ve known most of my life lives in Montana now. I can tell from her pictures and videos that she’s not in some equine wasteland where the horses only get their hooves trimmed twice a year and are lucky if their owners don’t put their saddles on backwards!
