postpone first trail ride indefinitely?

[kookicat]

Honestly, worrying too much about stuff like this only leads to a vicious circle- you worry, put something off, worry more… Don’t fret over it. If you have a nice ride inside, then go for a wander outside. If he’s anything like mine, he’ll be picking up on your general worry/tenseness and feeding off that.

Another thought- what’s he being fed? If he’s full of energy because he’s being fed the same as he was when before you got hurt, then that’ll make him jumpy.

[wendybird]

I found the Masterson Method excellent. Got the book and the video and highly recommend the techniques for relaxing horses and building trust between you.

I have not had the opportunity to do a clinic, but have learnt enough from the book/video to keep my horses happy and trustful.

I’d recommend it to any one who is interested and wants to be involved with their horse’s wellbeing.

[lv4running]

Theres a nerve that run right in front of the withers. It runs up to the poll. Any chance he needs a chiro adjustment? My steady eddy went loopy one day, couldn’t halter, bridle or touch his withers. I watched the chiro work that spot out. It was amazing to see the release in that horse. Might be worth looking 8n to. My horse had tweaked himself in turnout.

[jade2058]

I hope someone is still reading this thread (it is old) … I have been thinking I’ll take my horse on a hike. And I was thinking about what could go wrong … so what are the recommendations for staying safe hiking with you horse.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

[QUOTE=jade2058;8011950]
I hope someone is still reading this thread (it is old) … I have been thinking I’ll take my horse on a hike. And I was thinking about what could go wrong … so what are the recommendations for staying safe hiking with you horse.[/QUOTE]

Teaching him to stay out of your space. Work with a good groundwork trainer who can show you some exercises to develop this skill. That way, when something spooks him, he’ll go around you instead of over or through you.