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Topics on Arabians and training problems.
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Discussion on Arabians and training problems.
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Nicole J. | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:56 am: |   |
I'm just curious to know if anyone has had troubles with Arabs. I'm just starting mine and I have been taking lessons, I find that they can learn so much quicker than other breeds and alot of the time she's quicker than me. I'm hoping that she will smooth out and I will have a terrific horse in the end but in the mean time it's alot of work to ride her. |
DK | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:56 am: | |
I've had my arab for 6 years now, and I can only think of a few problems that they have. 1. They definately like to spook. 2. They tend to be more front heavy. 3. Many arabs have a very bouncy trot. 4. They usually are much smarter than their owners! I've worked with arabs all of my life, and those are the only problems I can think of. I love 'em to death! Good luck with your new Arab! |
Rhonda | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:58 am: | |
Three cheers to those who recognize the continuous challenge of owning an Arabian! It was love at first sight for me, ever since childhood. I can honestly say that my 6 year-old purebred mare is everything that I ever dreamed of, and more! She keeps it fun & NEVER dull!!! |
WB | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:58 am: | |
Yeah, arabs need a slightly different approach to training and handling, but it is worth it. They are a lot more sensitive than other horses, so it is important to be gentle. A swat with a whip that would be appropriate correction for a quarter horse would be abusive and scary for an arab. They also tend to get sore spots from tack more readily, so you need to watch out for this, a lot of bad behaviour is caused by simple pain from tack that doesn't quite fit. They spook a lot more readily than many horses as well, so you will need to spend time on "spooking in place" training, see John Lyon's work. But once you have gained the trust and respect of your arab, you will find that other breeds of horses tend to be a bit boring.... |
Marlane | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:58 am: | |
Arabs are very simular to the english thoroughbred[they originated partly from arabs]they are very aware of their surroundings.They are also very sensitive as already mentioned,but once they have seen the world a bit and trust you they get over the spookiness.The things to bear in mind are that arabs have wide shoulders and somtimes a high wither.Both mine have wide tree[english]saddles,one has to have a custom pad as he has a long high wither as well.Many have shorter than usual backs so this would affect the length of a western saddle.Also they do get wolf teeth that need to be removed as the bit knocks against them.Other than that they are great. |
Ida | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 10:59 am: | |
Arabs are wonderful; they are smart and quick, has great work ethics. Arabs are the type of horses that need stopping. So stopping should be the first thing of their training. The spookiness is going to stick for life; so you help them think 'when in doubt, stop'. Arabs also need quiet, relaxed riders. If you have problems with them, it could be because you tense up. They pick up your mind so accurately so you are responsible for staying calm. Also you need to be a strong minded rider, telling him what to do and giving him focus.
Ida |
Melody | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 11:00 am: | |
I agree with all of the comments except the spooking. If exposed and taught that spooking is unnecessary, then they do overcome spooking. I have only had my mare for 1 year and the first time I took her out on the trail she flipped out but today she is more solid than most of my friends quarter horses that have been doing trail forever. So don't give up because once you have both developed trust, the spooking can be easily overcome. |
Ida | | Posted on Monday, Apr 5, 1999 - 11:01 am: | |
Yes, you are right. Arabs could be trained to not spook at all; we have Arabs that are trained to the point you can trust them in parades in downtown. As a matter of fact, every horse spooks all their life; it is hard to expect them not to!
But I find with all the Arabs I've worked with (including those I said you can trust in parades); when they spook their 'escape' tends to be more 'cat like' and really zapping quick. So it is important to recognize this character of Arabs so you can prepare yourself for this. And because Arabs are so sensitive, their panic attack could be triggered by their rider too. The Arabs I've ridden, if rider just sit, maybe give a 'whoa' when they spook, they will go 'oh, it's nothing' and quiet down. But I've known the same Arabs bolted down the lane because their rider jam on the 'break' too much during a spooky moment and they panicked. |
Lynn
| | Posted on Sunday, Apr 11, 1999 - 12:26 pm: | |
As a Recreational trail trainer with a barn full of Arabian ranging in age from 5 to 23 and various lines. I find most spooking problems come from a lack of excerise and/or life experience.After making sure all the basics are set in the arena. All my younger horses are trail ridden with my more seasoned ones. Everything is done at the walk until they go anywhere on our trails with confidence. Then we proceed to going out alone for short distances first with myself and then their owners and gradually increasing the time and distance and speed (Cantering on our trails can be quit dangerous so we keep the to walk and trot). If at any time we hit a bad spot I simple go back a few steps in their training and we work right through it. My most confident horses took 9 mos. to a year to delevop. This is a longer process than some people want to use and I have lost a few clients who were in too much of a rush. Anyone who says Arabain horses are stupid or have no brains has been out-smarted by them LOL. |
Charlene Esposito
| | Posted on Tuesday, Apr 13, 1999 - 2:15 am: | |
I have had no problems with my arabian mare and spooking before, aside from the usual look and snort, I've owned her two years now. There was one time recently that she did spook on a trail her reaction was a bit funny and very cute. She saw the spooky object and froze stiff blowing louder then I've ever thought possible her neck longer than her body by now, once she saw it didn't move she got interested in finding out what that thing is. I got off which I usualy don't do (I realy felt her flight impulse cooking)and I let her take her time and slowly walk up on her own. She would look around and walk forward, finaly she got to this monster and sniffed it(what is that Snickers) duh a bale of old straw someone dumped in the park after a b-day party. What was the cause a thin string left on it from a balloon. I think she likes dressage better.
That was the first time she ever spooked bad enuff to take a unwanted step.
One article I read in Practicle Horseman was breed personalaty it said that Arabs would rather die than act dumb as it said the quarter horse did when asked to do something he didn't want to do, (which I find true). Also that arabs would find a reason not cross that scary puddle like sidepass as if they intened to do that any way regardless of the puddle. |
John Bowman
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 1, 2000 - 10:49 am: | |
Nichole,
I am new to horses (only been really riding for a
year and a half), but my 15 yo arab mare has
taught me so much even though she has only been
under saddle about as long as I have been riding.
However, from my little experience, you really
have to be thinking about all four corners all the
time, so they ARE a lot of work to ride. It is
frustrating in a way, but great for your
horsemanship. You should find that when you ride
other horses (not picking on breeds because all
horses should be ridden every step of every ride)
your abilility to sense what the horse is about to
do is so much keener. You will really learn
softness, and slower reacting, less sensitive
horses will be boring almost like they are riding
you not you riding them.
I love my arab mare even when all four feet come
off the ground because someone came out of the
barn unexpectedly. Luckily, her spooking is
usually just that, all four feet leave the ground
about an inch and then she drops her head and
begins to eat trying to act as if it didn't
happen. |
angela lennox (Angie)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2000 - 1:09 am: | |
I have just recently purchased a 21 year old arabian mare (about three weeks ago). I learned from the stable where she was boarded that she had very little attention or care from her owner and spent most of her time in a stall. Within the first two days i had her she got her shots,feet done and is not stalled but has a run in. I took her out on her first road ride,(we have alot of dirt roads around and not many trails)last weekend and knowing how spooky some arabians can be I expected the worst. We had a little trouble getting her over a culvert that runs under the road but once we got past that she seemed to be almost spookproof to almost anything including big trucks w/trailers ,the dog that comes running out of nowhere barking till the end of its chain (it scared me more than the horse) to quad runners out in the yard. I believe that with all arabians you always have to be ready for anything (or with any horse) but its the good rides and companionship that makes it worth the time energy and patience to own arabians.
angie |
Eveo (Eveo)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2000 - 10:15 am: | |
Hi Angie--I also have Arabians, one 20, one three, both boys. Obviously, I like them too.
It seems to me that the ditzy ones are those who were started insensitively, overfaced and generally handled with a heavy hand.
I'm glad you've got a good one. I'll bet that the longer you have her, the better you'll like her.
Have fun. |
Linda Antipala (Alika)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2000 - 2:08 pm: | |
My 9 year old arab gelding is a beautiful animal. He was handled gently by first owner and of course by me. Nevertheless, he is hyper-alert and spooky. For instance, he spotted a truck driving far up on the mountain across from the pasture (a good mile away), ears up and forward, tail up, nostrils flaring and blowing, poised to run. This went on for about 15 minutes while the three pasture mates didn't even lift their heads up from grazing, could care less. Another instance: he was tied up in the shed with the other horses after a ride. I pushed lawn mower (motor off) through the shed and he freaked (pulled back, blew, danced around) The other horses didn't budge. On the trail he's really "on edge", constantly looking around, on flight alert. His spook is a dead stop, big snort and blow, and then a turn to get away. He hasn't "run off" with me yet but it definitely could happen. My question is, will he always be like this? Is it his personality forever? I know he needs more trail experience, but are some horses just always going to be "hyper" and spooky no matter what?! Thanks for your comments! |
Cheri Lazo (Cheri)
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2000 - 3:27 pm: | |
AHHHH the beautiful ARABIAN!! I have 4 purebreds and one NSH (1/2Arab - 1/2 Saddlebred) I also have saddlebreds too. I've owned and trained arabians (my own) for 20 yrs. now. They are exceptional animals, very willing and smart. All the babies I have raised, when I sell them, all the new owners are so delighted with their horses. I do not rush my babies to become adults too soon, that is alot of the problems with some Arabians that have attitude problems. They need to be treated with respect as they will give it back to you. I had at one time over 50 head and not one of them was ever a problem, as a matter of fact our breeding stallion, he was taught at the age of 3, when he was started breeding... to have manners. He was such an easy animal to work with. Anyone could have done it. He was taught to behave, not with a hard hand but with kindness and sterness when it was called for. He listened for my cue before he ever mounted a mare. He was great for maiden mares. So you see, in any breed if they are mishandled you get some problems, but Arabians sure get a bum rap sometimes. Because of their spirit and big hearts, they are called flighty - crazy - etc... Keep on Keeping on with the Arabians... a GREAT and Old breed that most horses originated from. |
A.F.M. Hyde-Clarke (Alexa)
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 17, 2000 - 3:41 pm: | |
Linda,
I think that some horses are always more easily spooked and aware than others. I find it is usually the more intelligent ones. With some of these super-sensitive, hyper-active horses, it really isn't a matter of feeding, or not feeding, in or out, it is just their nature. They do calm down a little as they get older, but they will always be on their toes and keep you on your toes!! But that is part of their charm! Your chap is obviously the guardian of the others - feels he has to be on watch and keep alert, while the other sloths graze and don't bother. Treasure him. |
Joe A. Dale (Jodog1)
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 17, 2000 - 5:24 pm: | |
Linda, I have an 8yo Fox Trotter that was exactly like that. Shoulda been named "Spook". After a year, he's a lot better, but still Mr. Radar Ears. I attribute the calm down to exposing him to lots of strange, but safe things and areas, trail rides with other strange horses, etc.. He may also be getting more relaxed the older he gets, but I like to think the a big part of his calming down is because he's more trusting of me not to put him in danger. |
Debra Stanton (Debs)
| | Posted on Monday, Sep 10, 2001 - 11:34 pm: | |
Two years ago,an eleven year old Arab mare came in to my care. She had never been away from her "home acres" or her mother! She had never been out on the trail without "mom". We had some pretty hairy rides as she spooked and/or tried to bolt at everything!
I wanted to express my appreciation to all for the advice, encouragement and stories I read here. Patience, perseverance and a trusting relationship are paying off...
Earlier this summer, as we trotted up a grassy hill, a big bull moose suddenly appeared before us. Last summer this would have been a recipe for disaster...but my mare froze in place, turned about and we calmly walked back down the trail! More recently we have had wood grouse fly out of the underbrush practically at her feet and she does not even flinch!
Thirty years ago my first 2 horses were Arabians. It is such a joy to be back riding an Arabian again... |
JOANNE OLDHAM (Jooldham)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 5:41 am: | |
Ah the spooky arab, all these posts ring a bell with me. My purebred arab is 25 next year, I have had him since he was 4, and he has been loaned to several people for the past 10 years, but always kept at my yard. I would say that arabs are always prone to spookig, they just seem more sensitive than other breeds. I have no preference for arabs above any other breed, and my other horses have been a real mixture, TB's, Irish draught and warmbloods. My arab is such character, everyone who meets him falls in love with him. He has not been trained any differently than my other horses or treated any differently. He took about 5 years to come to terms with traffic, and most of his spooking now is at things that the other horses do not even notice, fallen leaves, clumps of grass that are a slightly different colour etc. He is just great, I have to say that he is also the soundest horse I have ever had. He has better legs than my 4 year old, he is still in full work, hacking, jumping and hunter trialling. His only concession to age is that he does not hold his weight well over the winter.
The only advice I would give when training arabs is to have patience. Zahr has been maddening at times, one day he would sail over a course of jumps at 3ft3, the next day he would stop at a tiny cross bar and snort at it as if it was the first time he has seen anything so scarey in his life. Still he won his first one day event at the age of 22, so maybe he is just a late developer !.
Enjoy your arab, and keep your sense of humour, you will need it !. |
Liselotte F. Bradford (Lilo)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2001 - 1:42 pm: | |
My mare is a NSH (1/2 Arab, 1/2 Saddlebred). She notices everything!!! Used to spook a lot, but is getting better all the time. What helped her most were the Parelli Natural Horsemanship clinics I took her to, over the last two years. She is 15 now (I got her when she was 6), and can give a reasonable impersonation of a calm and seasoned trail horse most of the time now. I love her - I feel that I will never get surprised on the trail, because she is so observant!
Enjoy your horses,
Lilo |
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