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Discussion on Frightened or confused TWH | |
Author | Message |
Posted on Monday, Nov 1, 1999 - 12:51 pm: Recently bought 11 YO TWH gelding that had spent several years in backyard sandlot situation, not ridden in nearly a year.Fine on the ground, crazy when you are up. Loose rein or collected makes no difference - just takes off like a shot.Vet says no back problems.Tried different saddles, bits - round pen work.Seems scared to death. |
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 2, 1999 - 11:21 am: Sharon, do you know anything of his history? Why hasn't he been ridden for so long? Could he have been given a hard time under saddle by his previous owners? You will have to be very patient with this one and treat him like an unbroken 3 year old. Is he OK when you put his tack on? Most important, don't risk your safety by trying to get on him on your own. Have someone hold him and lead him with you lying across the saddle or use a weighted sack at first. Take your time and let him take his. Please let us know how you get on.Good luck with him. |
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 2, 1999 - 12:30 pm: Sharon,A friend of mine aquired a 10 year old quarter horse sometime ago that reacted the same way. He also came from a simular situation. It took about 3 or 4 months of her earning his trust and him getting comfortable with his new surrondings and pasture mates before he was ridable. He has turned out to be a wonderful and surprisingly experienced horse. Good luck! |
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Posted on Wednesday, Nov 3, 1999 - 6:56 am: Thanks for the input. We found out that he was tried as a "built-up" horse for a few months without sucess.He's long-backed and real "pacy".Since he's so sweet on the ground I wonder if it's because of his early Walker training (I assume he was sold as a 2 YO with some training) maybe conflicting with what others tried later. I agree with the advice for caution - the horse is really intended for my husband, who is a big guy.I have been riding him in an attempt to get him settled - he does his best to scoot out from under my hubby's weight.Also, in answer to your question, Helen, the folks we bought him from owned him three years and were both suffering medical problems that prevented them from riding - especially this guy, who "just loves to go".I guess patience & establishing trust is the key.If my husband insists on a trail ride this weekend I'll just increase his life insurance (just joking!)_ |
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Posted on Wednesday, Nov 3, 1999 - 9:31 am: Hello again Sharon. I just had another thought as my mare was a case of all systems go when I first got her although quiet as a mouse to handle. I did several weeks of ground training to find out what words she was used to and to get her confidence in me. Even now I use commands more than riding aids to control her, especially in the slowing down/stopping department. She still prefers to gallop everywhere if we go for a trail ride but I can trust her and it is rare for me to have to say walk more than three times to bring her down from fast to slow. People told me I was mad to buy her but I thought she just needed to be understood and I've never regretted it.Perhaps your husband could set a new landspeed record and make you all famous!! |
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Posted on Wednesday, Nov 3, 1999 - 9:29 pm: Since he's still worth more alive than dead, I kinda hope he doesn't set that record. Actually, he's a real good rider with excellent balance and I don't think the horse will kill him. I'd just like everyone to be relaxed and have a good time like I do on my TWH gelding. We trail ride for hours and are real partners.It's been a help to hear others have taken on "crazy" horses that worked out.We love "Stoni" already and just need to work with him. He was funny tonight- it's chilly here in FLA and I insisted in dressing him in a sheet.I swear he was tickled at the special attention.Raced around and pranced. I think he will be fine. |
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 1999 - 4:24 pm: Best of luck Sharon, sounds like Stoni is lucky to have soemone willing to put forth an effort on him. I have allways said it takes only a handshake to get a horse but it takes years to get a partner...Emily |
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Posted on Friday, Nov 5, 1999 - 6:56 pm: Noted an item in your posts that may lead you in a new direction. You described "long backed", then mentioned your husbands weight. I'd hazard a geuss that you have several things going on there; the trust issue as mentioned above, the re-establishing or determining training levels, if any, and alos a horse that is out of condition. As his body is toned, his back will get stronger, helping him to carry riders with more confidence. I bet you will see a marked improvement in about 90 days....be patient, be consitent, and be full of praise. It worked for me! |
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 7, 1999 - 10:08 am: Tiani & Emily - Thanks for the encouragement from you both. I have great hopes that things will indeed work out. In only a month Stoni's muscle tone is better and I've finally found a bit that works. The article posted re paciness in the TWH was very helpful & confirmed what I believed about riding him in a shank.My husband was convinced he needed shanks to stop, but agrees now that a snaffle combined with a chain works better.We went on our first little trail ride yesterday, and other than my fella having a fit at keeping up with Stoni's pace , it went well.Stoni even walked part of the way!Sharon |
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 2, 1999 - 9:32 am: Just a quick update-Still can't figure Stoni out entirely. As I mentioned, he is very gentle & willing on the ground. He opens his mouth for the bit and does not object to tacking up at all.He goes through some advoidance manuvering when you mount, then takes off as fast as possible! When you finally get him slowed & calmed down he will stop at just a whispered "whoa", but if he gets excited again (for yet undetermined reasons) you could pull his head off and not get him stopped. So perplexing! On the positive side he is looking good and building up stamina & muscle. I put him on some B1 and an OTC calming agent called QuieteX that had helped my son's mare in the past, but see no difference. Oh well -patience, patience, patience!!And ground work. |
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 2, 1999 - 11:31 am: Well done Sharon, you have obviously made some good progress already. I doubt if your Stoni will ever be in the slug category but I'm sure he will continue to improve.When he jumps about as you are mounting try holding the inside rein tighter so that he circles around you - he can't run off on a circle. My mare was terrible to mount and would shoot off as I was still swinging my leg over. Apart from the rein trick I always mounted her in exactly the same place and now when I lead her there she lines herself up and knows to wait quietly. She still goes off as I lower myself into the saddle but at least its only at walk. I use the command 'wait' if she is being particularly rude as she knows what it means when she stands in her stable doorway with the door open. Be completely consistent with him and he will learn. It may be that a previous rider was rough when mounting and inadvertently kicked him while mounting. I'm sure my mare's desire to gallop everywhere comes from being ridden fast by a teenager. Bad habits are quickly learned and hard to get rid of!! I look forward to your next report. |
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 22, 1999 - 5:48 pm: Sharon,I couldn't help but read your message regarding your horse Stoni. I have several TWH's for both show and pleasure. Your boy sounds very similar to a Spotted mare I purchased earlier this year. She too was left out inthe pasture by her previous owners for almost a year with no riding. The first half-hour on her she is like a nuclear missle, then she relaxes and quiets down. She is rock solid on trails and in heavy traffic. She is not mean spirited and will really try to please you, but she is all energy for that first half hour. There sounds like there are two things going here. 1) Do you have an idea of Stoni's bloodlines. Some bloodlines (especially Merry Go Boy) have a tendency to be high stung. 2) If your horse was a retired show horse, he may be reacting according to his training and what he thinks you are wanting him to do. Don't panic, if you are patient with him and ride, ride, ride him more than 3 times a week, he will eventually figure out what you really want him to do. It has worked for my little spotted mare and I am sure it will for Stoni. Dennis |
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Posted on Thursday, Dec 23, 1999 - 7:21 am: Thanks for your encouragement, Dennis. And, yes , he has some Merry Go Boy in his breeding (don't they all?) but not nearly so much as my gelding, who is by Motown Magic & considered quite "spirited". Stoni is out of Dude's Lady H by Pride's Hallelujah, a line I don't know. What sort of bit do you use with your spotted mare? I've gone completely the other way at the urging of our trainer - who admits to knowing nothing about Walkers- and have him in a full-cheeked eggbut snaffle without even a caveson.I was starting to get discouraged when you wrote - I ride him every other day ( in an arena) for at least an hour. Walk, turn, stop, figure eight - all that stuff and thought we were making progress until Tuesday, when as soon as I mounted he bolted.Darn. Now my husband has set a time limit, and I'm considering Reserpine. I've gotten fond of the horse from working with him (OK, call me sentimental) and really don't want to get rid of him.Our equine dentist breeds Walkers, and he said some horses were "bred to bolt", as in for going built-up.Which he did eight years ago. In that case I don't know if I can battle genetics!But I will keep on trying as long as I can. And I sure appreciate this information source while I do so!Sharon |
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 18, 2000 - 4:41 pm: Progress Report Time:Stoni was given a dose of Reserpine 15 days ago and I was afraid it hadn't been a good idea at first - he was definitely "stoned" for a few days; looked like a Bassett hound around the eyes and was staggering! But now things are better - both in & out of the arena. I've walked him around the outside of the arena and, while he's nervous, he will stop when I ask.I am beginning to feel hope! Oh, and as a post script - Hubby is almost healed, too! Hasn't been up to riding yet, though. Sharon |
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2000 - 6:16 am: sharon,What is Reserpine? I presume it is some kind of tranquilliser? re this type of bolting that Stoni does, does it not help to maybe lunge him for 10 minutes before getting on, to get the extra fizz out of him? Does he do this every time you get on, or just sometimes? Is there nothing that happens each time as a trigger point for him? Your toe in his ribs? Left leg back? Whatever - something that just sets him off? I'm late to re-reading this discussion, after reading the Reserpine treatment. Cheers, Alexa |
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2000 - 9:43 am: Hello All,AFM there is an article on Reserpine in the Medications: Secative section. Sharon that is fascinating and fantastic. I do not use reserpine in my practice. By the time I graduated (84) reserpine was removed from the market and considered verbotten. We are constantly warned about the low therapeutic to toxicity ratio. In spite of that many older practitioners continue to use this mood altering drug even though it currently has no approived status with the FDA. I know I have tried a dozen times to get more information on this drug due to the frequent questions and intriguing properties but there is very little work on it. I think I will redouble my efforts to add some practical information to that article. Please let us know the exact dosage and continue to keep us appraised of your progress and problems. This is a frequent problem on these boards for which we have yet to find a solution for all. DrO |
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2000 - 10:15 am: Alexa-There does not seem to be any precipitating factor to this horse bolting. I have had him checked by two vets & an equine massage theapist.His teeth have been floated by an equine dentist. His feet are fine. He always panics outside the ring, even being lead with my 60 lb son on his back.I lunge him consistantly before riding.He can be calm for most of a session in the arena and then take off for no apparent reason.He stands quite well for mounting & now will depart calmly 90% of the time.We can't decide if this problem (which seems to originate between his ears) is because of early TWH show training or anxiety related to moving after 9 years in the same place.He is perfectly behaved in every way on the ground. Dr.O- Yes, I had quite a time getting info about this drug. And much advice pro & con using it. I also read re the small margin of error for toxicity and was real nervous - I will check with the vet to be sure I remember the dose correctly. It was a last ditch effort - and since we aren't selling or showing this horse we hope it just takes the edge off long enough for him to settle. I understand that it originally was used in human therapy as a calming agent/antipsychotic in mental patients, before the development of stelazine & thorazine.And was abused widely in showing before accurate testing was available. Supposed to last about 30 days. I'll keep you posted how he progresses. Sharon |
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 1, 2000 - 11:11 pm: Sharon:I have read this post with great interest as I purchased a 5-year-old TWH mare in mid-December and am having the same type of problem. I bought her because she had very sweet ground manners and seemed fine under saddle the first time I rode her. She's had basic training, but has not been ridden regularly for about 6 months. After getting her home to Gloucester, VA from her home (all her life, with her mom) in Fayetteville, NC, I could have sworn someone had switched horses on me. Ground manners were the same (great), but when riding she spooks at everything, goes sideways, throws in a little buck or two, freezes up in mid-stride and locks legs like she's seen a monster. I'm an intermediate rider with more experience on trails than in the ring (not a great deal of formal training)--and I'm reading with interest your story to see if it all works out for you. I'm hoping my mare's problem is due to adjustment and being away from her mother for the first time ever. She seems to be gaining trust slowly--for a month she pinned her ears consistently. She doesn't do that very much anymore. Between bouts of bad weather I'm doing ground work with her and so far she's been responsive. By the way, mine is also a pacer. On the bit issue--the egg butt snaffle is working well? I had heard that the Wonder Bit worked well, but since your problem is slightly similar, I may try the eggbutt snaffle. I'm anxious to hear how things turn out. Best of luck! Terri |
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000 - 9:04 am: Dr. O and Others:Just recently I read (https://www.chronofhorse.com) that Resperine is alive and well on the 'big hunter circuit'. Apparently the AHSA had stopped testing for it and now it is getting used again. Only now, it is under the guise of a homeopathic medicine. My understanding is that the idea to start using it again was based on the fact that European competitors are using it. Now if I may remark about the TWH. I realize we all like to believe that every horse can be made into a wonderful riding partner, but the fact is that isn't true. Sometimes horses remain hot and react adversely no matter who tries to retain them or what corrective measures are taken. This might be such a horse. If it were my husband, I'd get him a big, quiet Percheron cross to ride. |
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000 - 1:29 pm: Hi Terri & MarionActually, Stoni is doing quite well.I ride him 3-4 times /wk & have taken him out on the trails three times - he gets better each time. Still likes to go like mad, but is slowing down.Terri, we may never know if the problem was breeding& personality, training, change from familiar enviornment or disuse and poor condition. The Reserpine dose was given 4 wks ago last Monday, so if it still has any effect I would think it was minimal now.I believe the medication served a purpose in letting him relax enough to learn.Panic does interfere with learning.I would definitely use it again - such medications have appropriate uses.I've really been working with him the last 2 months - and I'm far from expert. But I've decided that the key is ride, ride ,ride - arena or trail.I've even noticed my own horse, who has been neglected somewhat because of my focus on Stoni, acts up a bit more lately and is more spooky like your mare, Terri. I'll bet time will fix things with her- you are just getting to know each other. I switched from the snaffle to a WonderBit on Stoni about a month ago - just felt the need for a little more, although I know that flies in the face of conventional wisdom these days.We put light-competition shoes on the front of Stoni & seems to have helped a lot on the pacing,too. Marion- I agree that my husband should have bought a big, quiet, dead-broke horse.But HE bought this one.And I feel buying a horse is very different from buying ,say, a car;"If you don't like it, trade it in".We couldn't sell the horse the way he was - he would have wound up destroyed.Or sold another dozen times before being sent to slaughter.He is 16.1H and over 1250lbs., certainly big enough for the task.We have had him 4 months and he has made progress.I believe everyone deserves a chance, and if you had seen this big fella nuzzling my son's hair, or trying to pick the wallet out of the farriers pocket(now there's a switch!)you'd understand why I will not give up on him. Sharon |
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000 - 1:51 pm: PS TerriI don't know if you are experienced with Walkers or have access to a trainer familiar with them. I was lucky enough to have a trainer for the first ten months I had Magic, which helped enormously. There are also some books & tapes that helped me a lot - the books "Heavenly Gaits"&"Gaits of Gold" by Brenda Imus and the tapes "Training Tips Plantation & Liteshod TWH" by Diane Gueck. You might already know about them, but I thought I'd mention. Also some good info in the Training Menu -Gaited Horses ,here @ The Horseman's. Sharon |
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Posted on Monday, Feb 14, 2000 - 6:10 pm: Sharon and Terri,I was very glad to read your messages. I also purchased a TWH a few months ago (he's a retired built up show horse and stud - now gelded). He has been taking off with me lately if we are in a group of 3 or more horses and the pace picks up to a fast trot or faster. It's not a fear or panic thing with him - he just is dominant and really wants to be in the lead. (He is not physically ready to do cantering, so I try to stay behind and do a rack or running walk. This is when the battle begins that usually ends up in a gallop.) I had a bad scare with him a couple of weeks ago, but after reading your messages, I think I'm in the right mind set now to really work with him on it. (Patience, not muscle - I completely understood about pulling his head off and not getting him stopped.) I was wondering - do you let them go and and gently try to reinforce the slowing down, or do you get aggresive about it? (of course, assuming that you're in a safe place to get a little wild) I've been fairly aggressive about it, but I can't say that I've seen a difference yet. He is taking off more, but he's also much stronger that he was a few months ago. My horse was severly abused before I got him, and I also had difficulting mounting. He would spin away from me when I went to his side, and when I did get on he'd take off. Here are a couple of tricks that I figured out with him. - I always give the girth it's final tightening then lower the stirrup and walk him for at least 10 to 15 feet - and don't check the girth again. I am pretty sure that Merlin was regularly kicked to get him to release his air and he thinks that he might get kicked again if I go straight from messing with the girth to lifting my foot. When I stop walking him I don't mount immediately because he "freezes." (He just "shuts down" whenever someone does something that he's unsure of. I'm sure it's how he endured the physical abuse.) So after we stop walking I rub his neck and talk to him until I can tell that I have his attention. I then move back to the saddle and again talk and rub his neck until he relaxes. If he moves away or acts like he's going to take off, I back up a step and start over with the walking. It seems like getting him to relax about the mounting cured a large portion of the taking off. Sometimes it takes us a while to complete this, but at this point we have about a 90% sucess rate. I look forward to future updates. It's very encouraging to know that others have been where I am now (and lived to tell - haha.) Good luck! Jill |
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 16, 2000 - 4:11 pm: Hi Jill,When Stoni gets fast I change direction - like heading home & he picks up speed - we go back out again! One day he thought we'd never get home, but he slowed down! I am sure the thing that has helped me with Stoni is getting to know him. I feel confident now that, even if I can't get him stopped, I can get him turning in circles. And I know I can ride him at the canter. For the first few weeks every time I got on I remembered my husband crashing to the ground & hitting the trailer. I think I was the problem for a while - he sensed how scared I was. Wish me luck - I'm planning on taking him out on the trails in the local wilderness area on Friday.Not alone, of course!! Sharon |
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Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2000 - 9:28 am: Dr O & All,I remember you were interested in how things went with Stoni and the Reserpine tx - so here's an update: He had a total of two injections, the last on 2/10 that was 15 mg. Had some diarrhea following both shots and was really smashed for about 4 days. After that, the effects were pretty subtle - just a bit more relaxed. We have since moved him home with us, and my husband (oh joy of joys!) has been riding Stoni successfully on the trails. I would think the last dose would be out of his system by now, wouldn't it , Dr O? I believe it got him "over the hump" of the changes in his life. I rode him - a lot! - and fed & muscled him up - about 200 lbs worth! - and I know those are important contributing factors , but I feel the drug helped. I have another dose in the frig that I have no intention of giving - I think we're fine now!Maybe this isn't such a terrible medication - used appropriately! Sharon |
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Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2000 - 10:31 am: A fascinating story! I hope it helps others make up their minds. Everyone must remember: one persons experiences will be different and there have been reports of toxicity at what are supposed to be normal doses. On the other hand they are very few considering how widespread the use of this drug use to be.DrO |
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 4, 2000 - 9:57 am: I would like to add that the effects of reserpine are additive over time and last about 6 weeks. I remember somewhere reading that in the writer's opinion, transient diarrhea is one of the signs of an adequate dosage. I wonder if that is neccesary, perhaps a safer way of administering this drug would be starting with a smaller dose, then adding a little more if neccesary in a few days?DrO |
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 4, 2000 - 4:05 pm: DrO,I asked the perscribing vet exactly that - since I really don't like the degree of ataxia and sedation Stoni exhibits after a dose of the med, and he seemed to think too small a dose would not achieve the desired results. But, if it has an accumulative effect, it should, shouldn't it? Sharon |
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 5, 2000 - 7:59 am: It works by depleting a brain chemical that takes over a month to replace, so I would be pretty sure there is a cumulative effect but have no scientific work or experiences to draw from. I am looking for "victums" to try this on right now.DrO |
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2000 - 11:48 am: I would like to make a comment about Stoni. I'm sorry but I don't think the horse has a problem that requires medication. You have a high maintenance horse that requires steady daily riding with attention to detail. I ride many horses that have this exact same problem. This horse will never go for daily walks without some give and take. You must make predictable times for him to have his blasts of energy and you must be able to anticipate his every move just as he most definatly anticipates yours (bolting). Stoni has you figured out cold and he is having fun. His stop signals must be given before he makes the move to bolt, not 10sec. or even 2 sec. after. It is than to late. This really is possible to do. Study your horse constantly and pay attention to his muscle tension. The clues are there. Also, this is not going to be a popular oppinion but get rid of the smaffle bit. It is of no use outside of a fenced ring for this type of horse and he knows it. Anylong shanked bit(5"-7") with a wide curb for tongue room and the curb chain adjusted to 2 fingers will do wonders for sending the kind of signals this horse will understand. If you are constantly pulling on a bit (english style) there is no way for the horse to tell the difference between what he is doing and what is now being asked. You need to be able to gently pump the rains for a while until the mouth desencitizes and it will be be possible to ride with loose reign in about 4 days. Watch for those gunna go clues! Remember, high strung horses are like 2 yr old kids; no is only temporary until you let up. |
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Posted on Monday, Apr 17, 2000 - 12:30 pm: Hi, Cynthia -Thanks for your input. You must have missed a few postings in this terribly drawn out forum,though. We ride Stoni in a wonderbit with a curb chain. We don't use shanks on him , because he has such an exaggerated head set folks wonder how he can breathe!I suspect you are a trainer - do you specifically know walking horses? 'Cause I am always looking for new tips! Stoni is improving constantly, and I really don't believe it was ever a matter of him trying to dominate us or "having fun". This horse was terrified. I'm sure he was badly abused under saddle. There are no "bolt clues" - just a tense, sweating, trembling fear.We are not continuing to "drug" this horse - the last medication ( and there were only two doses given total) was over two months ago. My husband has been riding Stoni on trails in the wildlife area and we have achieved a 50% relaxed ride on a loose rein.And it's only gonna get better!I stand firm in my conviction that this medication - combined with patience, conditioning, hard work and love- has helped our horse. Sharon |
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 19, 2000 - 9:03 am: Hi SharonHere is some more input; every little bit you get will move you closer to the solution. Never use advice that goes against your instincts because you have the horse first hand and by this time know more than you think. I am not a formal trainer, but I have always dealt with the problem horses that no one else could love. They speak to me big time. Here in Egypt, Stoni would be a pretty normal horse (he has all the traits of a dancing horse) and that is really sad. This last note of yours does describe an abused horse. Time and extreme patience will calm him down. I suggest that you be a complete motor mouth whenever you are around this horse including when riding. If you don't mind, sing to him; horses like tone deaf people.Use a normal speaking voice and never raise your voice. Never move quickly and never raise your hands above your shoulders. All things I'm sure you know.Touch Stoni a lot. Do not be too gentle he should know you are touching him without having to think about getting tickled or what might happen next. Blow in his nose alot and learn to nicker. Be a horse. Give him treats and push him around at the same time. NO nasty stuff is meant by this! Stoni needs to think of you as a confident in charge psychiatrist. You already seem to be on your way to being his prozac fix. Keep it up. As Stoni associates more with your voice he will loosen up more when you ride and his head set will relax. You are trying to beat conditioning that was problably applied under a whip repeatedly. The punishments probably came instantly for any movement not desired for show and stoni may be petrified because there were too many mistakes and he could'nt distinguish the good and the bad after a while. This also leads to a serious lack of concentration in many horses when asked to perform in any way. I would avoid physical corrections when ever possible and try to rely on the voice more. This is a very slow way to train but it does work in the end. If my horse bucks or kicks or bites I grit my teeth and tell the butthead to knock it off. I pry the teeth off and carry on. Horses learn to trust quicker this way and they stop the behavior eventually. They become safer to be around than if you physically punish this kind of stuff.Just keep on your toes and try not to be a target. In this case, the bolting is probably a form of shying and time and patience will stop this behavior as you are beginning to see. Is stoni more afaid when men or women ride him? This could be a further clue as to the abuse theory. Sorry I get alittle long winded about these things. I could describe my 2 current pet projects some time if you are interested. You may not beleive their before/ after stories. But 2 years has performed wonders for these horses. Also remember that I am willing to settle for less than perfect and so I think are you. Stoni is a lucky horse. |
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 20, 2000 - 6:54 am: Thanks for the encouragement, Cynthia -Stoni is probably more relaxed when I ride him than when my husband does, but that is an issue of weight and familiarity - I've ridden him much more & am primary caregiver. My husband is gentle with his hands - I probably ride more in his mouth since I was taught that way by a walking horse trainer.And I think you are right about following my instincts - I know very little about training, but have just felt this horse needs lots of understanding. Final note - I laughed when I read that mention of singing/talking to Stoni. Someone must have told on me!! TWH are very rhythmical horses - mine love music and I sing (wince!!) to them on trailrides. Thought I was alone in the world a few months ago and was really belting out "Ragtime Ladies" when another rider came up from behind.I ducked my head & did my best to hide under my hat, but I was mortified!LOL Sharon |
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Posted on Friday, Aug 3, 2001 - 11:16 pm: I have an appendix/quarter named Pooh who behaves a lot like the horses mentioned. I also have been considering using reserpine. So far I have only heard people discuss reserpine that is injected. Does anyone have any experience with reserpine taken orally? Also, has anyone any experience with an herbal supplement called Serenity? |
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 14, 2001 - 9:39 am: Hey,LindaHad to run back over this thread to remember what we talked about! I've tried an herbal Tx called Quietex that seemed to help my son's pony ( at least my son had a bit of extra confidence when I gave it to her!LOL) but not the one you mention. We have come to the point - after working with two more trainers - that we pretty consistantly keep Stoni on resepine injections. We've got the dosage narrowed down so it's effective but doesn't cause the diarrhea. I have heard of giving the oral form but my vet feels the injections are more effective.Good luck! Sharon |
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