"The mare has kicked Buck several times when eating hay, but okay in the pasture. We've corrected her when we've seen this happen, but..."

We've got a 10 year old QH Gelding named Buck and a 10-year-old Morgan mare. They've been together for a year, and are great on the trails together. The mare has kicked Buck several times when eating hay, but okay in the pasture. We've corrected her when we've seen this happen, but it's still continuing. She's a small horse, but very quick and has connected several times to his face and shoulders, hard enough where the muscle tissue was separated and dented, and broken a bone below the eye (vet said it reset fine). Buck is a great horse who was previously abused and has never shown us anything but love. I can't bear to see him hurt again, so we're thinking of separating the two during mealtime. If that doesn't work, the mare will probably have to go. Any other suggestions?

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Gary, Why don't you just separate them all of the time? A simple line of hot wire will do the trick.
Janelle Nelson

"My question/concern is this.... everyone tells us he will be the hardest to train because he looks at me as his mother. He is so sweet and calm; we can do anything with him..."

We have a 4-month-old colt that we have been raising as an orphan from his second day of life. The mare was a first time mother and we believe she went into early labor. She had very little colostrum for him and her milk never came in. She turned on him his second day and we felt he had a better chance at survival without her. Everyone told us he would die before he turned 14 days old. However, my husband and I worked night and day to keep him clean, dry and warm. (He was born April 10 - the day of the huge late snowstorm here in Wisconsin) We fed him milk replacer out of first a bowl and then a bucket for the first two months of his life. At two and half -three months of age it became obvious he believed that he is a person. So, we slowly started introducing him back in with the other horse and he is now doing very well when interacting with the other horses. However, when I am out with him in the pasture along with the other horses, he still looks to me for protection if he gets spooked and will stay by me instead of with the other horses. My question/concern is this.... everyone tells us he will be the hardest to train because he looks at me as his mother. He is so sweet and calm; we can do anything with him. He loves to be handled, petted, and groomed. He is terrific at picking up his feet and anything else we ask of him. Will things really start going wrong when we start training him to saddle and ride if I keep up the close relationship/interaction with him? Is there something I should be doing so that he will not look to me for protection? Someone suggested I not spend as much time with him so I have been cutting back on that, however, when he looks and me and neighs, I have a hard time turning my back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

AAH Staff Answer:

Karen,

Your relationship with this horse, many believe is to die for. Why would you want to dilute it? Check out Dr Robert Miller, Pat Parelli, Chris Cox, Dennis Reis, and Clinton Anderson. All believe in a relationship or bonding with a horse as long as it is always respectful of you and your personal space.
If you have that, then you pretty much have it made.

AAH Staff

"Hi, I ride a friend’s horse that kind of became mine. He runs from his owner in his pasture and when she’s on him, he doesn't respond. He’s 8-year-old Arabian x paint. His name is teaque. He was just a trail horse. But I trained him for gymkhana. We are doing really well. I know it’s hard on their joints and knees etc. What could I do to make it easier on him?

Thank you!"

AAH Staff Answer:

Sarah,

1. Make sure he gets plenty of variety. Trail riding, hand walking. Playing new games etc.
2. Give him plenty of rest
3. Don't put him through strenuous workouts
4. You may also choose to give him a glucosamine & chondroitin supplement.

Good luck,

AAH Staff

"I have a real problem with getting her away from her pasture and away from the geldings..."

I have a mare that is about 13 (we don't know her real age) we adopted her from a rescue agency about 2 months ago and keep her pastured with 2 other geldings, I have a real problem with getting her away from her pasture and away from the geldings, I have to fight with her for about 10 mins and do this pull with a rope halter that my trainer showed me to get her away so I can go train her, and sometimes when I train her she still doesn't want to listen and wants to go back to them, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to put her in a grass run for a few months so we can establish a bond and get her away from the geldings. I'm hoping by doing this she will want to be with me when I turn her back out to pasture in a few months and won't have to struggle to get her to come with me. Someone else told me it would be a bad idea all she will want to do is go back to them and pace and get even worse. I wouldn't keep her in there for forever just till we can get a bond going then return her back for a few weeks then back into the run and keep doing that. Could you please tell me what would be best I am desperate? Thanks

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Shanna,
It sounds to me like you have a trainer in your employ at this time. Stick with this trainer, unless you are unhappy, in which case please employ another. There was a reason that this horse was at a rescue, so you very likely have your hands full. I would follow your trainer's advice and not listen to others unless you are not making progress, and then, like I mentioned find one that can help you. Horses are herd animals and will always want to stay together, however it sounds like your trainer is giving you good advice so just keep at it.
Perseverance will always win.

Janelle Nelson

"What can I do to make a better response when I squeeze to go?"

Hi,
I've Ridden my horses for 8 years now and we have a good relationship and all but before I got him he was drug a lot, and always had spurs on him. So now his sides are kind of "dead?. What can I do to make a better response when I squeeze to go?

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Hi Lisa,
What a good question!!! My friend Dennis Reis (Universal Horsemanship) always used to say " if spurs were for speed, jockeys would use them!) Let's start by teaching him to go by using a cluck. Reinforce this with a tap on the rear with your hand. Be very precise and soon he should start to go by bringing up the life in your body. I think that we can liven up his sides by teaching him different movements. Use your legs for leg yields and side passes. Always release instantly upon his correct movement, in the beginning just the try. By doing these exercises he will start to understand that the leg has several meanings and will start to learn to differentiate between them. You can start all of these lessons on the ground using a 12-foot lead. There are a lot of good videos available to help you understand the cues better and how to apply them. Thanks again and good luck to you.
Janelle Nelson

"hates to be ridden, doesn't even want to be caught..."

Hi I have a 5-year-old Filly off the track at my barn and we didn't ride her for a while, because of a hairline fracture on her knee, and then last winter she was sound on it. I started working with her getting her back used to a saddle and everything again, and only rode her about every 2 or 3 days so it was drilled into. I did that for about 3 months of the winter, then in the spring started to work her every other day. Then in the summer a girl leased her and DRILLED everything. She literally rode the crap out of her. So now the Filly hates to be ridden, doesn't even want to be caught. Horrible to work with now. I'll eventually get it so she walks over to me but it takes about 15-20 minutes, it's just too long. Can you give any better ideas to show her to better ways of riding. She hates the ring because it was drilled into her too, I just ride her on trails now, but she still hates it. Can you give any ideas to me?

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Hello Lisa,
I read and re-read your question.... I am wondering if this is a riding facility, who is in charge, etc. All in all, I would like to see a restructuring of your program for all of the horses. Perhaps stricter guidelines for people leasing horses, quality of time spent with them, perhaps a natural horsemanship trainer that comes once a week. Horse time is very different from our time, so if we don't have time save the exercise for when we do. 15- 20 minutes is not really any thing to a horse that has been abused such as this one has. The only way you are going to change this horse's mind is if you change yours and anyone else that handles her. Yes, the horse does need to be under control, however they also need patience, love, affection, understanding, and trust. Please look for a local natural horsemanship trainer to help you ... this problem will keep arising if the horses there continue to be treated in this manner. You will find that horsemanship can be really fun if you forget about time and just enjoy the moment. It is not all about riding!!!! Basically this is about getting her to trust the human again.... think about what it takes for you to trust someone and work from there. I wish the best for you and your horses!!
Janelle Nelson
Wholistic Horsemanship

"now he throws his head back and is very difficult to handle..."

My horse is 12yo and has been abused by not feeding properly and also little contact with people. We have had him for 2weeks, regular feedings and he is gaining weight but now he throws his head back and is very difficult to handle. What do we do? We have small children and I do not want them hurt. It seems now that he is getting his strength back he is acting bad. He will not let us get the halter on him or even the lead rope and when we try he acts out. Yesterday we brought him in and he charged everyone he saw and even tossed his head around, ran away bucking and snorting. We have never mistreated him. I want to help him but at what cost. Please help me. Are we showing that he is the boss or could it be my stepson who is present and this is when he acts out help?

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Lillian,
Thanks you so much for the question. You deserve a pat on the back for helping this horse. I don't think he is a good fit for your family and he sounds like he may be difficult for many others also. Please contact the nearest Horse Rescue in you area; they should be able to take him for you. The Horse Rescue people are usually highly trained to handle these types of situations. If you cannot find one in your phone book or on the Internet, please contact Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. They have a hotline and rescue connections nation wide. If you decide you want to try another horse, ask a horsy friend to come with you. You will want a very gentle older bombproof horse for your children. Thank you again for helping this horse.
Janelle Nelson

"He has on occasion performed the full "bucking bronco" routine...?"

I am having a problem with my horse Sam he is now 14 years old. He has on occasion performed the full "bucking bronco" routine having been mounted @ the mounting block & asked to walk on. He did this for the first time last year. I got on did up my girth a bit more as always and he took 4-5 steps and I got an awful fright as this was so totally out of character for Sam. He was then not ridden for 4-5 weeks as I could not find anyone willing to get on him, however after this period (I had been lunging him) one of the girls on the yard who is an experienced rider got on him but he repeated this behavior. Last year I got the vet out to him he was diagnosed as being anemic following blood tests and had extremely low white blood cell count. He also developed large swellings on each side of his belly, the vet said this was edema. A sample of fluid was taken and tested negative. The vet also gave him a full examination and checked his saddle. He found no problems with his back or lameness etc. Sam was prescribed a tonic high in iron over a period of weeks and had several further blood samples taken. The white blood cells increased back to normal. He was also checked for liver damage and heart problems. However his liver etc was fine. Sam was then on total rest for about 3 months. The vet who said he was looking much better and had one last blood test then checked him again. Everything seemed fine as far as the vet was concerned. I also had his teeth checked by the dentist during this time. Sam was slowly put back into work a light lunge @ first to get him back into shape. This went on for 5-6 weeks then my friend got on him having been lunged first and he unfortunately `bronced` her off just as she asked him to move away from the mounting block he took about 4-5 steps same spot exactly. She had been very gentle with him going lightly into the saddle and asking him to gently move on. I then phoned the vet again told him what had happened. He agreed to come out and have a look. Previous to the vet coming out a girl I know offered to get on Sam. I lunged him to warm up with the saddle on checked the girth before she got on and tightened as required, then she got on. She got into the saddle very lightly but took up contact with the reins firmly and sharply asked him to move on he put in what I would call a temper tantrum stamping feet and shaking his head about for about 30-40 seconds then he was fine. However, his ears were back most of the time she was riding him. A couple of days later the vet came. He checked his saddle once more I tacked Sam up the vet watching then went on to lunge him both reins. Then my friend got on him and he did not so much as blink. He was absolutely fine but ears back most of the time. The vet watched him being ridden he said he was a little stiff in the back but nothing too worrying as the ride went on he loosened up and the vet said he looked absolutely fine. I was advised to continue to lunge before riding for a while longer. Incidentally there was no evidence of him dipping or anything of that sort nor has there ever been while being tacked up. But Sam does put his ears back. Sam was a school horse for several years and was known as slow Sam. He was labeled as being slow and "can’t be bothered" but safe. He was a school horse for 5 years and then he came to me. I had known him for 3 years before he was mine. I moved him with his other horsy friends to a new livery yard run by the lady who owned the riding school. Anyway May this year was the month he was given all clear by the vet. Other girls all experienced, rode Sam for me after lunging for several weeks. I had lost all confidence. Finally in June this year I got on Sam after lunging him. My instructor has the patience of a saint has been magnificent in helping me to get my confidence back. Sam too, also played his part by being patient with me his jittery rider. At the beginning of August, time was a factor and I did not have time to lunge Sam before riding him so I was uneasy, my instructor popped on and he was fine no problem, I then got on, no problem. So that is how things have been up until 3 days ago. I had been gaining my confidence and loving every minute of my riding @ least 3 times a week. Sam appeared happy and unconcerned. I tacked him up for the lesson in the stable went and got my boots hat on, came back walked him over to the riding school Sam was doing his lazy, I can’t be bothered Sam almost walking backwards but very calm. He had not been lunged as he had been fine for several weeks I got on and asked him to walk on. He took about 2 steps and off he went like something possessed full bucking bronco! I went flying off immediately and he continued to bronco for about 15-20 seconds after I had come off. We checked Sam over but could not see anything obvious. I phoned my vet. He asked if Sam is cold backed as he had asked before. I said no he had never been before but asked him can he become cold backed to which he said yes. But, following a lengthy discussion he agreed with my instructor who previously owned Sam and has known him for 8 years now that she thinks he can’t be bothered. He has no back problem as far as the vet is concerned. They both feel he is being naughty. The vet advised I could go back to lunging him before he is ridden and see how he goes. I am desperate as some of the people @ my yard have suggested I sell him onto a horse dealer. I love my horse and don’t want to part with him but not being able to trust him is going to be a big issue for me. Can you help?

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Dear Fran,
I am very impressed with your diligence and patience. I, of course can't tell you what is wrong with your horse without seeing him. However, I don't think he is being "naughty", but think that he is really trying to tell you that something hurts, or is really troubling him. My gut reaction is inflamed kidneys, which won't always show in a blood test, or some structural problem. Do you have a holistic equine chiropractor, acupuncture, or acupressure therapist around? He/she should be able to prescribe you an herbal kidney flush, such as Silver Lining kidney. There are a few good one available.
Also, he should not have any sugar, molasses, etc. Just grass hay and plain oats to hide any supplement, or the kidney in. Flush for 30 days.
When you do go to ride, I would rather see you use a round pen instead of lunging, and get Sam to hook onto you... you should be able to read what he is thinking and also round pen him with his saddle on. Is it flopping on his kidneys? Does it really fit when he moves?
Upon mounting, do not just ask him to walk off. Start by disengaging his hindquarters and doing a lot of bends. He cannot buck while disengaged and this will give you a chance to see how he feels without getting hurt.
If I think of anything else to help you, I will forward it on. Sometimes I get ideas in the middle of the night and go ... Oh!!!
Hang in there... we can find it if we just keep trying!!!!

Janelle Nelson
Wholistic Horsemanship

"I’m feeling pressure to put my 3-yr-old daughter...?"

Hi,
My friend has an Appaloosa and is a very large horse. I’m feeling pressure to put my 3-yr-old daughter from them and my husband. So I allowed it and the third time she was on the horse, the horse bucked her off. Luckily, my husband was there to catch her before she hit the ground. She will be four in November. I’ve heard that someone gives riding lessons at age 4. They have someone leading the horse and someone walking right next to the rider just in case she loses her balance. She does not have balance on the horse right now. So that's how she rides the horse. However, my husband wants to take her out with no one walking beside her; just leading. Do you suggest that is a good idea? Do I have reason to worry? She doesn't have a saddle that fits her. They usually tie up the stirrups so she fits her feet in, but that still doesn't ease my mind. Please advise. I don't know much about horses...thanks in advance for any info/advice that you can give.

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Dear Sonya,
Your motherly instincts are working very well. While some young children do ride alone, knowing that your daughter is not balanced yet tells us that she should have someone next to her at all times. I also question the horse they are using as a schooling mount for someone so young. There are a lot of babysitter horses out there that love to teach children to ride, not buck with them. If your daughter has the desire to learn at such a young age, why not give her the best start you can? If she were to get hurt now she very possibly would never want to ride again and would miss out on the joys of horsemanship. Look for a certified instructor in your area that you feel secure with. You may be able to find group lessons with other children her age. You may want to get involved yourself and turn these lessons into a family outing.

Janelle Nelson
Wholistic Horsemanship

"Could she be claustrophobic? Or maybe traumatized from her auction / meat truck ordeal??...?"

I recently bought a very sweet TB mare - 14 yrs. - was never raced & primarily used as a brood mare. I actually rescued her from meat plant after seeing her at an auction. The problem we're having...she has bonded well w/ her fellow equine stable mates, however, & myself she has a bad nervous habit when in her stall or in crossties. This is to the point where she gets herself completely sweated up in minutes. She almost does this prancing in place thing & nothing calms her until she is let out. Could she be claustrophobic? Or maybe traumatized from her auction / meat truck ordeal?? Any advice to help make her happy would be great!
Thanks so much, Nita!!

Janelle Nelson's Answer:

Dear Nita,
It always warms my heart to hear of someone like you that has rescued a horse. Most all of the rescues come with there own little problems and I would consider you to be one of the lucky ones--- this is not too bad. If she was a pasture broodmare her whole life, she thought that was how life was; now the rules have changed. You will be fine, just give her a lot of time and patience and if you can, stable and cross tie her as little as possible and gradually work up to longer periods. Otherwise, just keep on loving her, and as Buck Branaman says, pet her till the hair falls off!!!!!!

Janelle Nelson
Wholistic Horsemanship