re: Small horses can be big pains

maneidea — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:42:31 GMT

I have also had similar experiences-not so fun and can be painful! I have learned to take baby steps in situations like this. It sounds like you made great strides when you were able to ride her for the 15 min(?) period. My trainer always had me stop with a success. The mare actually let you do a lot for where she is right now. She let you mount & ride her, which she is acclimating to. Sounds like she's defensive, so that's awesome you got that much from her. The relaxing will come-the acceptance is good for now. It sounds like she was just asked for too much too soon. It was hard for her to allow you to ride her, so asking her for the trail ride too was like punishing her for allowing you to ride her. So if you pick a smaller goal, stop when she accomplishes it, even if it is only 15 min. into your ride. She will learn that she is rewarded when she does as you ask. Building on this bit by bit will get you where you want to be faster. Pushing her will make her angry, defensive, and not willing to listen to you. My experience is in a battle of strength, the horse will eventually win & that's when you get hurt. Your goal is to not get her into her "red zone" of frustration. Try for a yellow zone" where you feel a little resistance but she is still responsive, then back off & reward her for going that far with you by stopping that session for the day. Give her a treat-rub, mint, "good girl", whatever she likes. Her tolerance will increase as will her trust in you. It sounds like she actually trusts you already as she was willing to do quite a bit for you, so she obviously feels you are safe. I'd keep building on that with shorter, positive experiences.

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re: Small horses can be big pains