So, I don't know if everyone has been keeping close tabs on the goings on with my critters or not, but let me give you a brief rundown here then ask the question: my pony came from California to Colorado last September. I got a baby burro for her pasture pal. The horse developed an ulcer over the winter - or possibly on the way here and I didn't figure it out until late winter. Either way, we figured it out, treated her, and she has been so much more pleasant since she is feeling better. Last week, the burro got out twice. He stayed close, but the horse FREAKED out! Friday I went home early to fix the fence and the horse came up to tell me about a belly ache she had. I started her back on Ranitidine. She's been feeling okay, but I tried to tack up and ride on Sunday and she let me know that it hurt to tighten the girth (she's not cinchy, and she wasn't nasty, it was clear that she was just ouchy). So, I will keep treating with the Ranitidine. Here's my question: without question this 5yo mare has had quite a year. But, do you think I will ever be able to desensitize her enough to take her to a show or even for a trail ride off the property? I was wondering if anyone has had issues like this? I know I can just slowly enlarge her comfort zone, but I'm a stress case at shows too, so maybe I should just avoid them entirely with her? I mean her personality is what it is, and I'm okay with whatever keeps her happy and healthy... I am just kind of looking for commiseration here... Thanks!

I can't see how her stressing out and you stressing out at shows as a good combination.

You could try some very easy, gradual, off-property "rides." John Lyons once wrote about how you can take a horse that seems glued to the barn, and ride a few feet away from the barn, before they get a chance to get scared, turn around and go back. Do this until they are very relaxed about it. Then go a few feet further, same thing.
You could take the horse and burro to the show. Some people have horses that have a pony or a goat for a companion. If it worked for Seabiscuit, its okay for your horse, too. He had a companion horse that traveled with him, and stayed in his stall sometimes.

Depending upon how cooperative the burro wants to be, I'd try ponying him along on rides around the barn and pasture. That might be a little difficult if you have to ride bareback until the mare's "ouchies" dimminish. But I'd give that a shot, gradually using a longer line until the horse rides calmly with the burro just being within view.

It doesn't sound like taking her to shows is in your IMMEDIATE future but I wouldn't rule it out eventually. Just make sure you take enough Rinitidine for the BOTH of you. ~FH

tee hee! Boy that's the truth... when I was in graduate school, my GI doc and I were on a first name basis. Do you all think we pick horses with personalities similar to ours? Don't you think that amplifies our personality flaws? Thanks for ths suggestions... at some point in this lifetime, I'll be able to ride my pony on a routine basis

"You could take the horse and burro to the show."

I would be very careful with this suggestion. Some horses have never seen (more importantly, heard) a burro. It could cause a commotion if you take the mare away to show and the burro freaks out or gets loose somehow at the showgrounds. Young kids or beginners at a first time show may get hurt.

If you can trailer her to a show ans just cruise around the grounds with her, that would be ideal. No pressure for you, no pressure on her. Goal is to get there, walk around, and stay there until she settles in.

Just take your time with this horse and set realistic expectations for both of you. Desensitizing her will not happen overnight and it helps to get a good game plan together.



I have found the following very useful to get extremely nervous or buddy sour horses used to moving outside their comfort zone:

Tack up, then some longing to get out the "friskies". Not too much, just some walk, trot, and canter in both directions. You just want to warm them up a bit and pay attention, not wear them out.

Undo the longe line and put a halter/lead over the bridle. Lead from the ground and go for a walk outside the property (as far as you can without a war). Talk, sing, hum, whatever, while you walk. Vary the route or the length of time every day, if you can. If the horse *freaks*, redirect their attention to anything other then negative behavior: let them munch some grass for a second or head them down a different direction - just not towards home! Don't let the horse make that decision for you.

Sure the neighbors will think you're nuts, tell them you both need the exercise and you're training for a powerwalk marathon.

Come back to the farm. Longe for a few minutes more, just walk and trot.

Mount and do some walk, trot and canter for a bit. Then head out for a quick walk back to the end of the street, mailbox, property line... wherever you are most comfortable and she keeps behaving.

Then untack, groom, lots of love. Carrots as earned

Before long they will associate leaving as not a bad thing and to do it well means rest. Freaking out on the road doesn't mean no work when they get home. They pick that up fast.

Soon you can drop the second longe, or the second walk, or go out for longer periods of time. Incorporate some work on movements while you are on your outing. Use what works for you, but just don't lose your cool - it may take a day or a month for her to see that outside isn't the end of the world. Repetition is key!

Act as if you have no time constraints, because most likely you don't. She sounds like she'll be around for a while.

Hope this helps,

Marianne

ps: maybe it would help to contain the burro in the barn or distract him with some hay/treats while you work with her. This may not be possible, but if it is, it may help you.

those are some great ideas - thanks! We'll start cruising around in that fashion at home (already have been doing that some) - and yes, I am a big (off key) singer when my pony is with me... the burro runs behind us braying... three ring circus...