29 August 2008 16:19
I’ve recently bought a 15.2hh cob x who hasn’t been ridden for three years. When I got him home he took a few weeks to settle, but we lunged him and led him out in-hand, and generally took it slowly. Then it got to the point where we thought we should try to ride him. We tacked him up and one of the girls on my yard was going to ride him for me. We took him into the manège and she mounted quietly and all was fine – until she kicked him on, when he let rip! He bronced her off and now no one wants to ride him and I don’t know what to do next.
Answer
By Your Horse
TTeam Practitioner Claire Marr replies:
Unfortunately, as you’ve learnt the hard way, you mustn’t buy a horse when your heart is in control, and always take an expert with you. When you go to view a horse, always try to do as many things as possible with him, such as catching and leading, brushing, mounting from a block, etc.
Most horses are a little jumpy on arrival at a new home and four weeks is not a long time at all. You have to remember that no one tells the horse he is moving to a new home and whether it will be permanent or even friendly! It could take six months or
a year for him to feel at home.
Horses who spook often have tension in the neck, shoulder and wither area, which affects their ability to flex to view things, balance, spatial awareness and ability to learn, as well as depth perception and changes in light.
If you haven’t already done so I suggest getting him vetted, then seen by a chiropractor. Get his teeth checked by a qualified equine dental technician, and ask a qualified saddle fitter to assess the fit of your tack – saddle, bridle and bit.
Find a specialist who will come to your yard, restart your horse slowly at a pace he will understand, and teach you to be a big part of his education, leading to a better partnership between the two of you.
I believe people are far too quick to label horses – and a label can be difficult to remove. With your horse I think it could be a case of simple misunderstanding.