We went to see a 20 yo TB this weekend that is in a local rescue organization. This TB was in a lesson program for sometime, was a previous jumper before retirement and is now to be placed for adoption. I'm not sure of the story on how she got there.
So, I'm looking for a new horse from my 6 yo daughter. When we arrived, the foster mom said she was just coming out of heat and had been a bit cranky that week but she and the director of this region said that the mare was a fantastic, quiet horse and a great ride. Also save for a beginner child. One thing to mention is that she looked very healthy, great weight and the only thing was that she could use some light farrier work but nothing major. BUT, I do not know when she has had her teeth floated!
When there, while tacking, she was antsy. After a few minutes in her bridle she was obviously bothered by something. She was throwing her head up, shaking her head, chewing the bit, etc. But we couldn't find any reason in the bit or bridle. She was only wearing a D ring snaffle and the bridle seems to fit her properly.
BUT, when you were riding her, she was as calm and sensible as she can be and PUSH BUTTON. She has a very soft mouth...only the slightest bit of tug and she was going in that direction. She responds to mouth clicks and word commands, no kicks required. Both my twin 6 yo's rode her as well as my 8 yo. and they loved her. BUt I'm a bit concerned on her behavior when tacking up. She also would start the head bobbing and chewing at the bit when she would return with one rider and while we switched riders.
Now, I know she hasn't been ridden in some time and asking her to work a bit without any warm-up may have been too much PLUS with new faces. I know it wasn't the kids, because they behaved very well and not rowdy.
I think that we can discover and work out these issues once we get her home but I'd like some other opinions as well.
We've never owned a mare OR a TB so this is knew to us. She's a big girl standing at about 16 hds. From what I saw while riding, she would not buck or become crazy but I don't want a horse I have to man-handle while they should be standing quietly.
Ideas?
So, I'm looking for a new horse from my 6 yo daughter. When we arrived, the foster mom said she was just coming out of heat and had been a bit cranky that week but she and the director of this region said that the mare was a fantastic, quiet horse and a great ride. Also save for a beginner child. One thing to mention is that she looked very healthy, great weight and the only thing was that she could use some light farrier work but nothing major. BUT, I do not know when she has had her teeth floated!
When there, while tacking, she was antsy. After a few minutes in her bridle she was obviously bothered by something. She was throwing her head up, shaking her head, chewing the bit, etc. But we couldn't find any reason in the bit or bridle. She was only wearing a D ring snaffle and the bridle seems to fit her properly.
BUT, when you were riding her, she was as calm and sensible as she can be and PUSH BUTTON. She has a very soft mouth...only the slightest bit of tug and she was going in that direction. She responds to mouth clicks and word commands, no kicks required. Both my twin 6 yo's rode her as well as my 8 yo. and they loved her. BUt I'm a bit concerned on her behavior when tacking up. She also would start the head bobbing and chewing at the bit when she would return with one rider and while we switched riders.
Now, I know she hasn't been ridden in some time and asking her to work a bit without any warm-up may have been too much PLUS with new faces. I know it wasn't the kids, because they behaved very well and not rowdy.
I think that we can discover and work out these issues once we get her home but I'd like some other opinions as well.
We've never owned a mare OR a TB so this is knew to us. She's a big girl standing at about 16 hds. From what I saw while riding, she would not buck or become crazy but I don't want a horse I have to man-handle while they should be standing quietly.
Ideas?