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Need opinions on a possible rescue

902 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  kitten_Val 
#1 ·
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?
 
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#2 ·
The first thing i would suggest is go back and see her again. The people at the organisation may be telling the truth about her being in heat and thats why she is antsy but for piece of mind i would go and check her out again to make sure it isnt her normal self. Some places just want to have horses moving through so they can have more horses coming in. ( mean i know but some ppl just dont care)

For her age and breed having some decent weight is a good sign.
The taking up and bridle issue may have something to do with her teeth, or you may be right, she may just be in heat and uneasy with different people being around after not being ridden in a while. I would still check to see if her teeth have any issues or if her mouth is in bad condition.

You said she reacted well with you kids. Thats really good. You could have a 'perfect on paper' horse that doesnt connect with the family and its no good. As long as she isnt mean and connects with everyone whilst safe then i wouldnt worry too much.

Just make sure that what ever dicision you make its the right one for you. Hope this helped any.
 
#4 ·
I just want to say that lesson horses in the known barn in my area are all like the girl you are describing (aged OTTBs and lot of them are mares :) ). I've been taking the lessons there several times (as they have indoor arena so I can ride in bad weather), and those were very nice lesson horses. I really enjoyed. I'd suggest you give couple more tries. Sounds like this horse was thru some no-so-nice situations so she may need just little more time to cool down and trust.
 
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