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Chaotic Meltdown

4K views 40 replies 18 participants last post by  mom2pride 
#1 ·
UGH!! I had Drill Team practice yesterday, like I do almost everyday. We were doing great. Blu's been working in a hackamore until I find the right bit for us.

Well....all of our training went to waste after Blu decided not to stop at the gate. He hit one horse, ignored every cue, reared, and acted like a total retard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats just an itty bitty tiny summary.

You guys I can't take it! I cried. I sat there and cried while Blu was acting stupid. I've had it. If he does this ONE more time, I think I'm done. We've been doing so good. His headset has been great. His lope has improved so much! And now this happens 'out of the Blu'. Today we don't have practice but I'm going to work with Boo anyways. I'm getting help from a friend that raises and trains Appaloosas. She's gonna let me try her Sweet Six to see how Blu does with a bit and noseband.

We literally took five GIANT steps back. I won't be able to carry a flag with the small amount of control I have. But worst of all, I probably won't show in August....
:cry: :-x :cry: :-x :cry: :-x :cry: :-x :cry: :-x :cry: :-x :cry: :-x :oops:
 
#2 ·
Oh and it didn't help that my so-called-friend was being a flippin B**** about it! She was telling me how to train my horse and saying I was too perfect. She threatened to fight me...that was not intimidating AT ALL because she's not exaclty. Nevermind. She was acting just as stupid as Blu. I could have punched her right there and she wouldn't have woken up until today. She told me I could get bucked off and die and she wouldn't care. I didn't really care if she cared either. She always says she's a better rider with a better horse. I'd like to cuss here but due to the fact that I really respect this place..I won't go down to that level.

This is just a huge mess...
 
#3 ·
I'm sorry to hear about the huge mess that happened, I hope that things get straightened out for you. Sounds pretty cool though that your in a drill team! We don't have any of those where I'm at! My suggestion is that you start back to slow with him for a while till he perfect each stage, begining at the walk, trot and than loap again, he could have just had a bad day just as we have bad days! take a day or tow, cool down and just spend good old quality time with him, take a lead line and lead him to green's outside of the pasture, something nice and simple, something that you know he knows what to do!
 
#5 ·
Sounds like you need to chill........ just because you have one bad ride doesn't mean ALL the training is out the window..... Geez if that were the case we'd all just give up and sell our horse's. Their a sentient being, maybe he's sore from having to work everyday.

So you had a bad night....... brush it off and try again.
 
#7 ·
sounds like you need to chill........ Just because you have one bad ride doesn't mean all the training is out the window..... Geez if that were the case we'd all just give up and sell our horse's. Their a sentient being, maybe he's sore from having to work everyday.

So you had a bad night....... Brush it off and try again.
absolutely - this
 
#6 ·
First things first. How many times has he done this? Does he always act poorly around the gate? Or does he just act "stupid" randomly? If it's a gate issue, I would suggest groundwork around the gate - put him on a lunge line and work him at all the gaits, and make him work through his misbehavior. A lot of horses (mine included) like to "duck out" at the gate, but a little groundwork goes a long way!

When you work him, be confident and assertive, and try not to let him see you get frustrated - horses pick up on that and remember, he's NOT a person - your frustration/disappointment won't make him try harder - it will make him act up more, because as you lose control over your emotions he will take advantage. If you can't ride or work him without losing it, then have someone else work him. Maybe take a break for a few days. If he does act up, make sure to work him through it - if you put him away after he misbehaves without immediate correction, then all he has learned is that misbehavior puts him back in his comfy pasture. Make sure the bit you use isn't extremely harsh - anything in his mouth will be a step up from a hackamore, and a harsh bit isn't the solution to a training problem.

How long have you and this horse been working with the drill team? Maybe you are asking too much, too fast - does this horse reliably walk, jog, lope, stop, and back on command? By himself, and also in a group? If he doesn't, then that's where you need to work before you even think about showing. If showing in drill team is really important to you (and it sounds like it is), maybe see if you can ride a different horse. Don't rush Blu - if you push it too far this season to get him to a show, then he might never make it to shows in the future. Showing is fun, but not at the expense of good, basic, training.
 
#11 ·
Blu acts up occasionally but not like this. He doesn't do this often, but he does do it. Its not one bad ride and its not like he does it all the time.

I don't think I'm pushing to hard or too much. He's done the drill before. Thats when I pushed hard. Now I'm just helping him brush up on cues and such. He's improved GREATLY. And everyone tells me about it.

I trained this horse and no one else rides him or wants to. :) Last year at the Rodeo he had a 'meltdown' too. But it had nothing to do with the drill.

I have relaxed alot. And today will be better. I just don't understand why he randomly does stupid stuff. Oh and the gate thing is occasionally but not an issue until yesterday. I know its going to be better. I just needed to cry and vent. :)
 
#12 ·
Blu acts up occasionally but not like this. He doesn't do this often, but he does do it. Its not one bad ride and its not like he does it all the time.

I don't think I'm pushing to hard or too much. He's done the drill before. Thats when I pushed hard. Now I'm just helping him brush up on cues and such. He's improved GREATLY. And everyone tells me about it.

I trained this horse and no one else rides him or wants to. :) Last year at the Rodeo he had a 'meltdown' too. But it had nothing to do with the drill.

I have relaxed alot. And today will be better. I just don't understand why he randomly does stupid stuff. Oh and the gate thing is occasionally but not an issue until yesterday. I know its going to be better. I just needed to cry and vent. :)
Simply put, because he is a horse. We have bad days, and so do they. If it is not one consistent trigger or issue, I'm inclined to chalk it up to exactly what you said - randomness. He is improving, but even when we are improving at things we still have days of backsliding. Just do exactly as you have said - come at it new and fresh. Forget yesterday and focus on today.
 
#16 ·
Horses are live creatures. I'm sure you have bad days too so why Blue is any different? :D So just keep doing what you do, be consistent. And don't care about what people ("friends" etc.) are saying (although I guess it's hard on you because of your age). BTW, you can always send them "far away". "Don't tell me what to do, and I won't tell you where you have to go..." (c) Lol!
 
#18 ·
I went out yesterday with a clean slate. I was ready to start again. But this really pisses me off...(excuse my French)

My friend decided she didn't feel like riding. Blu is at her house so they didn't bring the horses in(she's like 2mi. out of town). What the crap am I supposed to do?! I talked to her parents the day before and they were bringing Blu. She told them we didn't have practice so they didn't come. I waited an extra hour before I finally called. By then I was late for a vball tourn. and my team was mad now too. I've had it with my 'friend'. I'll show her how flippin friendly i am....
 
#19 ·
If this friend is causing problems, try and move your horse, but try to do it on good terms. If she's being stupid, don't waste your time on her, just move on.

I understand your need to vent. Sometimes when I go out to ride, Ricci just does terribly. I end up getting so frustrated that I just get off. I know you aren't supposed to end on a bad note, but sometimes, continuing to fight will just make everything worse. My horse is very intuitive though, she knows when I'm upset with her, and so far hasn't picked up any bad habits. And she usually does much better the next day.

Good luck with Blu, and your friend. Take a deep breath and relax. =]
 
#21 ·
This is what I tell my six year old when he gets mad....

"Quit-ers never win and winners never quit"....
 
#22 ·
I moved Blu to the fairgrounds for the rodeo. Just so I'd have him away from her. I love her family but grrr....

Now they want her horse to stay with Blu. Ah get away! That didn't go as planned and now they want Blu at their house. What is he? Their horse now?! I hate how they act like they know everything about him.....sigh
 
#23 · (Edited)
Hi Blu...
Wow...you poor girl...
I can so understand how frustrating people and horses can be and then we go and mix the two togeter...lol

I was just wondering when you were able to go out for a trail ride, or some other sort of riding that is more for relaxation then for "working"???

The reason I ask is this...
When we as humans work every day ..day in and day out we need to take a break! I wonder if you and your horse need some special good quality time to do something together that is not so intertwined with anyone else and is not practice for something the two of you do normally. A trail ride and a bath might be some things to try to have varity in your time together.
Maybe a little mixing it up when it comes to time spent with your horse would help you both...

I am sure it is sooo irritating that you missed out on the ride and then were late for Vball.

Everyone gave some great suggestions here. Do you have access to a round pen? Maybe some round pen and ground work will be benificial for you both...just something to change it up 1 or 2 times a week..

Oh my...I just looked at where you live...I bet it is scortching hot too. I know for me that only adds to my frustrations on some days...lol
I know it has been to darn hot here in the past weeks

About your friend.. IMHO...I would not give her the satisfaction of stooping down to her level...I would let it ride and focus on what is most important...You, and Blu...
I hope your feeling better and I hope that Blu's little outbursts wont drag on you for too much longer..
I forget who said this in this thread, but I do know that when I have a day like that my horse and I can feed off of one anothers "junk" !!
Not sure if that makes sense, but I know my horse is totally sensitive to my own personal emotions and feelings..
Hang in there and try and see the bigger picture for what it is...
You stated that other people can totally see the progress you and your partner Blu have made...That right there makes it worth it all.
Not sure if Blu is an older horse or a younger horse, but whatever that may be, consistency will be the key!
Keep up that progress and you'll be able to carry the flag at some point...Then you can send us all a Pic
Hang in...
Half Pass
 
#24 ·
Thanks guys. Cyber hugs need to be invented. :)

I think I'm gonna be riding in a Mechanical Hackamore until Blu and I find a good bit. (What's your opinions on Mikmars?)

He did ok but is still tossing his head. He hasn't done that in forever. I'm afraid I'm hurting more than helping but my friend that raises the Appys is really a big help. And you guys are too for my emotional health!!

I rode today and Blu was awfully anxious. Might have been because I was bareback...oops. Anyhow, I'll send pics and updates! THANKS!! THANKS!!! THANKS!!!! THANKS!!!!!

(I did carry a flag the last time I did the Drill but like I said..I need more control.)
 
#26 ·
Way to get on and keep hangin' in there! Don't worry, Boo will settle down...

Have you considered an "S" Hackamore for him?

What kind of bits have you tried for him?
 
#27 ·
What kind of bits have you tried for him?

My thought exactly! Hard to suggest a bit to try if we don't know his history! How is he to ride normally? Is he "hard mouthed" or just trying to evade the bit? Is he usually a high spirited horse or is this something new to him? When were his teeth done last? One of our ponies started tossing her head around last summer and we found out she had wolf teeth...once they were out she went back to herself in a french link snaffle...just some questions!
 
#28 ·
if he's tossing his head you are either holding too much and he's trying to avoid the bit, or he's got teeth issues... (would be my first guesses) and the reason I'm leaning towards holding too much is because of his meltdown, you are probably not trusting him right now (not blaming you)... try releasing some.

Now, remember how a hackamore works, it isn't "less severe" then a bit like alot of people think....
 
#32 ·
if he's tossing his head you are either holding too much and he's trying to avoid the bit, or he's got teeth issues... (would be my first guesses) and the reason I'm leaning towards holding too much is because of his meltdown, you are probably not trusting him right now (not blaming you)... try releasing some.
OR he has some pain issues. Drill horse's are ridden pretty hard, he might benefit from a chiro or MT.
 
#29 ·
I discovered that hackamore's(Mechanical) can be a heck of a lot more severe. Blu is helping me train my hands a bit more with this hackamore. If I pull to much, he picks his head up because it hurts. And if I don't realize that he's giving to the pressure(say I'm not paying attention), he starts to flex to the side as if saying, "I'm giving! I'm giving!"

I don't trust myself with this possibly severe tool. So I think I'm going to ride with a bit in the drill today and ride in a hackamore everywhere else. WISH US LUCK!
 
#33 · (Edited)
Blu....

Just a thought...

Forget about your friend, forget about the way Blu was the day before. When you go to see him and work with him, take a deep breath, clear your head, and slow yourself down physically and emotionally. Focus on just the two of you...together...as partners. The calmer in temperament and action you are, the calmer and quieter your horse will be. If you are anxious to get one thing done just so you can rush off to the next item on your schedule… that anxiousness will transmit to your horse, and well...

Horses don't understand the concept of time as we do, and not all horses learn at the same rate. All we can do as responsible owners/riders/trainers is to help them learn, and to learn it well. Ray Hunt says, "If you are going to teach a horse something and have a good relationship, you don't make him learn it- you let him learn it". That philosophy has worked for each horse I have had the pleasure of knowing.

On another note, you mentioned that you have tried more bits than you can remember the names of....
How long did you work with each bit? Did you give it time (again...horses don't understand our concept of 'time', so this has to be considered from the horses' point-of-view). If you only try a bit a week or so, and then change to another, and another, and another...that alone can start head-tossing, lack of response to cues, etc. Like trying to sleep in a different bed every two weeks (business travelers’ deal with this)...after a while you begin to hate it. Horses are like that with tack...they like what fits correctly, and what becomes familiar. Constantly changing the tack, or the routine (grooming, play time, schooling time, down time), can make a horse anxious because nothing is constant...causing them to feel un-settled/irritable/insecure. Even the most seasoned National Champion show horse will have an off-day, or have to take a season off because they get soured from the constant change of travel and show grounds.

This is just my opinion, based on three decades of experience. I hope that this helps.

By the way, I noticed that you are in the White Mountains of AZ. My ex-BIL is retired from the Sherriff's Office up there in Show Low, and is an outstanding western horseman, having trained many horses (and their owners) to trail, pack, rope, etc. I'd be happy to put you in touch with him if you are interested.
 
#34 ·
I agree...you really have to give a bit a good 3-4 weeks, sometimes more of a chance to really know if it's going to make a real difference...

Sometimes, and I mean 'sometimes' the change will be immediate, but that is quite seldom; the horse needs a chance to really get used to the feel.

Head tossing can just be a nasty habit too, and have nothing to do with bit, or rein pressure...especially if he was ridden particularly hard before you owned him.
 
#35 ·
All the bits I've used have been tried over 2yrs of having Blu. No bit for less than 3 weeks.

Blu acted horrible again. He has absolutely NO stop. He was running into horses so I made him go into the fence. This was yesterday in the drill and grand entry.

As of today...the SAME only WORSE. First, I lead all the horses in the grand entry. Blu wouldn't go into the arena because he's a follower not a leader. I made him go in. When I started to slow down he started raging off faster. I lost both my reins. I recovered one and tried a one rein stop. He broke ANOTHER martingale and wouldn't stop. And I'm not talking bout a nice lope I have to GO in the front. Anyway he wouldn't stop so I had to go an extra lap so he'd park it. Nothing. I couldn't even pull his head over. Eventually he stopped. I got my reins and picked up what was left of the martingale. Blu wasn't the only horse acting stupid. That was the last straw. I'd had it with him and we still had the drill to do in an hour.

I put that hackamore back on him. Its a bycicle chain. Sounds harsh but his nose is protected by thick rubber, cotton padding, and vet wrap. I got a little more respect from him and his stops were better so I rode in that in the drill. He got his butt down and did much much much better.

Only problem is I can't show in a hackamore. And I don't have the time to really prepare for the show. I leave for volleyball camp tomorrow and won't be back until Thursday. Wish us luck. I'm gonna try something like a Sweet Six or a bit with a noseband. UGH....
 
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