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I'm Frightened... By my Horse

4K views 36 replies 22 participants last post by  Wheatermay 
#1 ·
I took your guys' advice with how to handle my standardbred. Suddenly, the cool collected mare I once had turned into a teeth lashing, scardy cat. And now I'm afraid. Afraid of my own horse. It feels shameful to admit it and I know it's really stupid for Me to be afraid it's just that whenever I put her halter on, and lead her around if I don't do what she wants she starts to bite. Her ears go back the whole time I'm around and suddenly I can't see that calm horse no more. I know she was neglected for a large part of her life, but when I correct her (hit her on the nose) she shies away. And is afraid of Me to touch her. I have a feeling she senses my fear, but how can I stop being afraid if she bites and hates Me?
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#29 ·
A part of being a good horseperson is knowing when you're in too deep.

I know where you're at, animallove. My mare Baby was a beautiful horse and had spectacular ground manners, but in the saddle she was dangerous, for me at least. It was a hard decision but I parted ways with her, selling her on to someone who had the experience to handle her.

You have the chance to admit defeat before you get hurt. I didn't get that chance; I was hurt on the first ride after I bought her.

If you do decide to persist though, I wish you the best and offer this bit of advice - Keep a lunge whip or something of the type on hand. Carry it in your left hand, the tip hanging behind you. As soon as the mare shows signs of aggression, give her a sharp tap on the rump, but beware of her reactions. She needs to learn to respect you. By using a whip rather than your hand, she will learn that you can dish out discipline, but won't have any reason to be afraid of your hands.
 
#31 ·
Thank you soo much for your help you guys! With a little encouragement, I have decided that the best thing for me to do is rehome her because, being my first horse and all, I know I need a little bit more experienced before I can take her up to the challenge. I feel like I have failed a bit, but I hope that through this I will be able to handle my new horse better. Thanks again!
 
#32 ·
I'm glad you came to that decision, even though I'm sure it was difficult for you.

There's another horse out there for you, one that will make you happy and that you won't be frightened of. Not only that, but out there somewhere is the perfect owner for your mare.
 
#37 ·
Thanks! It breaks my heart to hear someone you know genuinely cares and wants to try being in over their head and you cant help... There are so many people out there who know how to train, but dont give two winks about the horse.

You cared about her. She probably needed that most of all.
 
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