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Buddy Sour aka lost her mind!

760 views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  filly05 
#1 ·
I have a 9 yr old appendix mare that I've owned since she was about 2. She was a pity buy, the people who had her were completely oblivious that they were practically starving her giving her the same rations they have their minis. She looked lifeless. After months of bringing her health back to where it should be, I trained her myself and we developed a very strong bond. About 4 years ago I moved her to a show barn that I had previously worked for. Heated, separate turnouts, indoor/outdoor arenas and anywhere from 30-40 horses. We've been showing quite successfully at local open shows, I am really lucky to have gotten her for almost nothing. Last fall I moved her to my friends house, board was $150 cheaper and she gave the same care, separate turnout. But there was only one other horse and no arena. Topped with one of Wisconsins coldest winters, I didn't make it out much. She became so buddy Sour with the other horse I practically didn't exist. She was in her own world. I could snap my fingers behind her ears and she wouldn't even flick them back. It was extremely upsetting for me. When I did ride it was in an uneven paddock that was on a slight hill. She's very flat kneed, does not pick her feet up very high so she would trip a lot. I didn't get much accomplished this spring to say the least. She became lazy and refused to do things which had never happened in the entire time I've owned her. About a week ago I took her to a new barn, more horses and there's an indoor (Yay!). I know it's only been a week, she's had a separate turnout, able to sniff and touch horses over the fence but all she cares about is the other horses. I have to lunge her forever to get her calmed down enough to be able to just brush her. Take note this was a horse that we allowed a 4 year old girl to lead around with a lead rope just around her neck. She used to be so calm and relaxed and independent from other horses. I had one fantastic ride last Sunday night, she focused, responsive and I had her doing things like spinning off of my legs only (dropping the reins - she was that relaxed) which I've never asked her to do before. Since then she's again been a maniac. She's Ok if she can SEE the other horses. I'm stressed out about this. She doesn't need me like she used to. I struggle just to get her head set and she's really not out of shape. I'm lost. Part of me wants to put another horse with her but she could very easily just latch on to that horse and I'll have the same problem in trying to fix. Not to mention she hadn't been turned out with another horse in about 5 years and I'm a little concerned for the other horse that would be put with her since she's tried (unsuccessfully) to take a bite out of other horses in the show ring... She was alpha mare and quite a witch to say the least. I feel like the best thing to do is keep her separated, again I know it's only been a week since I moved her but this whole thing is very upsetting! I have a show in 3 weeks and I don't know if she'll be ready!
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#2 ·
Not an uncommon problem. She is acting like a herd animal, and feels safe close to the other horses it is in their nature. You may have to step it up and show her your alpha and going to keep her safe, that means controlling her feet. The simple answer, easier said then done, is work her where she wants to be and let her rest away from there. When you lunge her do lots of changing of direction, put her over some ground poles, low jumps, work through ditches get her thinking about you. When you ride her same thing lots of direction changes, transitions, circles, serpentines, keep her guessing what your going to ask for next, don't let her mind wander.

Use the next three weeks to gain control of her feet, show her your worthy of being her leader and getting her back in shape mentally. All of her training is still there work on her mind and the rest will be there.
 
#3 ·
One gate to the arena opens directly up to her turnout. I first start by free lunging her in the arena, she'll call or to the other horses and when she does I make her work harder. Also, once she starts to calm down, I give her the chance to somewhat choose where she wants to go. If she goes to that gate, I make her move and work hard. As long as she stays away from the gate I leave her be. I watch for the chewing that shows submission and I watch her ears to see when she starts paying attention to me. Once I get that then I put her on the lunge line. This worked the first 2 times but then she had a day off and when I went out today it was like I had to start all over again.
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