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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