[JoJo1950]

I bought a 5 year quarter horse mare at an auction. Her history is vague but it appears there are no major faults (and is she is beautiful) and she is sound. She is presently being trained three days a week. I believe in the trainer. I am at every training session-I even pay extra because I ask so many questions. On non training days I lounge her and work on ground manners. She is improving everyday. However, I have not ridden her. The plan is to train for about 20 sessions and then I start to take over. Since we do not know her back ground this is felt to be the safest method. I am being criticized for not riding her (other people at the barn), even at the end of the training sessions. I am a 59 year male and have riding experience but not a young body that heals quickly. What are your experiences, idea or thoughts. Thanks for your time and insights.

 

[1dog3cats17rodents]

It's always better (IMO) to get a trainer to break them in. She will benefit by having a strong, confident, talented rider teach her the ropes, and you will benefit by staying safe and knowing you can be confident on her. If she spooks and you fall while breaking her, it doesn't do either one of you any good.

Good luck with her!

 

[riccil0ve]

There's a quote from someone, I don't remember who, that says when you're young and fall off, you break bones, but when you get older, you splatter. =]

I'm on the "young" side, but I can definitely understand your reasoning. It would be a lot worse for you to do it yourself and get hurt because you don't know what she's like.

Best of luck with your girl, and post pictures! OH, and welcome to the forum. =]

 

[kevinshorses]

It's not thier body so why wouldn't they critisize you? If you feel good about how things are going then you should keep doing what you're doing. Eventually you're going to have to ride him and the longer you wait the less time you will have for the trainer to help you. You have to wiegh that against the chance of getting thrown.

 

[Horse Poor]

Who cares what other people think…they don't have to deal with it, you do. It's your horse, your body, your money and your decision. When you're ready, you'll ride. How long has it been since you've ridden?

 

[Luv 2 Trail]

People just can't seem to mind their own business sometimes! You have a plan with your trainer and if you are happy with the way things are going, that's what is important! She is YOUR horse and YOU make ALL the decisions about her training! When you are comfortable, you'll be the one that is riding her! I wish you the best of luck with your mare - there are a lot of fun years ahead of you!

 

[Ciscos Mama]

I am 50 years old, just getting back into horses and i know I am taking things slow with mine. There is no hurry, besides I don't bounce like I used to . It is hard when others give their opinions, but it's your horse and you can ride it whenever and however yo u want. Its not a competion on how much of a horse trainer you are its about what makes sense for you and your comfort level. I hope you enjoy your new friend.

 

[smrobs]

Ricci, I think it was Roy Rogers that said that.

I don't think you are doing anything wrong at all. If you are more comfortable with the trainer getting most of the "bugs" out first before you get on, then that is what you need to do. I am still young but I have noticed that the ground is harder and it takes longer to heal than it did 10 years ago LOL. Take things at your pace and so long as the horse's training is progressing the way you want, don't worry about it.

 

[tealamutt]

Another vote for taking your time and having a trainer do the initial riding break in. I got a new horse this fall and was harshly criticized more than once by people at my barn for having gotten such an "unruly" horse with no ground manners, was told to be more firm, was told to smack him, was told to always lead him with a stud chain. "horse bitches" as I call them love to tell everyone how to handle their horse, but almost always have the most uppity dreadful horses themselves. I stuck with my gut and some great advice from the forum and a few months later I have a perfect gentleman who is pretty much my dream horse (granted he has a ton of training under saddle, just had atrocious ground manners).

I think the importance of foundation cannot be underestimated and spending the time to build that now will pay dividends later. And let the trainer work the kinks out undersaddle, you can't buy a new body!

 

[SmoothTrails]

I would definitely see having someone else get on. My forer trainer was in his 70s,so he had a younger helper that he had trained to get on them the first few times. You just don'g bounce as well. I'm on the young side so I still bounce, but I know my mom has gotten less bouncy over the years...lol. Good luck.

 

[Lobelia Overhill]

As another 'elderly' person, I think you are going about things the right way as you are!

 

[JoJo1950]

Thank you all for your time and impute. I told my trainer about the replies and he just grinned. I am a hard headed Irish man and will follow my plan. I appreciate your words of support. I just discovered this forum. It is very enjoyable and enlighting. I have spent my life taking care of a family and making sure their sails are strong and they know how to find true north. Now it is my time. Again, thanks for your time.

 

[smrobs]

I am glad that you found this forum and like it here. I do hope that you will decide to become a more permanent member. We are always happy to have new people here.

 

[aynelson]

Congratulations for investing in what sounds like a marvelous horse! You are being really smart with having a trainer work her and sound like you have a great plan! Your barn-mates sound rude. Pressuring someone to ride when they or the horse is not ready is rude, unsafe, and stupid. I don't know why people do that - I have experienced that as well, with young horses mind you. People love to push their ignorant opinions but have no idea what is best. You do. Ignore ignorant people. Good luck! Keep us posted on her training!

 

[7Ponies]

Good luck with your horse. A word of advise from someone who is your age... use a mounting block or step stool to get on. LOL. I can barely get on from the ground anymore, danged arthritis makes it near impossible But it doesn't stop me from riding.

 

[kevinshorses]

That's a nice horse on your avatar. What's the breeding?

 

[5cuetrain]

Sounds to me like you are making good choices. Go with the advice of the professional. Try to enjoy the "bark gossip" if you can. Some pretty funny stuff most of the time. It is in every barn but there usually is a core group of pretty good horsepeople and most barns. Find them and let the rest bounce off.

 

[JoJo1950]

Kevin,

JoJo is quarter horse mare. The name on her papers is Hancock Smokey Jo. Her sire is Jo Roan Devil and Dam is Sheza Holly Tamale. I have read that the Hancock stud produces only blue Roans. She is doing great. I have read a number of your post. You appear level head, knowledgeable and with pretense. Very refreshing. After reading all of the replies my determination to follow our training program is only strengthen.


Forgive my lack of dexterity in navigating this forum and replies. It took me 20 minutes to figure out how to post a pic.

 

[smrobs]

Hey, no worries. We all went through that learning stage here. She is a pretty well bred horse and Kevin is right, she is very nice looking too.