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I apologize for the topic title, I couldn't resist ^^
So let's start at the beginning, TANGO, my 'lovely' Appy gelding is, without a doubt, my best friend. He's an absolute doll in that aspect, the sweetest boy I ever met. We bought him from a ranch sight unseen in an act of stupidity, and I couldn't be more pleased with his personality.
He doesn't have the greatest manners, but hey, we're working on that, and to ride... well, he's broke but still 'green' in show-quality terms, ok fine, we'll deal with that too.
Months wore on and bit by bit he started turning into a right a--, to the point where I did not want to get on his back ever. We're not the MOST experienced horse people, but did get it figured out that he needed his teeth done BADLY (they said they'd done it, we should have gotten the vet records).
We got his teeth done last week, and so far his attitude in general has improved (to being caught, manners better, etc.) so I'm confident that that was a huge PART of the issues, yeah we have lots to work on, but at least part of the mystery was solved.
The other day I was chatting on about how, once we've worked with him and a trainer, I'd like to start taking him to schooling shows, blahblahblah, talking to my dad, and my mom overhears me. Later on, she comes into the kitchen and starts the conversation like this.
"... You know, I hope you don't expect Tango to be anything more than a trail horse."
... WHAT?
His butt's too high, he looks too western, his colour isn't right, you'll never win.
Thanks for being supportive, jeeze!
I know, Appy's aren't that popular in the show ring, and yeah he does look kinda Western and his conformation isn't PERFECT but that doesnt matter. I'm not talking grand prix shows here, I'm talking LOCAL SCHOOLING SHOWS, with cheesy ribbons and fun competition with other $2500 horses.
I am DETERMINED to prove her wrong and that we (as a team) WILL be good at something. I don't care if it's English, Western, Games... whatever it takes, we will be able to do something well and prove to my mother that "looks aren't everything".
Rant over.
I'll post some pictures when I have some.
So let's start at the beginning, TANGO, my 'lovely' Appy gelding is, without a doubt, my best friend. He's an absolute doll in that aspect, the sweetest boy I ever met. We bought him from a ranch sight unseen in an act of stupidity, and I couldn't be more pleased with his personality.
He doesn't have the greatest manners, but hey, we're working on that, and to ride... well, he's broke but still 'green' in show-quality terms, ok fine, we'll deal with that too.
Months wore on and bit by bit he started turning into a right a--, to the point where I did not want to get on his back ever. We're not the MOST experienced horse people, but did get it figured out that he needed his teeth done BADLY (they said they'd done it, we should have gotten the vet records).
We got his teeth done last week, and so far his attitude in general has improved (to being caught, manners better, etc.) so I'm confident that that was a huge PART of the issues, yeah we have lots to work on, but at least part of the mystery was solved.
The other day I was chatting on about how, once we've worked with him and a trainer, I'd like to start taking him to schooling shows, blahblahblah, talking to my dad, and my mom overhears me. Later on, she comes into the kitchen and starts the conversation like this.
"... You know, I hope you don't expect Tango to be anything more than a trail horse."
... WHAT?
His butt's too high, he looks too western, his colour isn't right, you'll never win.
Thanks for being supportive, jeeze!
I know, Appy's aren't that popular in the show ring, and yeah he does look kinda Western and his conformation isn't PERFECT but that doesnt matter. I'm not talking grand prix shows here, I'm talking LOCAL SCHOOLING SHOWS, with cheesy ribbons and fun competition with other $2500 horses.
I am DETERMINED to prove her wrong and that we (as a team) WILL be good at something. I don't care if it's English, Western, Games... whatever it takes, we will be able to do something well and prove to my mother that "looks aren't everything".
Rant over.
I'll post some pictures when I have some.
