Aggressive horse

Question
I have just taken on a 16yr old arab mare and she hasnt been handled or ridden in two years. She is very aggressive both in hand and in saddle, its getting to the point where i am affraid to ride her. have u got any training tips because i really dnt want to give up on her.

Answer
Hello Rachael,

It sounds as if you are afraid of her already.  If that is the case, and as long as you are afraid of her, you will not be able to train her.  The only way to get rid of the fear is to know how to handle her and this is much too involved for me to tackle on a web site.  The situation needs a trainer who can take her in hand and show you how to do it.  Horses are herd animals and they live in a pecking order.  Right now she is on top as the herd leader and you are below her as a follower.  What you have to learn how to do is reverse the positions.  You must be calmly assertive in getting her to do your bidding.  She needs to learn how to lunge correctly and do it each time you ride, before you mount, to take out the tension and kinks so she will be calmer.  Then when you mount keep her in a small arena and work her in a circle until she is calm.  Don't take her out on a trail while she is wound up.

As soon as you can, find a trainer who can show you how to handle her.  Otherwise, you may get hurt.

Happy riding,
Dorothy