Tennessee Walker 6 yr old Mare

Question
QUESTION: I have been looking at buying this 6yr old Tennessee Walker for show work and breeding.  2 weeks ago she reared and I came off with some nasty bruising.  She didn't bolt, just stood there.  Lately I have been riding her in an arean, no rearing issues.  Today took her out and she saw a box on the ground and reared but this time I had drop reins on her and I didn't come off and pulled her head around when her feet touched the ground.  I have been leasing her for now, and was told she only started this since the last person leased her.  My question is, will she come out of this with persistent work?  Should I take the chance purchasing her.  Good price on her along with papers... but this rearing thing is scary.  I am an intermediate rider and worked with horse before, but fortunate to have none that have reared.  I'm now being told its all in my head... well "yes", I just came off 2 weeks ago and she tried it again today.

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

I am sorry you are having these issues with your prospective new horse. I'd start by having a vet, dentist and chiropractor do a complete exam on her and confirm there isn't something physical causing her pain and reaction. I'd also confirm all your tack fits well. My next step, after ruling out something physical is to talk to her owners and if possible the former rider (person who was leasing her before) horses don't take up habits like this without a reason. Rearing is one of the most effort involved reactions a horse can have, so there is always a reason behind it. How is she with ground work, does she resist and show signs of wanting to rear on the ground? Is it always when she spooks and gets scared? If the answer is yes to one of those. I'd take some time and go back to de-sensitizing her and doing alot of ground work and body control. So that you can move every part of her, that way if you feel her tense up under saddle, you can disengage her shoulders or hip and keep her front end on the ground. I'd also confirm her feed and stabling situation hasn't change (ie: hasn't gone from a pasture to barn stall or changed grain/hay). I hope that gives you a place to start, let me know if I can be of any more assistance and please update me. Oh and last but not least, be sure you wear a helmet when you ride her, better safe than sorry :)

Jen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back to me.  I had a horse chiro out as she seemed a little stiff on her left side.  She didn't get touched till she was 4 years old and once used for barrel racing.  With ground work, responsive and very good and overall an affectionate horse.  Just on her back, another type of horse.  Right now she is in pasture and not in a stall.  When she canters, she side-steps sometimes and will cut corners in the arena walking, which I have been working with her on this and letting her know this is not allowed.  Should I not bother purchasing and look at other horses.  I feel they all have their vices and most I can deal with, but rearing is a tough one to endure and hope it will stop in time through persistence... more the point, hope I don't get insured in this time frame.  How do you mentally get past this for myself?

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

Well it sounds like you are off to the right start as far as elminating things. I'd still suggest a vet check and dentist. As far as if you should buy her or not, unfortunately that's something only you can decide. I can say that above all this should be enjoyable and fun for you, not a worrysome event and that they are thousands of horses out there. That said, every horse has a vice or two, but some are easier to live with than others. Would it be possible to have a trainer look at her with you and possible set up a day to look as some other horses in your area and ride them as well to see how they compare.

Jen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Once again, thank you for your reply.  I looked at her teeth today and noticed on the front right side a smaller tooth that just doesn't look right to me... perhaps...longshot, but maybe annoying her so will get a vet to look at.  I worked her today in a small ring and she is left sided, funny enough, so am I, canters  smoothly on this side, right a little rougher.  Took her out of the ring riding and started looking a little less confident, so kept her weaving and working to keep her mind on other things and not what she was trying to focus on.  I feel she has lots of potential, good blood lines, and would be great for a few foals... sweet as can be when doing ground work.  Lunges nicely to the left, have to keep on her for the right... side the tooth is on as well.  Maybe just coinsidence or contributing factor.  Takes alot to spook me and hate to see a 5 yr old spoiled by passing through too many hands.  I see the potential, she only got trained at 4 years old ... so 1.5 years and a few riders prior either riding her hard or allowing things they shouldn't have.  Just gotta get in my head, let the fear go which is first for me.  Just was always taught, rearing is a serious matter to consider.  So with all I've mentioned, is bad to pursue an animal you feel bonded with?  She is affectionate with me on the ground and comes to me in the paddock... just on the back other dynamics going on.  What could help me deal with this or who as a better trainer in Corona, California where I'm currently at? Always open to learn and take accountability for something I can learn and improve on to help this majestic mare.  Like her but sensible in this matter.

Answer
Hi Jennifer, Kudos for you getting her teeth checked. As far as your question about bonding, it's true that there are some horses as owners we just "click" with, but that said, I can promise you there are more than just one of those horses out there. Rearing is dangerous and is one of those habits, that tends to be harder to discourage than others. I am not saying it's not possible, but it takes time and there are often just as many steps forward as there are backwards. So it can be frustrating and discouraging, but like many things in life, the rewards can be endless too. As far as trainers go, oddly enough I grew up in Norco. I don't know who is still there or not, and I don't have any phone numbere for people, but you might try looking up either Barbara Ward or Buzz Riebschlager. I don't know if either one of the train anymore. Barbara use to be my neighbor on First Street (and Temescal) and Buzz used to train out of a facility off of Second and Corona Ave. Again, it's been literally some 15 years since I've spoke to either one or been back to that area, but that might be a place to start. I'd also suggest looking at some other horses for sale, price similar, same bred/age and ride as many as possible and see what your impressions are. I realize this mare tugs at your heart strings, but you seem to be savvy enough to realize that there are other horses out there too. And the only way you'll know how much time and effort you want to invest in her with her known faults, is by seeing what else is out there and giving it some time.

Let me know what you decide and if I can be of any help.

Best Wishes, Jen