eshan

Question
I bought a 13yr old belgian warm blood ex eventer earlier this year he is vicious when feeding kicking&biting,ears back, he has bitten anyone that comes into contact if they are not wary. He rears&bucks and is bad mannered when ridden too, we only had history from last owner who said he was lovely and a great ride, but we are not finding this we have gone through 3 farriers before finding one that is happy to cope with him, he is bonding with me but is still happy to bite etc when in the stable, fine when outside we are thinking of selling because after 10 months there is no improvement in his behaviour, we have lovely stables on a farm where there are other geldings and maresand turn him out everyday unless it is too muddy we dont want to get nasty with him but do use a firm hand we are at our wits end what to try next, please can you help

Answer
Hi Katie!

I would have to say that if after almost a year of owning him and you are still not getting along and the relationship is showing no improvement, you should consider selling him.  It is not your fault or his fault....it's just the way things are.  People buy the wrong horse (or car, or house, or anything) all the time.  The intelligent ones realize their mistakes, correct them, learn from them and then move on to a healthier, happier situation.

Owning a horse is an expensive and time consuming relationship.  If you are not rushing to the barn with a silly grin on your face because you get to spend time with your very best friend....well, then it's just a waste for all involved, right?

I suggest you find him a more forward and dominant rider while you look for an older, calmer mount better suited to your riding goals.

No one failed here, things just didn't fall into place as expected.  Feel no guilt, sell him to a new, more appropriate owner and next time....buy with your head and not your heart  :-)

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange