My horse Holly

Question
Hi. I recently bought a beautiful palomino paint QH. I have been slowly working with her to build trust and have come to see that she will kick you rather than let you saddle her.  I tried lounging her the other day, she became violent and uncontrollable charging me twice, and eventually ripping away from me tearing up my hand.  She is not the compliant horse that I was told she is.  I am almost afraid to try anymore training in fear that she may again attempt to hurt somebody.  Please help. What do you think is my best option?  Thank you, Opal

Answer
If I were in your shoes there would be quite a few things I would try.  However, I strongly urge you to immediately hire a professional trainer to work with her a few times before you end up getting seriously hurt!!!  Her behavior is scary and if she feels she can intimidate you then you may do best to have someone around to help the two of you establish a common ground.  If for some reason this is not possible right away, I would only work with her when someone else is around the barn to help you in case things get out of control.  While lounging her be sure you have the lounge line properly folded in your gloved hands as well as a long whip to crack in your following hand.  You don't want to use it on her.  You want to use it as a self defense aide.  Cracking the whip will drive her away from you.  If she charges you again, raise your hands out and up and down quickly with a "heeyah" or something aggressive and loud to tell her you are not to be run over!!  Remember it is better that she gets away from you than to seriously injure you.  Please seek a trainer to help you sooner rather than later!  Please be safe.