Fights and bucks when up get out the saddles.

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a Arab that is 7 and a Q.E.D. that is 5 they have both been to the trainers Thor the Arab has 90 day and freaks when you try to saddle him but he is ridable and very smart. Hawkeye my Q.H. is 5 and has 60 day training and he is hard to saddle and unpredictable when you get on his back both horse,s were rescued Thor grew up in a pasture and seem to be very shy and Hawkeye also has the shyness but only when you get out the saddles. and both of them are vary smart and have good ground manners.They load , bath and stand for the farror. I myself grew up around horse,s I,m 48 years old I have a 3rd horse I broke out my self he is an 8 year olg Arab and he is a perfict gentlemen with women and kids and myself.

ANSWER: Hi Philip,

First of all, bless you for adopting/rescuing both horses! Sounds like you have the patience to see this through. My first suggestion for both horses is to have a vet do a "physical" on both of them, for the Arab, be sure to have him check his back, have both horses teeth checked as well, to rule out any physical issues. I don't know how long you've had them both, but be prepared for them to take weeks and months to trust you. Bad memories fade very slowly, but with confidence buidling sessions, they'll bond to you over time.

Okay, let's start with Thor, from what I gather, he's find once he's saddled, but is unpredictable on the ground. First thing, don't ride him yet. Any horse that who's confidence and trust you don't have on the ground is not safe to ride. I am sure you remember that from your days of training horses as well. Go back to basics, de-sensitizing him, lots of ground work and lots of confidence building. I'd do alot of roundpen work, getting him to bond and listen to you first, moving freely both directions at all gaits and responding to both your voice and body language. Next I'd work on some de-sensitizing exercises. Starting with just a towel, moving to a baggy tied onto a stick or whip, and finally a saddle pad. Also be sure to let the horse sniff and even lick whatever tack you put on him. Once he gains confidence in the idea that you, would not put him in harms way, he'll gain confidence in himself as well. My thought is that something bad has happened to him on the ground, to make him nervous. Hang in there you are off to a great start. Remember to keep the lessons short and reward often.

AS far as Hawkeye, I'd really suggest the same type of exercises. I sounds like they both need some confidence building and need to learn to trust you and look to you for guidence, reassurance and comfort.

It's a long slow process, but it sounds like they both have a great home and that very soon, the three of you will be great partners.

Happy Trails,

Jen

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

QUESTION: Thor and Hawkeye have both been vet check and givin a clean bill of health. I would like to start them on 2 hours a day with a bareback pad and go from there. Is this ok and if so should I tie them or let them roam freely

Answer
Hi, Thanks for getting back to me and I am thrilled to hear they both got a clean bill of health. I'd still start with alot of desensitizing groud work before putting anything on their backs. As soon as you gain their trust, respect and confidence there, then begin with a bareback pad or saddle. You are off to a great start.

Jen