Dallas

Question
I need help with my 20 year old QH. She was a rescue horse and has issues with shaking her head and not wanting to go where you want her to. she rides great most of the time but know she has gotten to where she acts up every time and has even thrown me.I though it was her bit , so I tried using just her halter, which was better, but then she threw me again. Please help, Bloody and bruised

Answer
Hi Stacy!

Let's start at the beginning.  You say she was a rescue but, did give me any info as to why she was.  However, I will assume she has not been ridden in a long time.  That is often the case with neglected horses.  They are usually ill-trained to begin with and then ignored.  So, they have no idea why a human is on their back.

First, I recommend you stop getting on her.  You will never get her to do what you want because she has NO IDEA what you want!  Or even worse, she is trained to ride but, refuses to out of a bad attitude and disrespect.  Of course, if she truly was treated badly, who can blame her?

You did not say how long you've had her.  It can take 12 to 18 months to build a relationship of trust and agreement with a horse.  So, my advice is to start at the very beginning.  Does she have good ground manners?  Is she polite and respects your space?  Does she come when called to the gate?  Can you pick up all her feet and touch her everywhere with no problems?  Has she been seen by a vet/dentist?  Is she good for them?

Wait to ride her again until you have her mind and heart on the ground.  Then, have a professional trainer or a knowledgeable person you know and respect as a rider, come out and evaluate her.  She should longe well at all 3 gaits (with a special emphasis on 'WHOA!") for them to see.

Let them give you advice on tack and riding exercises for you both to work on.

Lastly, improve yourself.  You are the other equally important half of the equation.  Take riding lessons on a good, solid lesson horse that will help you prepare to communicate to your mare that you are there to have a riding partnership with her.  Not to be a burden on her back.

All of this may take a lot longer than you want but, to take the time and spend a little money on her now will give you years of pleasure with her....and isn't that the point of rescuing a horse in the first place?!?

You will both benefit from a real and lasting relationship!

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

Solange