scared horse!

Question
Hi,
I have a 15.1hh welsh cob mare who i brought 2 weeks ago. she used to live out 24 /7 but now is turned out every morning and brought in at night. She is so scared and i know it isn't just her mucking about and being defiant. I had someone who does parelly come and do some work but she is now more scared than ever. Everytime I or anyone else goes near her she just tenses up. She won't let me put a rug on her and already has a cold so want to get one on her before it gets really cold. ^ months ago, with her other owner she had an accident where a jumping pole wing fell down on her right hand side and put a large gash on her leg. She then ran 5 miles with a lunge rein whipping between her legs and stirrups hitting her side. I am totally stunned I can't find anyone who can help me and i don't really know what to do i don't want her to spend the rest of her life stuck in a field because she is only ten. please help!

Answer
Hi Lisa!

The only thing you can do is wait.  How long?  I cannot say.  That is between you and your mare.  Time heals everything (practically)and also, you have known each other for only a few weeks.

I tell everyone it can take over a year to build a real bond of trust and respect with a horse.  With a problem horse, such as yours....it could take even longer.

If she is truly skittish and frightened as you suspect, she will need some space in the beginning to just get to know and understand her routine.  Then, you begin to slowly treat her like an unbroke baby, starting all over again.  Slowly, to build up her confidence.  She will tell you when she understands one thing and is ready to move on.

The more one-on-one time you spend with her, the quicker it all moves along.

As for the rug, introduce it slowly, after a few days she should recognize it and it's smell, try putting it on her again.  If you do not want to wait till she ready, you could always have the vet out to lightly tranq her and slip it on then...you could have her feet trimmed at the same time and save yourself some worry.

Trust yourself and slowly build a real relationship with her.  Mares can be so loving and loyal creatures, it would be worth a try!

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

Solange