old white mare

Question
husband just bought me an old mare ,im guess age 17,shes hasnt been bothered with in 6 yrs,i did ride her once  when we got her in an indoor ring,she has rainrot really bad,which ive been treating with selsun blue dandruff shampoo.is that o.k. also i'd like to put fat on her,she takes bridle and sadle well and can be tied.but she bucked off my husband 250 pounds.now im a little leary.i havent owned a horse in 20 yrs..did she buck from his weight or maybe rain rot is sensitive? shes gentle and sweet..do  you think with time she will be good for ocassional slow ride?also what breed could she be,shes pure white amber brown eyes pink nose black skin by genitals.  approx 14.3 hands hefty build..she cleared a 4 ft fence..shes a real beauty..thank you..monica age 44  

Answer
Hi Monica!

First let me answer the question about the rainrot. For starters you need to be sure it is actually rainrot. Skin conditions and fungi are very common in horses and the names for them vary wildly from region to region. Some are also the " old " names for them not the scientific and medical name the vets use.

I have never treated anything with Selsun shampoo.
I strongly recommend a visit from your veterinarian.
They can properly diagnose the skin problem and give you a treatment schedule and medicine if need be.

I would also have a vet check:

1) your mare's teeth. This may be your problem. If her teeth have not been floated recently her teeth will interfere with the bit, causing miscommunication.

2) her back. If you feel the weight of your husband made her buck, you might have a problem there also.

3) her eyes. Twice I have seen behavioral problems in an older horse eventually diagnosed as partial blindness.

Once she has been given a clean bill of health from your vet we can safely assume the problem is training related.
I cannot fully answer your question with the information you supplied me with.

I would need to know the following:

How long have you owned her?
Where does she live and does she live with other horses?
What kind of turn out is she on?
What bit and martingale are you using?
What are you feeding her?
Have you longed her?
Are you carrying a crop or wearing spurs?
What discipline are you riding her?

With this information I could help you further.

Also, the vet will be able to tell you her breed.
I guarantee the vet check will be well worth the time and money!

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

Solange