This message is from: "Melissa Waters" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello Fjord List,
With the discussion of Secret Santa I think I finally have to come out of my denial and realize that Christmas is indeed just around the corner. Over the summer I have been doing some wood working and have some unique Fjord things for sale. If you'd like to see them please go to www.stixnstonz.ca and look at the 'other critters' tab. Let me know what you think... Now my question...I have an 8yr old Gelding that I have had for about 2 years. I am a novice rider and have been riding him around my property and in the neighbor's fields a couple times a week since I got him. He is not what I would consider 'really responsive or supple' but he usually listens well and we have fun when we are out together. He was used as a lesson horse for kids before I got him but as I later found out he was given back to his owner because he was 'too strong' for the children. I suspect he was spoiled rotten cause he's cute and he is used to having his own way. I have been working a lot on ground manners and not mugging for treats and this has come along quite well. Lately I have seen a change in him that is affecting our relationship as well. He seems to be moving up the pecking order in our small herd (1 arab mare and 3 mini donkeys). He now eats first and I have seen him chase the mare away. When he came to live here he was definately bottom of the food chain. I now see him doing things that make me think he is challenging me as well. When I lunge him he will try to take off and run away (I don't have a round pen so lunge him in the pasture). He runs a short distance (just far enough to get the line away from me) then stops and grazes. I have also had him give me a few small bucks when I ask him to do something he doesn't really want to do when I'm riding him (like canter or stop). When my mom and I take the horses out together for a ride he pins his ears and her mare and has also tried to nip at her...do any of you have experience with 'dominance' behavior in your Fjords? Do you think I'm reading him right? I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions on what I should be doing with him... Thanks. Melissa & Leif (ruler of the world!) in WINDY but Warm Acme Alberta
