This message is from: "Sue Harrison" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >However, the combo of green horse, begining owner, " old worn out >harness thats much too large for him, " while walking on ice, " >tapping him on the rump to get him started " after admitting " he nor >I knew what we were doing....." is risking life, limb and me thinks >that MAYBE we here are being taken for a little ride
I am certainly not taking anyone for a ride...as you so unkindly suggested. True, I have not ever driven a horse nor do I personally plan to...other than in the paddock. I did NOT have a complete harness on him, only a back pad with girth strap and bridle with driving reins attached. The only reason I drove him in the first place, is to get him used to voice commands before being ridden and this groundwork was suggested to me by others in this list. I may be a beginner in DRIVING but I certainly am used to working around horses since we have had them for 29 years. I must admit though, that this Fjord is different. All the horses, colts including the other Fjord I had that was killed, could be led easily by a few fingers through the halter, and believe it or not I do know enough to let go and not allow my hand to get caught . As far as him kicking me when I tapped on his rump, I have been tapping that rump and rubbing him all over since I got him. It is certainly nothing new for him! Further more, I was not driving him on ice....slippery snow yes, but not ice. If he had taken off, I would simply have let go of the reins. He was in his paddock after all. Storm was introduced to harness last spring at the breeders, as a yearling. The breeder told me to take him home and drive him in loose rigging, knowing full well that I was green at driving, but obviously did not feel the colt was a threat to me. My husband, on the other hand has driven ponies before...and he knew that Storm was not dangerous. He is only a colt and a short one at that. He may be a little bullheaded but he is certainly not mean. I am fully aware of the danger of being kicked. It is always there no matter what horse. > the tarp thing is good, but never with a young horse in an enclosed > stall. better a round pen. start with the tarp folded up to a small > square. let him sniff it, gently rub the square all over him. First off, I had him in a large boxstall. I certainly did not start out with this tarp. Ever since I bought Storm over a year ago, I have worked with him to despook him. At first I took off my jacket in his box stall...he spooked...I kept at it till no response. I then let him smell the jacket, finally sliding it over his head, back, withers and down his hind legs. Since then I have slid plastic garbage bags of shavings over his whole body. I have saddled him and allowed the straps to touch him everywhere. The tarp was the final test...he passed with flying colours. My husband did not know all the stuff I have done with Storm which is why he did not think I should try it. Storm was in a big box stall and could have easily got away from the tarp without trampling me. >It would be SO EASY to teach him to keep from pulling on the line and >charging out of the stall and it all could be done without hurt or >injury or even any fuss for the horse and horse owner. Misha....I sure wish you lived handy here. I would sure appreciate your non voilent methods of training. The luck we have had with horse trainers around here leaves much to be desired....One Appaloosa we sent to a reputable Appaloosa breeder for training. Since she was barefoot, we suggested that we have her shod before training. This mare was a 7 year old that had never been ridden. The trainer said no, that since her feet were small, that she should be left barefoot to let her feet spread out. I thought this odd, but since she was the trainer went along with it. In 3 weeks time we got a call that her feet were sore to come get her. We did, had her shod, and a couple of months later I took her to a clinic. As soon as she went inside the ring, she froze. I ended up taking her home and taking up my old mare to finish out the week. I eventually sold her. I took another gelding to another trainer to have "brakes" installed. He was a purebred Morgan that wanted to go go go. $500.00 later I brought home a horse with a cough and girth sores that both needed the services of a veterinarian...and still no brakes. We do not have any natural horsemanship trainers around here. With Storm, when it comes time to ride him, I am having a man that breaks horses for a childs summer camp, work with him here at our place. In the mean time, I am working at handling him daily and getting him used to everything. My main thing now is to have him completely spookproof. My husband broke his own horse and may end up breaking this guy. Time will tell. He would rather the other guy should do it since he is lighter in weight, and Storm may not grow all that big. After this I will try to be more specific when I send in my posts. On the whole, most of you are very nice and helpful and I do appreciate your advice. Good night everyone, Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm's mom)
