Hi, I've been rescuing horses for years. Arabians, Tennessee Walkers, Fjords, Quarters.....you name it and I've probably had one. I just got my first Saddlebred though. He is a thirteen year old gelding that had been competed in Dressage and Hunter Seat. He was injured on his right rear hock and left in a pasture to starve. When we got the call, he was starving to death and on three legs. It has taken nearly a year to bring him back to full health. Six weeks ago, I got the okay from our vet to start riding again. The gelding is completely sound and should remain that way as long as there is no jumping and undue strain put on the leg. He flew through the groundwork, taking everything with an easy eagerness. He was excited to be back to work, arching his neck and tail beautifully. When it came time to ride him, he took four steps forward, then backed up rapidly and sat down. I was concerned about the leg but didn't want to incourage bad behavior, so I put my son on and led him around for five minutes before he was unsaddled. It didn't seem to affect the leg badly, there was no swelling, heat, or limping. We waited another three daays and attempted again. This time he sat down immediately. We had the vet back out and he said that he couldn't find anything physically wrong with the horse. My question: Is this a behavior issue? Is it a psychological issue, because he thinks he can't do it -he sits? Is it time to give him up as lame? I don't want to reinjure the leg. Any advice you could give me would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Thank you for your question and for your selfless efforts on behalf of these "unwanted" horses. As you know, with the new changes in the laws, in the near future, it is going to take tens of thousands instead of thousands of people to accommodate the "homeless" horses in the United States. I salute those who are helping now and those who will help in the future.

After reading your Email, I immediately came to two conclusions, 1. You must certainly be the Angelina Jolie of the horse world. 2. Your horse has won the Strangest Behavior Contest, for fun! (no prizes however) To be honest, I rather think this behavior is so novel I might not want to discourage it, were he mine. But I suppose you would rather ride him than just "hang" with him at a poker table. To be serious, let's see if we can figure something out.

As with all unacceptable behaviors it is important to attempt to find the cause rather than to just treat the symptom. By the description in your letter, I can tell that you are an excellent horse person and have taken the steps to pretty much rule out a soundness problem. Could it be another kind of physical problem? Yes and I would suggest that a horse that runs backwards as you describe can often be caused by the horse being afraid of his mouth and not wanting to step forward to the bridle. This could be caused by over biting or, most often than not, dental issues. A horse's teeth, not regularly cared for, can cause excruciating pain and make a horse behave as you describe. (assuming he is either just weak behind or stringhalt and when backing loses the mobility in the hind legs.) If he gets up, with some trouble, immediately, this could be the case.

We then like to think of possible training deficiencies, poor treatment or abuse, that could effect his ability to understand what is being asked. Dressage is probably the most demanding and un-natural discipline we can ask a horse to do. If he was trained in this discipline, there is no problems with his earlier training. The starvation etc., in the past, would probably have little impact on his performance now.

Could it be a mental problem? Is it a willful act he does because he can? If we rule out all the above conditions, it could very well be this. To check, when he sits down does he stay there like a mule very comfortably and have to coaxed to his feet? If this is the case I would lean in this direction. He does it because he can.

I would recommend you try the following.

A. Have his teeth checked and floated. (until this is done, you're just wasting time)

• Work him in long lines
• Try riding him in a halter.
• Make certain the girth or cinch is not too tight at first.
• Try Riding him bareback

B. After he is lunged and is ready to mount, have someone continue to hold the lunge line and lead you off as you give very little bridle or leg contact. Have them keep leading you in ever increasing circles until they are lunging him with you aboard. If this is successful, do not push the issue by working too long but quit and do it for a few days in succession.

• When you mount, have some people standing behind him but in his view
• Back him up to a wall or fence and very carefully mount him

C. If all else fails, to deal with the "willful" horse, tough love is called for. With others there to help you and being very careful of your safety, strongly discourage this behavior. Sometimes just the sight of a broom can discourage without pain. And I am sure you know the other tools.

Of course, 30 days with a trainer might save all a little wear and tear, and would make certain this issue is correctable. I would be happy to recommend someone in your area, if you so desire. This is not an easy issue to correct and must be done properly or things could get worse.

Thank you so much for your question. I hope I have been of some help to you. I look forward to hearing of your progress in the Guest Book.

LF Lavery

Hello Mr. Lavery! I enjoy reading your advice and find your site to be helpful (and humorous!).

I recently purchased a wonderful 10 year old Saddlebred gelding with a very nice show history. He had some time off from the ring and was being returned to work when I bought him. I put him in training for a few months after I got him, and in July I brought him home and started working him myself.

He was VERY tough in the bridle when he first arrived, and I'm happy to say he's so much better now, after months and months of bitting work. He's also in much better shape. He gets jogged 4-5x a week and ridden 1-2x a week, with one day off, and is turned out daily in a 20 x 20 dry lot. He gets as much grass hay as he wants to eat, and is fed Ultium and oats. He's also on MSM to help with the aches and inflammation of returning to daily work at his (slightly advanced) age.

It seems, however, the better shape he's getting in, the faster his canter is getting! When I first got him, he had a comfortable, teacup canter. Now his canter is stronger, with a stiff, almost "pogo stick" movement and an occassional buck thrown in for fun. (He has no physical issues, enjoys a massage every 2 weeks, his x-rays are clean, and his teeth are good). I'm attributing his newfound exuberance to his return to show shape. The former trainer has seen this new behavior at the last few shows, and has told me to relax my seat and keep his head up, which does help, but it takes almost a full round at the canter for it to take effect - and usually by then the judge is asking for the walk again.

He's also quick to "take the reins" the second way, and come to the center after the last canter, which makes getting one last trotting pass in a competitive class a bit difficult.

I've been doing some exercises to try to relax his back and stride, and get him to stop anticipating things, and he's had a whack or two on the butt when he tries to take over (he's very quick to apologize and return the reins to me, sheepishly). He's a very good natured boy with no maliciousness, and I believe there is a fix in here somewhere, I just don't know about it.

Some of the things I'm doing: I mix up the gaits, never working him in the order we show in; we canter for varying, short lengths and do patterns (and some days we don't canter); we do a lot of serpentining and bending in the cart and under saddle; I cue him for transitions in weird places, I canter him in the cart, and I NEVER trot him into the middle and line up... and he's a fast learner and hasn't done anything untoward at home in a long long time. However, a 10-year veteran is a bit wily, and he knows the drill in the show ring.

Do you have any advice to keeping him from anticipating, and "taking charge", at a SHOW? I've considered finding an open show to use as a "training" session, so he thinks twice about taking advantage of knowing the routine, and that I WILL discipline him at a show, but am hesitant to show any disrespect to other exhibitors and the judge.

Should I ride him a bit more often to work on this, and make sure he HAS it? I don't know if riding him more will help or not. I'm not a big fan of riding a show horse more than necessary, but to fix a problem, more MIGHT be necessary, at least for awhile... Your advice is most appreciated. Thank you for your time... Here is a picture of him:

Thank you for your question. To begin, let me say how attractive your horse looks and what a great picture you two make both in harness and under saddle. The care you have given him as eluded to in your question is obvious by his superior condition in the photos. From the food menu to the massages, if reincarnation is possible, I think I might like to come back as one of your horses. Let's get to your questions.

Although the sire of your horse is generally known to produce very "strong" horses, the speed at the canter might well be explained by your assumption, "the better shape he's getting in, the faster his canter is getting". Often this type of behavior occurs as the horse feels healthier but while that might be the reason, it does not excuse the issue. You seem to have been approaching the correction of this behavior in the right way. I especially like the serpentineing and the cart work. This a relatively easy behavior to correct, the key being to let him find out slower is better rather than you're trying to slow him down. Here is some homework that will help explain the procedures.

• I don't want to win the Derby
• Country Pleasure Mare That Leaps into Her Canter

As always, it is my belief that relaxation is they key to the correction of most behaviors. So the cantering in small circles, etc, allows him to decide the best speed as all you are doing is steering. I feel your trainer was quite right in his suggestions especially if he canters slowly in the cart.

On the other hand, there is no excuse for premature lining up. Relaxation does not need to enter into this. He is obviously sound, very fit and in excellent condition. This issue is a willful one. He does it because he can. I truly liked your idea of the non-rated show! But I don't think it sounds like your are there quite yet. Any time you feel him trying to pull this on you, go ahead and ride him to and through the middle and keep on going around the ring. Once he realizes the center is not a place you are going to let him "take a vacation" from work, it will no longer hold such an attraction for him. I, as you know, abhor brutal treatment but in this case there is nothing wrong with a little tough love, when needed.

Thank you once again for your questions, I hope I have been of some help. I look forward to reading of you future victories in the Guest Book. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Good afternoon, I was wondering if you could give me a quick rundown about showing my 2 year old Saddlebred in hand. He is a yearling to date and I plan on taking him to a couple shows (in Canada) next spring/summer. I have quite a bit of knowledge when it comes to showing Arabians in hand, but really don't know the details for showing a Saddlebred. I have already taught him how to park and he leads well. Just a few questions that I am very curious about.....what kind of shoeing am I looking at? Is it true that you have a "runner" in the ring with you? In general what will the judge(s) be looking for in a horse? What kind of halter/headstall is the Saddlebred shown in? Is there a "standard" when it comes to clipping their face/ears/legs? What about their mane and forelock? Any tips would be awesome and thank you in advance for your advice.

Thank you so much for your question. Having judged both breeds and NSH in hand, there is a real difference in how each breed is shown. As you are familiar with Arabian in hand, let's get right to showing the American Saddlebred Two Year Old.

The entries come in the ring one at a time at a trot. They then lineup. they are judged individually for conformation and finish (50%) then as asked to walk and then trot to be judged on natural action, clean movement. (50%) When led, it is best to show some collection with the two year old rather than having the neck stretched forward with nose up showing at great speed, as usual with Arabians. Although you may show in a halter, you have the option of using a curb bit bridle to help with the desired head carriage. Yes, you also have a "Tailer" who encourages from behind. Both the "Header" and "Tailer" may carry a whip, no more than 6 ft. that may have ribbons or a small plastic bag on the end. Both attendants must be "neatly and appropriately dressed in clean and well-fitted clothes"

When standing, judged for conformation, the horse should be squarely parked out with front feet perpendicular to the ground and hind legs slightly back.

Two year olds may be shown with or without shoes and may have a cut or set tail. They are customarily shown with a braided mane and foretop. Clipping should include muzzle hairs, fetlocks and ears. (a "tip" is usually left on the top of the ear.)

The ASB in hand division also offers a model class which is simply a beauty contest. Here they are just judges on finish, conformation, type and conforming to the ideal standards of the American Saddlebred. They only walk into the ring and then park.

Thank you once again for your letter, I hope I have been of some help. I look forward to reading of your victories in the Guest Book. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Hi Lonnie:

I've been an avid reader of your site for a few months now since I discoverd it via Google. You are awesome! Anyway, I wanted to ask you your thoughts on male trainers who "prey" on people, mostly women of course. By "prey" I mean these trainers are often decent-looking and unattached (or act like they're unattached) and they literally try to "charm the pants off" their women clients. They use inappropriate verbal and physical body language (hugging, making sexual inuendos during the riding lesson, calling the women "honey" "sweetheart" or "baby"). I've had two personal experiences with these kind of trainers and I can't begin to tell you how uncomfortable it is. Unfortunately these trainers are usually very good instructors and so people are eager to take lessons with them, but on the other hand, they are definitely predators who are using their status as a riding instructor/trainer to try to get women to date them, and also to turn the women in the barn against each other in jealousy (which I have seen happen!). There is one guy who is currently teaching at a barn in California who has also been known to hit on his teenage (underage) students and makes jokes about it with the grooms! I have a friend who rode for a time with a trainer like this, and he so had her under his spell that she bought a totally inappropriate and wildly expensive horse, tack, show clothes - the works! Simply because she was guillable enough to believe the trainer she rode with had her best interests at heart. He of couse was making major commissions off the purchase of the horse as well as her saddle (he knew someone who crafted custom saddles that cost a fortune and of course he persuaded her to buy one!). She eventually was hurt in a fall from the horse (that was way above her level) and ended up with such a bad experience that she left the horse business for good. And this was a woman who would have been worth her weight in gold to the right trainer had she not fallen into a predator's hands.

I have met many trainers who have a very kind and familiar way about them and are respectfully affectionate with their clients and these are not the kind of trainers I'm referring to, but since you've been in the business so long I'm sure you've seen the other kind of guys "in action". No matter how good they are as trainers, it is always overshadowed by the rather "sleazy" behavior they feel is ok to exhibit in a barn full of women. What are your thoughts on this? Sexual harassment lawsuits are rampant everywhere these days and I'm thinking it might not be too long until we see these kinds of harassment lawsuits against trainers.

Anyway, I think your website is great and I am making sure everyone I ride with is aware of it.

Thank you for your "Letter" and the nice compliment. I am glad you enjoy the site. I was a little perplexed at how to answer your question at first. Then, fate stepped in, and I happened to witness first hand the kind of behavior you described. This guy was using those "honey" and "sweetheart" words. He was complimenting this woman with things like she had beautiful feet. Believe me, the rest of her was sure not very attractive. As far as him, I don't know if he was decent looking or not...but then I am not sure what a shoe salesman is supposed to look like. I've also heard of this type of thing with waiters in restaurants, co-workers at the water cooler, at the fitness center, teachers at the Ballet school, gymnastic coaches, swimming team etc. Frankly, my dear it is just about everywhere the sexes interact and I truly feel that most of this flirting is not only quite natural but also harmless. Horse trainers do not have a patent on this type of behavior.

When flirting and compliments go beyond good taste for the situation, it certainly would be smart for the offended to draw the line. Many times I feel that the object of the compliment takes it so serious that they feel there is much more to it than there really is. Why else would an intelligent person cast logic aside and want to haul off and purchase things she did not want simply to please a trainer. If it was bad advice concerning the horse and saddle from the trainer, I would question his professional ethics to say the least.Was he a predator? Maybe we could get Bill Clinton to define it. Turning a group of women in a barn against each other with jealously takes a man with great bravery but again proves my point. I would think that most "bad Experiences" come when the complimented fails to draw the line and then also assumes flirting means relationship. This is probably how most of those lawsuits start.

I in no way wish to trivialize this issue or your personal experiences but I know of very few trainers who have not learned the word that rhymes with whoa....NO! I do not doubt there are many silvered tongued instructors and trainers out there. I do doubt they would have much business if they told clients how bad they looked or how poorly they rode. Bottom line, when offended by words or actions....draw the line. The other option....move to someone else. I would have to think that any "sleazy' instructors such as you mention, would not be long in the business with no clientele.

Thank you once again for your very provocative question. I hope I have been of some help. I, of course, am not Dr. Phil but then he can't train horses. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

(As with all Questions and Answers on this site,we welcome your comments about them in the Guestbook )

Hi:

Thanks for the willingness to share info about horses. Your add didn't mention Road Horses, but I thought i would ask anyway. I have an eight year old horse. He is sound and in very good order. The only slight issue i have is that he doesn't grow a heel in one front foot. This is my concern _ _ going the first way of the ring he his off (the inside leg goes way higher than the outside) turns and straight-a-ways. When i reverse him he is level. Any suggestion is appreciated.

THANKS

Thank you for your question. Although I deal mostly with American Saddlebred Questioners, I have been fortunate enough to have been associated with several World Champion road horses and road ponies. . Please know, the issue you are dealing with is not limited to Standardbreds but manifests itself in all breeds that trot. "Throwing" a leg is a common issue that can be caused by many factors. Being you are an owner of a breed that trots.. unlike other gaited breeds, your horse must be "sound" to compete. Growing one heel more than another could be a factor in both front feet not having the same flight path. (As could a lameness in front or behind)

Please read this "homework": Is It My Fault He's Out of Step?

Being a Standardbred, I assume off the track, there is a much simpler explanation to the issue you so eloquently described. Trotters and pacers travel only one way of the track at speed. Additionally, to travel straight and be square, a horse must be in a straight line. The problems you describe seem only to come the "first" way of the ring. I would venture to say his head is turned to the rail to keep him on the rail when you go in that direction. (the opposite direction of when they race) He, therefore, would not be traveling in a straight line, thus setting up the conditions to "throw" that leg. Believe me when I tell you this is not a rare problem. One of the best Worlds Champions I was fortunate enough to train, the Standardbred named Happy Landings had a similar problem. I purchased him from a great horseman. Happy arrived with a 12 oz rolled toe shoe on one front foot and an 8 oz flat keg shoe on the other foot. That is something or something similar, that might work for you if getting him straight in the bridle doesn't help.

I hope I have been of some help or at least have given you a different prospective of your situation. I would really appreciate reading how this has turned out in the Guest Book. Good Luck and Good Driving.

LF Lavery

HI

I have owned a rescue horse for the last 2 years. He is approx. 14 years old and is a Saddlebred gelding. He has come along way with improved behaviors that include: ease in bridling, no pawing while in cross ties and less spinning in his stall. His behavior to other horses is my concern. I moved my horse to a new barn last year because they had trails. (At the former barn he was a part of a herd. He had no issues there except he would kick the stall walls and the barn owners put kicking cahins on him which made him go crazy.) At the new place he was turned out every day with 2 other geldings. He was/is very , very aggressive. He bits, kicks and ran down the other 2 horses. I moved him to another new barn 3 months ago. Again, he was placed with 2 other geldings in the pasture. He started out being very cooperative the first 2 months and then all of a sudden he attacked the horse he was out with and even got him on the ground. The owners of the barn will not put him outside with other horses. They tried to put him out in a separate pasture with a muzzle, for only 20 min. They brought him in because he was pacing the fence. They said they didn't want him to get sick. They are encouraging me to give him up to a rescue. What should I do? Does he need to be with a herd versus just a couple of horses.

Thank you for your question. It seems your horse has gotten a "U" in Citizenship at the pasture "school". I would very much like to tell you of a quick fix for this behavior but unfortunately I cannot think of one. I have seen many people try many things that usually failed when trying to "train" this behavior out of the horse. The logistics of the horse running free make hands on training nearly impossible. Although horses have been herd animals since their creation, the establishment of a pecking order is not at all unusual and sometimes can be brutal. This "fight" for superiority seldom lasts over a few seconds, unless two stallions are vying for a herd of breeding females. On the other hand, geldings usually surrender to the mares, A herd of mares, can teach manners to any male, a fact I found out during my dating years! The brutality you describe, however, goes far beyond the usual social behavior. Let's see if we can figure this out.

As with all unacceptable behaviors, it is important to try to find the cause as it is not normal behavior. The fact he conducted himself as a gentleman when with the herd would lead me to believe he found the pecking order already established and a try for superiority quite futile. (I would bet there were some tough mares in that herd!) Being more territorial and aggressive with just two geldings does not surprise me but the continued aggression certainly does. One would almost wonder if your gelding may not be a true gelding? Occasionally, during the gelding process, one testicle is missed. This horse becomes a "ridgeling", with the same hormones as a stallion having retained this testicle. Your vet could examine him or a hormone test could be run to see if this is indeed an explanation. Short of that..I can think of none.

In your letter you mention "he attacked the horse he was out with and even got him on the ground." Was he out with only one horse? It is obvious that a larger group is needed to keep him in line but I doubt your fellow boarders are ready to donate their steeds to science just yet. You also mention he was upset when turned out alone with the muzzle. Why the muzzle if he was alone.

If he were mine.....I would have him "sexed" first. He would be turned out 24/7 and like the mailman "rain, sleet or snow". He could pace the fence until he got tired of doing it. I would take him off grain and supplement the grass in the pasture with a little hay. A little "tough love" is called for if you wish to try to rehabilitate him. Hopefully, he could be in a place where he was close to and could see the other horses. Eventually, you would find him paying attention and "bonding" with one of the other horses. That horse could be introduced to his pasture. (perhaps with a lunge line on your horse to protect his new "friend" and to have an influence on the outcome.) You must know that some fighting among all herd and pack animals is inevitable and is best ignored by humans and allowed to run it's course but certainly not at the cost of serious injury.

Once again thank you for your question I only wish I could have been of more help. Would love to read how things are going in the Guest book. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Hello,

I just had to share with you that I feel as if I am making some progress with the “lifetime project” Yeah! I am so excited! The same horse that was running off over a month ago was ridden by me bareback with a halter and a lead shank all over the barn last night. This is amazing because I did this while lessons were going on and there were young children and horses all over the place. Trust me, I am shocked. Currently, the so called “training program” consist of turning him out, hours of trail riding, and riding him with lots of horses in group riding lessons. I took your advice and have worked diligently to try to get him to relax and wear less and less bridle. Like you said this will hopefully allow him to listen to his rider with a degree of confidence and make it enjoyable for both of us. I finally feel like I am moving in the right direction. So far, we have taught him how to climb sawdust piles, go over fences and cover rough trails at a flat foot walk, and enjoy the fellowship of other horses!!!! I don’t know if we if he will be able to continue to hold it all together when he is asked to be a “show horse” but what the heck.

Thank you so much for your E-mail. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am at the progress you are making with Mr. Excitement!

No where is there a finer example of putting my favorite quote,"A well trained horse is not an accident but the product of many thoughtful hours!", into play than what you have described in your letter. You have also learned another horse trainer secret that we never tell anyone. The bigger the challenge, the more thought and time given, the more thrilling it is when you start to make things turn around with a horse. You didn't think trainers where in this for the money did you!

Let's recap exactly what you have done. You have taken on the training of a horse that had become very set and adept in many unacceptable behaviors. You realized that many of the "triggers" of these behaviors came from the very work he had been doing, on a daily basis, for years. You knew he had little reason to depend on you. Gaining his confidence was out of the question. You felt the "flight" instinct when he took hold of the bridle therefore making usual bridling for correction impossible. You seized on the most important thought...relax.

Then......you proceeded to completely change all he has known for several years, perhaps his whole life. You put him completely off balance and set up the situation for him to now depend on and become confident with you. You have given him no bit to pull on and no set daily program to get used to. You have shown him the wonders of relaxation. I feel you have won the battle and are not far from winning the war.

I would keep your program up for another month or two and then slowly start to integrate smooth bits and long running martingales back in the program. Certainly not asking for much but again finding out what works for the both of you. Above all, know you will never have to ask him to be a show horse...you know he will rise to that occasion on his own.

Again, thanks for your E-mail and please know how proud I am of your efforts with MR Excitement. You are an inspiration to all of us who attempt to train these wonderful equines. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Mr Lavery-

Hi, I am 16 years old and I have been riding and showing Saddlebreds since I was four years old, and hope to be involved with Saddlebreds as a career in some way.

In my Honors English II class, I have been assigned to write a paper on a certain opinion I have, and to support it with factual information from credible resources. Of course I chose a topic relating to Saddlebreds--the showing two-year-olds debate. My stand point is that since the rate of physical and mental development varies from horse to horse and some two year olds are just ready for the show ring sooner than others, showing two year olds shouldn't be completely out of the question, but the show schedules of two year olds should be less intense than that of a mature show horse.

It is a five paragraph essay, and I need three internal paragraphs with one point to expound on in each. I plan on these paragraphs pinpointing the mental, physical, and safety reasons that two year olds should be shown on a less intense show schedule.

Have you ever known of anyone to be seriously hurt by a two year old? Are there any health issues that can show up later in horses that were shown consistently as two year olds? Can it be harmful to expose two year olds to the stress of a horse show, and more specifically, the show ring?

Any input would be greatly appreciated for use in my paper. I am on a bit of a time constraint, so I ask that you email me back as soon as possible, preferably before Saturday, the 11th. Thank you so much for your time, I look forward to hearing from you!!! :)

Thank you for your questions. They certainly "cut to the chase". To begin, let me say that I pretty much agree with your theory, every colt is different in maturity both mental and physical. I have been to farms and seen some great trainers teach yearlings, that were big enough and strong enough, to ride in the late fall. This of course was not a "grueling" training job, just for a few weeks before being turned back out, enough to ride some of the rough off of them and to get a little edge and head start on the spring of their two year old year. Remember these were only the really stout colts. Many colts are still not candidates for riding let alone showing even at two years old.

Having said that and knowing there are exceptions to every rule, I see nothing at all wrong with the prudent showing of two year olds strong and mature enough to handle it. Strong and mature should not be confused with tall. Height, at this age has nothing to do with strength and maturity much like the 6 foot tall 5th grader. He should be able to play basketball someday in the future but he sure can't play well now.

As for your questions,:

I have seen people hurt by horses many times but I can certainly assign no particular age to the horses. Horses are large animals with teeth and hooves and we ask them to do things they would not normally do in the wild. People can be hurt.

In my opinion, the hard campaigning of a two year old from spring to fall is certainly not in most colts best interests and can have a profound negative effect on future soundness and attitude. You might let an 8 year old little boy play at being a Fireman but you certainly wouldn't expect him to hold the fire hose, put out the fire and rescue your mother-in-law from a burning building.

Years ago I can remember showing in a class of 31 two-year-olds and I certainly felt the stress. Now a days, with all the "split" rules (which I do not agree with - will explain if someone is interested ) that possible stress has been tamed. Again, as you pointed out, mental maturity comes in to play at this juncture. I feel if a 2-year-old is mature enough to ride and mentally mature enough to have been trained to wear a curb bit and perform the correct gaits, he is ready to accept the challenges of the show ring none the worse for wear.

I hope I have been of some help to you and I wish you great success on your project.

Please let me know, in the Guest Book, how you did. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Hi Lonnie,

I'm wondering if you have any advice for me. I am breaking a rescue horse that I have had for 6 months. I'm finishing up working with the bit and stopping at a fast trot. He is almost ready for a canter with him finally becomming balanced. The problem I am having is that when I try to get him into a canter, which he does fine on a lead rope, he starts to buck. Do you have any advice you can offer.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for your question. Stopping at a fast trot is quite an accomplishment but being "ejected" at the canter takes some of the pride away, I am sure. I wish I had a little more information to go on. If I had the opportunity, I would ask you several questions:

How old is he? - It would make a big difference if he were three rather than ten.

How often do you ride him?- If you are a "Week-end Warrior" and not working him every day, that could explain a lot.

Please describe how you ask him to canter?- Are you to the point where you ask him subtlety or are you trying to kick, gouge and run him into it. How you ask makes a big difference.

At what point during your "workout" do you ask him to canter?- If asked before he is warmed up, tight muscles etc. can cause him discomfort.

What type of equipment (Bridle, etc.) do you wear on him when you ride?- The type of bit, martingale and even the saddle can have an effect on this issue.

Are you working inside or outside?- Where you are cantering including the footing can have an effect as well.

Since I have none of these answers, let's just wing it. When dealing with a behavioral problem as you describe, we should eliminate several probable causes, i.e., Soundness. If he canters fine on a lunge line and shows no lameness he could be sore in his back. If he drops down when you mount..he is sore. Short of palpating his vertebrae, it would be difficult to tell for sure.

A flawed or incorrect training program in his earlier years is often the culprit. Going back to the basics is the remedy in that case.

Is the behavior a willful action done because he can do it? Like used cars, horses and very often rescue horses come with a bit of "baggage". It is very possible that this issue is why he ended up in the rescue program. If he is practiced at this, he will need a serious rehabilitation program, usually conducted by a professional trainer.

I would suggest these things to you.

1. If he is not being worked every day, make sure he is turned out every day.
2. Cut back or stop feeding any grains for a while and give him more hay.
3. Lunge him 5-10 min. with tack on before you start each riding session.
4. Long lining, with a crupper can be useful.
5. When asking for the canter, be as subtle as possible. Trotting him into it will only cause problems.
6. Remember, it is very difficult for a horse to buck unless his head is down.

As you certainly do not hold the patent on this behavior and I have dealt with it many times here, I have included some homework that may help you better understand how to accomplish your training task.

• I want an ASB not a PBR!
• Country Pleasure Mare That Leaps into Her Canter
• He Was a Crabtree Student, Once!

Thank you once again for your question I hope I have been of some help. I look forward to hearing of your progress in the Guest Book.

Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

the first trainer i had for my 3year old qtr horse broke him with no issues, but proceeded into reining, a tie down, and a wire bit, my horse started to show resistence i.e. kbacking into a wall, running thru the bit etc.

and i told her to use just a plain snaffle, as in John Lyons training. she was resentfull and told me that i was telling her how to train my horse, we parted ways and i found another trainer and thought that pulling a cart would be good work for a young horse to desensitise him to road etc. The trainer called me and told me my horse had reared and gone over backward in the harness, and has a double halter on him because he had reared and resisted solid tieing by going thru the safety halter i had for him, when i suggested the saffety tie blocker the trainer seemed very resistent to the idea and said my horse had to unlearn that training and to be solid tied until he learned not to pull. should i pick my horse up tomorrow? i feel that this trainer has not used in Parelli's words "proper and prior preparation" what do you think i should do?

Thank you so much for your question. The three behaviors you describe are, of course, all unacceptable. With the exception of the rearing in the cart, they were all "taught" to him. Resentment to new things at that stage of training, is quite common but obviously your trainer did not have a chance to work through it as you moved the horse. Your horse has learned how to not wear his bridle.

A horse that is to be tied but pulls and then is rewarded for pulling by the a safety halter is indeed a problem. Your horse has learned to have this problem.

Although certainly not acceptable, the rearing issue would worry me the least as there are a myriad of things that could scare a young horse into doing this. If we put together the resistance you mentioned in reining training and the problem driving, however, I could easily think these problems have a connection with the 3 yr old's teeth. Wolf teeth, loose caps, sharp molars often are the culprits that cause this kind of behavior.

While I am an admirer of the two gentlemen you mention and their teachings, I think even they would want to see the horse before passing judgement on a training program because of the number of issues. I feel likewise. I will, however, tell you some things I would do.

Have his teeth checked by an Equine Dentist. 3 yr olds should be done twice a year because of the rapid changes in their mouths.

Decide exactly what you wish this horse to do, Reining? Driving on a road? Trail horse? Show horse? When you figure it out discuss your desire with your trainer and see if he or she thinks this is a reasonable request for your horse's ability.

Of course, you need to go back to square one as far as riding. (after his teeth have been floated) And realize there is no "express lane" for training a young horse. Rushing can cause serious problems that may even materialize years later.

Driving should be started over as well, but back to ground driving, rather than the cart, until he is perfect at it.

As far as changing trainers, if you feel it is an untenable situation, it is entirely up to you if you wish to move. I would be more than happy to recommend someone in your area if you decide to move. Personally, I think your horse has had enough changes already here in his formative years. Usually, every trainer has his own way of doing things. If it has worked for them they are reluctant to change, but then they are not giving clinics or hosting TV shows, they are just trying to be successful in the show ring and in running a public stable.

Once again thank you for your great questions, I hope I have been of some help to you. I look forward to reading of your progress in the Guest Book. Good Luck and Good Riding.

LF Lavery

Hi,

I have a 5 year old TB mare I purchased one year ago. She did not have a lot of ground handling and, consequently, has some grooming issues. She is a passive aggressive mare. She HATES her mane pulled. I have been diligent to desensitize her spending a little time each day for many months brushing it, grabbing and squeezing her crest, even using Vetrolin on her crest. Even sedated she is a real pill about it. If I pull one hair she becomes suspicious and keeps her head up and will set back. The other area she is difficult in is when I want to clean her teats. Again I have taken time, patience and small steps to desensitize her to the process. She picks up a leg to kick, but I use a strong short vocal to stop her. Even with experienced help, a twitch and sedation, she can be a real pill. I am beginning to get discouraged. She is a pretty mare a really good about most other thin gs. Any suggestions?

Discouraged in Tucson

P.S. She is training for a career as a hunter and needs to be able to be braided, so roaching or cutting the mane is out. Unfortunately, she has enough mane for 2

Thank you for your question. I can imagine how frustrating this behavior must be for you. Not to mention how difficult it is to hit a moving target. It is hard for me to even think of a place to suggest you start short of pulling her teats, cleaning her mane, picking up the twitch and drinking the Vetrolin! Seriously, you have tried most all I could suggest and if you cannot achieve success with the miracle of modern medicine (ie Rompun or Ace ) it is going to be a difficult fix. Let's take a stab at it.

First, understand this issue started initially as a reaction. The act of pulling a horse's mane can be uncomfortable and even painful. I would imagine this mare is very sensitive to the point she could probably shake you off her back should a fly lands on her. Thoroughbreds, in general, have very sensitive skin. (in fact, finding a currycomb in a TB stable can sometimes be impossible) This does not make her behavior right but as you can see it does explain a good deal about it.

Here are some suggestions that might help you:

Braiding

Knowing that a horse cannot do two things at once,

1. Put a bit in her halter so she can chew while you work
2. Let her wear a feed bag with feed while you work
3. Have a helper "tap" gently on her forehead while you work

Knowing that restraining a 1000 lb horse takes cunning

1. Have your helper put a lip chain on her and keep it gently moving while you work. (it commands more respect than a twitch and is less painful when used properly)
2. Have your helper hold one ear while you work
3. Try doing it by yourself with no restraints just a shank
4. Put a pair of "blind" blinkers on her

Knowing that it helps to be smarter than the horse

1. Don't try to restrain or fool her. Just get along. Stand on a stool if she raises her head. You will never win a fight with her!
2. Ignore movement and just be patient no matter how long it takes.
3. Reward, by stopping, any suspension of the wrong behavior no matter how brief a period of time. If it takes three days to pull the main..then it takes 3 days.

Creative thinking

1. Probably 2/3 of the Hackney ponies showing today have roached manes and glued on braids. Done right, it is very difficult to tell the difference.

1. Have your helper hold up a front leg while you clean them

I hope I have been of some help to you concerning these issues. I look forward to hearing of your progress in the Guest Book. Good Luck And Good Riding,

LF Lavery