I got a horse, now what? update 1-22-11

[twentynine]

Vet check complete!

Dental check good! No floating needed.

No wolf teeth, what I thought were "wolf teeth" well they weren't wolf teeth.

Showed the vet the bit, said basicly what you guys said, maybe a little severe. Recommended D-Ring jointed snaffle. Naturally Cody behaved just like a kid. You guys know what I mean, you bring your child to the Dr because he is coughing and running a fever. Get to the Dr and the child won't or hasn't coughed for hours with no sign of fever. Well, Cody done the same thing, vet put the bit in his mouth, Cody stood there and acted like it was the most natural thing that ever happened to him. No head shaking, no mouthing, no ear pinning.
He did comment that Cody being only 4 years old, (yep! He confirmed that Cody was 4 yo) had probably under gone only limited training. So he was bound to act up some. With us not knowing Cody's complete history, we might be inclined to agree. He also said that it may have been a long time since Cody had been ridden, so he may not have like it very much.

Checked his walk, okay!

Checked his hoofs, okay!

Vaccinations, done!

Worming, done!

We will be talking to a trainer either today or later in the week. More for me, than for Cody.

This morning, I started over. Rope halter, briddle and bit, lead him around awhile using the halters lead rope. Back to the barn, put saddle pad on him and lead him around again. Back to the barn, saddled him up, lead him around some more. Checked the bit to make sure it was in properly, tightened up the cheek straps slightly. Then I climbed up, he didn't like it but soon got used to me being there. Slight head tossing but not like earlier. Rode him out on the property, back to front, right to left. Stopped and started, turned port and starboard. After a few minute he was doing pretty good. Stayed on him for about an hour. Maybe the first attempt failures were due to my aprehension. Stopped him over under the pine trees, took the bit off and let him graze for 30 minutes. Put the bit back in with hardly no trouble, I swear he tried to help me. Yes! I know you guys are laughing but I swear he ducked his head and turned to the side so I could reach his ears and the buckles. Then Donna got up on him and took him back to the barn. I expected him to give a little protest because he was leaving the grass behind, but he went willingly.

After the vet visit I am feeling much more positive.

Will be calling the vet back to see if we can get a referral to another farrier, our original is still down.

 

[babymakes6]

It sounds like you have the perfect horse! Congratulations!

 

[Melissakins]

I've been watching your posts, sounds like you're making good progress with Mr. Cody!

can't wait to see him dressed up in his finery and see how he's looking.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Sounds like you are off to a good start!

You can accomplish just about anything with horses if you go slow and you are consistent.

I would love to see more pictures of Cody!

 

[Cara]

His head tossing might be a combination of things. The bit probably is a bit much, but he also may not be fully giving to pressure yet. An easy exercise you can do from the ground is to pick up on the rein, bring it back to the D-ring on the saddle, and as soon as he bends in the slightest release all pressure. Even if he just gives an inch, drop the rein if necessary (as long as it won't spook him). Soon he will give more and more, usually within 15-30 mins they will bend as soon as they see you begin to pick up the rein. If he backs up go with him until he stops and gives. The key is to release at the right time so that he learns doing the right thing gives him an immediate release. You want to do it on both sides, more so on his bad side.

I have a mare who's a little fiesty to say the least, and in her case it has worked wonders. She would fight a bit and was completely uncontrollable in one. You could ride her in a halter all day, but if she had a bit in her mouth she would run through it, toss her head, rub her face on her front legs, buck... She was rotten. I was on the verge of selling her (literally with the buyers waiting) when it hit me that as rotten as she was, I couldn't stand to see her go. That afternoon I started that exercise on the ground with no intention of getting on her (I was scared to death of her). Within an hour I was riding her in the bit and we haven't looked back. She just needed to know that if she did her part I would release the pressure.

She still has her moments but they are a lot easier to handle. If she thinks she isn't going to stop I can flex her head to the side and after a couple of tight circles she decides she will. The key is to always stay consistent and always give them the release when they have earned it. If they think they can't get away from the pressure they will continue to fight.

 

[jlapham]

Lets see 12 words or less, wrong water,2 much feed, problems on the horizon.

Seriously your facing major problems, feet trimming, worming, feeding, Do not continue to let the horse drink from the pool. Get with someone that knows more about owning a horse.

 

[twentynine]

Quote:
Ha! Ha! Ha!

Every now and a gain I get reminded just how far this thread has taken us. This is one of those reminders.

Mr. or Ms. jlapham, you need to catch up on the thread. Most all, in fact I would say all of the things you mentioned have been addressed, and freely discussed in the pages of this thread.

 

[greathorse]

He/she did leave out drowning in the pool, I will go ahead and add that one back for old times sake.

 

[jlapham]

Sorry twentynine. did not intentionally mean to ruffle your feathers. I apologize.

 

[Terri O]

I came back to this thread after reading it when it first started. I must admit I shook my head at the first post but you were getting pretty good advice (and most importantly, you were listening!) so I stayed out. Coming back, I would like to congratulate you on your horse and all you have learned! Way to go! One caution I will pass on...I only ever wanted one horse....now we have 6! Terri O in WI