Re: RC: Got a problem here!

[diane knapper <knaptyme@uswest.net>]

I can have so much to say about this guys comments.  I
bought a horse that was abused.  The people told me he
wouldn't tie to anything he was scared of everything.  I
have now spent 4 years of my life with him.  Yes, at first
it was a challenge.  I had to tie him with a bungee cord and
I had to take everything very slow.  Was it worth it...you
bet.  He has now turned into the best horse I ever had.
Will tie to anything, and in fact most times he isn't
tied...he just thinks he is.  He is sweet lovable and adores
humans.

To this day, he will distrust any stranger that walks up to
him, without me present.  He is very nervous about anything
new that happens to him, even if I do it.  I work everyday
to make sure that nothing bad happens to this horse.  Can I
always prevent it...absolutely not.  Accidents happen.

If this guy is truly willing to sell the horse, I would be
interested.  I've always wanted and accepted a challenge in
my life.  Taking a horse that someone did not or could not
treat properly is just up my alley.  Every animal I've ever
owned has been a basket case at one time or the other.
After spending a couple of years with me, they seem to
fine.  Do I have some special magic....of course not.  I
just take my time with them and let them realize their fears
are just that...fears.  That isn't (whatever it is) isn't
going to happen with me.  Nobody is going to get mad at them
because they broke a lead rope when tied up or nobody is
going to hit them because they wouldn't let the saddle
blanket be put on them.  It is all a matter of taking your
time and letting the horse realize that you aren't going to
hurt them.  In their mind, hurt can be such a simple thing.
I'm not sure that it was anyting to do with the saddle not
fitting or the blanket having something under it.  Some
horses it is more basic than that...they are reacting to
what has happened to them before.

When I bought Phoenix, he had 3 perfect scar marks on his
front leg.  Asked the owner about..."it happened when he was
out for training".  It didn't take a rocket scientist to
realize those where spur scars.  When I was trying to get
him registered, I ended up talking to the trainer (one
above) who told me that I had wasted my money and that horse
would amount to nothing.  A very big part of me wishes I was
still in NV, just so I could show them how well Phoenix
turned out.  Is he the perfect horse...NOT.  Is he my
perfect horse...YES.  So give me the next project...the
horse that no one wants.  I will never give up on him and I
will try my best to make him into a horse that is happy,
well adjusted and willing to accept that saddle and
blanket.  I fully believe there are very few rouge horse,
just really bad owners.

Diane & Phoenix (no way, no how, will I get in the way of
her soapbox)


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