Re: SoCal Newbie has more questions! :0)

["Cora" <bandc@teknett.com>]

Hi, I once had a horse, years ago, that spooked at everything!!!Including
his shadow. But on a ride he never...never spooked at any thing, just wanted
to see what was next, and how fast can we go Mom??? Just need to try it,
hopefully all goes well...Good Luck....Cora----- Original Message -----
From: Jennifer Thompson <jlthompson@earthlink.net>
To: Ridecamp <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2000 2:58 PM
Subject: RC: SoCal Newbie has more questions! :0)


> Okay, so now all of you great folks that responded to my
> "Where to start out in SoCal" question have me all pumped up
> and chomping at the bit to get started in endurance, I have
> questions re: the suitability of my horse before I go any
> further:
>
> As I said before, two trainers have suggested endurance for
> her.  One of these trainers is a western and cutting trainer
> who she has been with for 8 months now.  He suggested it
> because in his words "she's got  more guts than any horse
> I've worked with, even the other Arabs", meaning no matter
> how hard he works her, or how long, she is always ready to
> give more.  She just doesn't seem to ever get worn out.  She
> can be dripping sweat after an hour of strenous arena work,
> but still be breathing pretty easily and still full of
> energy for more.  He told me a few months ago, that he was
> amazed at her stamina.  He said that he simply could not
> wear her out - don't know why he'd try, but that's what he
> said.
>
> Now, I realize it must take more than this in a horse to do
> well in endurance.  My first concern is her temperament.
> She is not bold or dominant when in a herd, and actually
> dislikes being out if front on a trail ride (will balk
> sometimes and spook more often), unless we're cantering or
> galloping - then she forgets her insecurities and wants to
> overcome the other horse.  But overall, she prefers to tag
> along behind and be a follower.  Does this bode badly in
> regards to competitive trail or endurance riding?  (Can you
> tell I've been reading the on-line handbook on the "Help for
> Newbies" page?  LOL)
>
> Next concern is that she is *really* spooky.  A pin can drop
> and she's on her toes ready to bolt.  She can go from
> plodding along half asleep on a trail ride to a freaked out
> bundle of nerves from just the sound of a rabbit moving
> through the brush.  She is nine years old, and has always
> been like this.  We've done trail riding over the years, but
> admittedly, not often enough.  More like once a week,
> sometimes less depending on how my schedule was at the
> time.  She even sat as a pasture potatoe for over a year
> (two years ago) when I was going through some bad personal
> stuff.
>
> Do spooky horses ever get over this stuff?  If not, can they
> still be successful at this sport?
>
> That's it for now!  I'm looking forward to meeting some of
> you next Saturday at the Sunland ride.
>
> Thank you,
> Jennifer
>
>
>
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