Re: RC: "cinchy" horses

[Laney Humphrey <laneyh@mbay.net>]

Barbara you're describing this horse's behavior exactly and she has only
been handled in the kindest way her whole life.  She trailers willingly
but not happily so maybe it is a form of claustrophobia.  It has taken
a year so far to get her going and the saddling procedure the owner and
trainer have devised is just like yours.
    Thanks for your input, and thank you, belatedly,
from another grateful participant in your wonderful rides,
Laney

BMcCrary27@aol.com wrote:

We have one young gelding who is cinchy; he was this way as his trainer began
trining him to the saddle.  He would become very anxious and sometimes throw
himself on the ground, then become sort of catatonic.  The trainer was a very
sensitive and understanding person, not given to force or punishment.  She
asked around the vet and old-timer circles and came up with the following:
Vet said it's possible for the horse to have pinched nerves, Old-timers said
some horse are just like that and it's not something the trainer or rider has
done.  Another viewpoint held that the horse felt claustrophobic, i.e. the
cinch was confining him and he was scared.  So between the trainer and myself
we worked out a procedure.  Put on the saddle and wait a few moments for the
horse to become accustomed to it.  Buckle girth on the loosest notches and
wait a few moments.  In the beginning I had to lead him around a few steps or
at worst, let him walk circles around me on a halter rope until he relaxed.
Then I would take up notches on the girth, one set at a time, watching his
reaction each time.  If he appeared anxious, I'd lead him a few steps, then
take up another notch on the girth.  Finally, when the girth was snug enough
to allow me to mount safely, I'd get on and walk him out.  Fortunately, he
did not react to being mounted or ridden and did not throw himself on the
ground with me on him.  I'd ride about 1/2 mile, then check the girth while
still mounted.  It usually needed taking up one notch.  Then we were home
free and off for a ride.  This has been a gradual process for about a year,
but gradually he is becoming less reactive to the process.  As long as I show
him the saddle, put it on carefully and not hurry in girthing him, he's
gradually gotten over his anxiety.  I had one well-meaning person offer to
"cure" him of throwing himself on ground by tieing him up with a rope under
his tail.  I answered, "Yes, and how do you suppose he's going to react to a
crupper in the future?  If you want to try this procedure with a horse you go
buy your own horse, but you're not trying this with one of ours".  My own
procedure is working, the youngster is overcoming his anxiety (he's coming 6
in May), and he's not been traumatized by some forceful procedure.  Some
horses can tolerate a little force or punishment and some can't.  I decided
this one would not be improved by punishment. He's going to be a really nice
horse in a couple of years (needs to mature), safe, trusting, and a dream to
ride (very smooth).

Barbara