Re: RC: I'm having a problem - long!

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

Hi Kathleen,  Arabians can take a little getting used to if you have mainly 
had QH's and POA's.  The first thing that springs to mind is that some of 
them need a little time to adjust to new surroundings and get some confidence 
in their new owners.  you might try to just play with him and groom him and 
find his special spot.  Let him develop some confidence in you, that you are 
going to treat him well, and that YOU won't get HIM into trouble.  If he has 
never been away from home, he may be missing his pasture buddies, and not 
know where to look for reassurance.  Some lunging and maybe some round pen 
work to start him looking to you for leadership might help.  

Another thing is to determine if he is used to going out by himself.  If he 
has usually gone out with buddies, then he has always felt safe in a familiar 
environment with familiar horses and rider to look to for guidance.

The third question I have is what type of rider are you?  Even though you 
have been riding forever, you may still be a highstrung rider who is 
transmitting a lot of energy to him.  He may interpret that energy as 
nervousness.  You probably ARE nervous, as he is a new horse, and now you 
have some negative history together after only a few rides.  

Try backing off and getting to know him from the ground.  Arabians seem to 
have distinct personalities some want to be your buddy right away, others 
take a longer time to warm up.  Ride him a LOT in very controlled 
circumstances,  an arena, and with other bomb-proof horses and riders , or as 
Susan suggested, pony him if you can.  Try to make everything positive.  And 
check you tack to make sure nothing is hurting him.  Arabians can be very 
hard to fit a saddle to, and they can be real wimps about something that 
hurts, as tough as they are in other ways.  The PNER convention is next 
weekend in Pullman, (WSU campus)  I'm going and it would be a great 
opportunity for you to get in on some endurance stuff, see different types of 
tack and hear some great discussion.  jeri