Re: [RC] behavior and exersice levels

["C. Hock" <carolynhock@earthlink.net>]

Hi there, I've been there and have a few suggestions.  Of course turnouts
are key and the more the better. Some horse just can't be confined and all
do better when outside.  Also, be very careful what you feed.  I would cut
out alfalfa entirely for awhile, substitute grass hay instead.  Allow free
feed grass hay for a hard keeper.  Also limit grain to maybe 2 pounds/day or
even less for awhile and add ricebran or some other fat (corn oil) to help
keep the weight on.  Horses are what they eat and I have a couple Arabs that
turn wild on protein.  My 10 year old daughter's horse was a nervous wreck
and therefore not safe for her to ride when given even half rations of
alfalfa (half his hay intake).  He is now off it entirely and while alert
and quick, no longer nervous and jumpy - a big difference.  My own Arab,
when young and in training, was difficult - very athletic and really huge
spooks, jumps, crow hops, rearing, you name it.  He got no grain and no
alfalfa for awhile until we got things under control. Now he gets his
rations of protein adjusted according to workload.
Hope this helps.
Carolyn
----- Original Message -----
From: <guest@endurance.net>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 12:28 PM
Subject: [RC] behavior and exersice levels


> Carolyn soscbk@htc.net
> I resently moved my 5 year old, National Show Horse to a farm with an
> indoor arena so we could prepare for a show.  (We show hunter pleaser as
> well as comp. trail ride) Although I,m able to work him more regularly, he
> doesn't get turned out nearly as much as he did at home.  His behavior has
> gone down hill considerably sence he moved there a month ago.  He rears,
> spooks, spins, bucks, and breaks gaits.  I can't count the number of times
> I've hit the ground!  He acted like this a little when he was broke to
> ride as a 2 year old,  but has shown constant inprovement over the last
> few years,... until now.  I'm mentally and physicaly tired of the batle
> for control that takes place when I try to work him.  Even on a good day
> it can take 30 minutes of warm-up to get him settled enough to focus.
> Everyone who has seen him compeat or show says, "don't give up on him...
> Arabs mature later than other breeds... he'll be a great horse by the time
> he's 7 or 8."  Are they right?  Is there anyone who has had the same
> problem with their young horse?  I don't know how much more abuse my body
> can take!  What can be done now to make it easier on him, and me?  I love
> my horse, 85% of the time. The other 15% is usually spent on the ground
> after he spooked at an invisable trail fairy. (Then I'm not to crazy about
> him)  Any words of incuragement, or common sense, would be greatly
> apreciated.  Signed,  "on the ground in IL"
>
>
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