Re: [RC] some folks dont speak arabian/jigging horse - MtnRondi
It's true... many people that consider themselves horsemen just don't speak Arabian. In the summer of 1997, we had just moved to the mounains and I needed to know where the trails were. So I worked as a wrangler at the local rental stables for several months.
They had about 20 horses, some sound, some lame, some crabby, some nice. My first day there I noticed a little bay Arab (the only one on the dude string) that sort of stood off by himself. They told me they thought he was about 14 yrs. old and had been a rental horse for about 10 years & it showed because he had no life in his eyes. No one paid any attention to him and I was told to put the dude riders on him and place him at the end of the line because he would whirl and go after the horse behind him or just kick the horse behind him. (The dudes were only allowed to ride with a wrangler and had to stay in single file.)
Every morning we had to catch and saddle the horses. I always caught him first and spent extra time brushing him before saddling. We seemed to have a special instant bond. He acted like he liked me and knew that I understood him. I always took my own horse to use as a lead horse because he was a green 5 yr. old and I thought it was good experience for him. Then for about a week, I didn't take my horse and I chose the little bay Arab to lead with. The one who couldn't be in front. He seemed surprised when I climbed on and for the times I used him to lead with, he was a perfect gentleman and had a new spring in his step. We really connected and I felt sorry for him when I left. I guess I should go and see if he is still on the string and if he needs a gentle pat from someone who understands him.
