Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Take her back in her training to something she does consistently well with no angst, even if it's just leading from the barn and work forward from there.

 

Have you had her teeth checked by an equine dentist? I mean a really good one who will look WAAAY back there for hooks and other pain issues?

 

I'd also have her checked by a chiro. If she was ridden the way you describe, she likely has some alignment issues with her poll that could be keeping her from relaxing.

 

And believe it or not, saddle fit issues and sore backs can also cause the worry and chomping.

 

If all these things pan out OK, then start experimenting to find a bit she likes. With  my fussiest angst ridden horse, he likes a mild ported kimberwicke. It sits quietly in his mouth. he hates snaffles and standard curbs.

 

I've got each of my riding horses in a different bit based on what the horse works best with and what fits the shape of the horse's mouth.

 

good luck.

 

chris

mjwest02@xxxxxxx wrote:

Thank you for your sites to search - I will research those. 

 

To give you some background on this mare - I got her when she was 9, now 13.  Her previous owners rode her in a HIGH port curb and used spurs.  This mare was all screwed up (very afraid of everything, probably -most likely abused - they tried to make her into a Show Horse (Morgan) and that didn't work)  I think[know] she has been mis-handled and is confused.   She has a sweet personality and is NOT agressive.   I have been working on bringing her anxieties down - she will casually chew on her bit, or if anxious, she will chomp on the bit.   

 

I did use a French link but when out on the trails, she doesn't HEAR it when I say WHOA. (I pulled blisters on both hands)  I have a dressage trainer working with me, so even though I am inexperienced in training, I do have a professional helping us.  Our goal is to RELAX HER, stretch her neck and her back, drop her head and get her to round out...instead of HEAD UP and back hollow...  I can use a hackmore/halter with her on trails without the fear of not having control. 

 

We keep trying to go back to square one, and when we think we found it, we realize we need to go back further. 

 

Very Frustrated - but patient.    --anyone can email me privately if they have any further suggestions. 

 

Thanks - MJW

 

 

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. Louisa May Alcott

 

Chris Paus

BayRab Acres http://pages.prodigy.net/paus

Lake Region SWA  http://lakeregionswa.fws1.com