 |
[RC] cranky mare - eating - Marlene MossTitle: MessageHi
Jonni,
Oh, I agree with you
- I think I had in parenthesis after my comment on not being into food that this
was something additional for me to evaluate because it most definitely would be
an important factor.
At this point I'm
not totally sure how best to evaluate this. The mare was on pasture for
most of her life and never had another horse to compete with for food. So
she hasn't had a reason to worry about where her next bite is coming from.
In the last 2 months, since her current owners bought her, she's had a lot of
upheaval in her life. It does take her all day to eat her hay ration and
while she's mostly gone from a life of leisure to consistent riding, her weight
is perfect with nothing but hay. I've introduced her to beet pulp and
Strategy, not cuz she needs it, just cuz that's what I feed my guys. She's
gotten very excited to see her beet pulp mix coming, so I see this as a good
sign. And she does always eat everything in front of her, it just takes a
while. Keeping in mind that she's never had her teeth done, I'm not yet
worried that eating is going to be an issue, but still not quite sure how to
"test" this! I think I'm just going to get the vet out for the teeth and
not wait for the owners since I have 2 others to do anyhow. I'd love her
to end up going bitless, but I'd prefer a bit at least at the
beginning.
Further update, I
put her in the pasture next to one of my dopy geldings that likes every horse
and another cranky mare that squeals at every horse. Abby and the dope are
now best buddies. They run the fence together and I could easily put them
together without worrying. The two mares squeal and strike at each other,
but it's more posturing than agression. I think tomorrow we'll test with
them all 3 together.
Another note, this
horse didn't steer at all! Even with a sidepull she sets her neck against
the pressure - walked straight into a fence to avoid turning. I spend
about 45 minutes in the round pen and can now steer her with the teeniest twitch
of the reins and leg and seat pressure, still working on bending though.
And she stands stock still for me to mount. Very sensitive horse - just
waiting to find out that she could relax and enjoy life!
Marlene
Marlene Moss
Saddle Fitting - www.KineticEquineAnalysis.com
Boarding/Training - www.LosPinos-CO.com
|