Re: RC: mare's defensive/aggressive behavior

[Thiessej@aol.com]

I agree about her being a alpha mare. I use my round pen to convince them I'm
the boss.
No matter if you are riding or working them in the round pen when the first
sign is felt or seen ,of them thinking of challenging your authority, you have
to correct them immediately. With most true Alpha mares this challenge thing
however big or slight will continue but if you nip it in the butt before the
challenge is a big thing it can be a very managable. They do great endurance
horses as they want to be boss also means they are very competitive. The
quicker the correct the smaller it can be and the smaller the fight she will
put up with. Timing is not everything but it sures is the biggest factor. 
My wifes mare is an Alpha mare and her thing is being in front, if you let
start to speed up and she gets in a few quick step before you slow her down,
you can spend the whole ride slowing her down and she'll speed up as soon as
she feels your guard is down,but if you don't let it start by correcting as
soon as you feel the impulsion in her back and give her a tiny tug on the
reins she gives up trying quickly and she is a great ride. People who are slow
to correct her end up riding with a short rein and rough ride and people who
are quick correct her a few times and then end up riding with a long rein and
get a great smooth ride.
 Hope this helps 
Good luck

Jerald Thiessen
Sandhaven Saddlebreds


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