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We had a stunningly well-trained and well-mannered horse nearly ruined by a
"trainer" who felt that the horse needed to work more off of her
hindquarters (correct) and used draw reins and a noseband to do so (wildly
incorrect).  This horse is now so barn sour, so resistant, so nervous and
insecure that my wife can no longer ride her.

It was my fault for not more closely monitoring what was going on at the
trainers, and it is heart-wrenching that such behavioral destruction could
occur.  I will either have to find the time to re-train the horse personally
or pay yet another trainer to undo the damage.

Jonni's comments are totally on the mark.  Listen.  Save your horse.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
This horse sounds like it is being asked to do too much, too fast, and in
the wrong ways. Funny you said the vet told her the horse must be ridden in
a collected frame at all times. Does the vet ride? Do they truly understand
collection? And nosebands and draw reins are NOT the way to do this. Have
her find a trainer that has a clue, and teaches classical dressage.  Have
her know how to ASK the horse to travel correct, so they horse finds it more
comfortable itself, and not something the horse is so resistant to do
causing blisters on her hands. (personally, she deserves MORE than blisters
on her hands if they were caused from sawing the horses mouth)  You said
this is a  TB/Trakehner mare? I'd guess that she would have the tendency to
be more on the hot side, than a laid back horse, and forcing it to do all of
this, after not being asked before, and after some lameness issues is not
going to make this horse a happy camper. She will get more resistant and
confused.   You can not save them all, and I'd wonder how much of what ever
you tell her will be considered anyway. She has her "trainer", who she seems
to believe is having her do the right methods with this horse. Personally,
the lameness issues are becoming secondary, to how this horse is being
handled with its "training".

Jonni


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