Re: pass and I'll kick!

["Robert Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Kimberly:

Interesting that you write about this matter. Just got done sending an
E-mail about this same problem. Here in the Northwest there is a move afoot
to exclude such horses from endurance rides. 

First let me offer an explanation; I do not feel that it is entirely the
fault of the horse. Be aware YOUR HORSE DID NOT KICK WITH OUT WARNING.
There was some type of signal to the encroaching horse that was ignored.
You just did not realize what the signal was. Second, the encroaching horse
did not enter the danger zone willingly but was put there by the rider.

I have observed many horses in the herd and initial warning is given by
ears back or a dirty look, second warning is a "near miss" kick and if the
encroachment continues then the "real" kick is delivered. When riding the
"near miss'" kick often lands on the riders knee or leg.

A question for you and you do not have to answer it to any one but your
self!  What do you do when "someone gets in your face"? I bet you do not
smile demurely and turn away. Well, should you expect your horse to do the
same thing. 

Remember, the one receiving the kick was in the wrong place and is the one
at fault. The one doing the kicking is only acting in the NATURAL manner of
the horse.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

----------
> From: KIMBERLY PRICE <PLOUGH1@ix.netcom.com>
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: pass and I'll kick!
> Date: Monday, April 06, 1998 10:16 PM
> 
> Anyone with alpha horses or previously wild alpha beast please email ME 
> with suggestions or questions on the following if you have any. 
> 
> Mystery has not kicked in almost two years.  This because of tons of 
> work in bringing up his tolerance level and riding with many different 
> horses, sometimes as very fast and competitive speeds (worked up to 
> it).  Passing, being passed, ride beside etc., etc., etc., so I thought 
> the kicking problem was licked.  He came from a wild herd where kicking 
> was law and order and had to learn the rules change in human company, 
> and that strange horses were not a threat.
> 
> Sunday we were in a high stress situation, full speed ahead, I'm asking 
> him to slow because of the terrain, his now competitor new horse 
> catches up and he "thinks" he will be passed, he lets go a flying kick 
> at the full uphill gallop, catches the other guy in the chest/lower 
> shoulder....I didn't feel it coming at all...
> 
> Thank goodness no one seems hurt and the other rider is a true 
> horsewoman and understanding person.  Of course we are both pissed and 
> of course, I now have a problem.
> 
> Anyone else resolve this situation?
> 
> Kimberly "give me that tail, you mule!"
> & Mystery "ooohhh, red, nice color!"
> Pt.Reyes, CA
>