Here are a few questions and comments sent in from fellow horse lovers. Keep in mind this is the first issue of The Horse Life. Every question answered here is of opinion of many diffrent equestrians. If you have a question or comment feel free to Send One In.
Hi! I recently purchased an Arabian mare that is very oral (She uses her lips on everything-me included) She will at times of grooming, give me a little social nip. I let her know that is not allowed. My question is ARE ARABIANS MORE ORAL THAN OTHER HORSE BREEDS? and HOW DO YOU HANDLE THIS IN YOUR TRAINING? I am new to the Arabian breed, but very familiar with handling Saddlebreds. I don't allow our stallions to put their lips on people as I believe this not a safe practice. My new Arabian mare is very brave and fearless, she was called arrogant by her previous owner, but I think she has a strong human bond instead
and a strong sense of justice very similar to my stallion. Any advice is welcome. Thanks, PEG
Peg
Arabians are not much different from other breeds but they tend to play more games. The way you explain this it does not sound as if your mare is intending on hurting anyone but you do need to show her that this game is not a good choice. I have found the best thing to do is just push her head away if she tries to nip or give a tap on the nose to show her this isn't what you like. However, NEVER hit her hard in the face area, this can cause major problems. Overall, just treat her like your others, and for training just keep her head or mouth away from you. If things are really bad you may want to get a stud chain and loosely put it with the halter and lightly shake the chain when her nose comes to close to you.
I am about to buy a horse with a bone spur. Can you tell me more about it. What causes it, is meds going to heal it? Any perement lameness? Thank you, Stephanie
Stephanie
Some advice to you would be to contact a vet and have the horse thoroughly x-rayed, and then buy (or not buy) the horse based upon your findings. Bone spurs are nothing to mess with!
I have a two year old palamino gelding, and have had him all of my life, i am in the middle of training him but i've come to a stump along the road, it's almost impossible for me to get him to back up, i have never had such a hard time with a horse i was training, with him, i have even tried pushing his pressure point on his chest, it does not work at all, if anyone could help, i'd appreciate it so much!!! chantal
Chantal
A horse can't see behind thier body, thier line of vision is best to the sides. Basicly the backing movement is not natural to them. What you may want to try is taking a medium crop/whip (used mostly for showing halter) and put pressure backwards on the leadline the GENTLY tap his chest with the whip and cluck him backwards. If he just stands there tap his upper legs lightly showing him that you want his legs to move=o)
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