hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647 
|
Post by hugs on Nov 5, 2014 1:49:46 GMT
Lois took care of Peachie for me because I couldn't be there for the farrier. She said Peach did okay with all three feet but the front right. She had seedy toe in that foot a few years ago, maybe it still bothers her? She paws with both feet when we have our patience lessons so I can't see a difference. But just as I still hurt from emotional pain inflicted on me years ago, perhaps with Peach its the fear of pain that is still an issue? At any rate, Lois and the farrier were both patient and it worked. No doped up horse either! Peaches couldn't handle the farrier holding her front right between his knees so he held her foot with one hand and trimmed with the other. We're all very lucky to have such a good farrier. And all for only $30! Pretty neet deal all the way around.
|
|
|
|
Post by horselady on Nov 5, 2014 2:12:37 GMT
Great news, all it takes is patience and time and a farrier willing to be calm.  |
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 5, 2014 2:58:37 GMT
Yup, its a big deal.
Peach and I were having another patience game session. She likes to paw and I say, "No" and she stops. Over and over. Then she licks her lips, seems to fall asleep, then wakes up with and it starts all over again. This time instead of hanging her foot in the air to mock my attempts to stop her from pawing, she'd slide her foot. What a nutcase. I'd say, "No" to that too, since its the same purpose, her trying to get her way.
And I realized something, and I'm bringing this up because it does have to do with her farrier victory; rather than try something new to fix a problem/train new behavior, keep doing what you have been doing but add another component. Because you never know if the way you're trying is working but just not yet. If you add something new and the horse learns the lesson, then there you go, you didn't lose anything.
So it was for all those years working through her foot issues. It all paid off, whether it looked like it was working, not working or someone would have done it differently. Its working now.
|
|
mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
|
Post by mingiz on Nov 5, 2014 3:15:02 GMT
A patience farrier is always good. Glad Peaches was good.  |
|
|
|
Post by lorddaxter on Nov 5, 2014 13:30:29 GMT
Good news:)
When Isis back was bothering him my farrier did the one back foot just with him tip toeing it on the ground, a nice farrier is priceless:)
|
|
|
|
Post by ladymcts on Nov 5, 2014 13:34:23 GMT
Great news!
A point of note, remember that feet issues COULD be somewhere else ... I kept thinking Reggie wouldn't let me have his front left for very long because of a problem with that foot. Eventually figured out that it's the right shoulder and what he's standing on while I have it that's the problem. In his case.
|
|
mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
|
Post by mistersmom on Nov 5, 2014 13:55:40 GMT
Isn't it nice to know you have some loving, patient people caring for your horse? I'm so glad the farrier and BO were just patient with Peachie - the more she has these good sessions with the farrier, I think she will soon be an angel for him. I think we need more pictures though!  |
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 6, 2014 0:57:10 GMT
Isn't it nice to know you have some loving, patient people caring for your horse? I'm so glad the farrier and BO were just patient with Peachie - the more she has these good sessions with the farrier, I think she will soon be an angel for him. I think we need more pictures though! :-[ Yeah, we are lucky that this place has such good people. Last night Lois the BO borrowed a DVD set from me and we talked for a couple hours in her kitchen. She's such good people. I made a comment about how I wish I had a horse to ride and I didn't see Peaches being ready any time soon and how I wish I was more of a horse(wo)man. Lois said compared to the other folks who board there and there are 55 horses, I'm more horseman than most of them. I guess I'm going to have to reassess what it is to be a horseman. Maybe it isn't all about how it feels. Because even though Lois is a tall, good looking blonde (my antithesis) she doesn't talk like one of those "know it alls" who seem to be so horsie. I'll have to process this over time and as I learn on this new "road" I'm on. The thing I realized about Peaches much higher energy level is that she's eating a grain ration that she's never had before. We talked about this and they insist because they want to make sure the horses get the proper nutrition as the pastures don't have grass for grazing but they do have free choice hay. Perhaps there is a lower energy mix Peaches could get to help me out with her training? Or perhaps simply lunging in a round pen before we try our patience and less energetic exercises? |
|
mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
|
Post by mistersmom on Nov 6, 2014 1:03:45 GMT
The grain could have her "amped" up, especially if she isn't used to it. What kind of grain is it? Is it a sweet feed/molasses based? I've never noticed that my horses have been more energetic on a sweet feed but then again, I've always used a sweet/molasses feed. The WP barn I worked at fed straight crimped oats to most of it's horses.
If she's turned out in a pasture, I'm not sure lunging before the patience lesson would do much good. If she were stalled than I would be more inclined to agree with that, but if she is out and about and moving around freely, she should be working that extra energy off.
|
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 6, 2014 1:17:04 GMT
Well thanks a whole bunch for shooting that lunging idea down the toilet, Mister!   The other problem with that idea is that the round pens aren't in the lighted area and its pretty dark now after work. But there is an indoor I could shut the door and we could free lunge, which is how I prefer it so we can change direction to the inside and the outside. |
|
mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
|
Post by mistersmom on Nov 6, 2014 13:38:31 GMT
LOL - sorry  - no reason not to try it! Maybe it will work, it wouldn't hurt anything to try anyway! 884530 Just don't go over there and mention that you are lunging to get extra energy out - you know how certain people feel about that.  |
|
nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
|
Post by nhg on Nov 6, 2014 15:25:53 GMT
As I've said before I'm not a fan of lunging or longeing or however it's spelled. But, it has it's uses. It's good for seeing where a horse's head is at before a ride or making sure there's no physical issues or warming up a stiff horse. Too often it's used to take the edge off of a horse that's being silly and eventually the horse must have the lunging to be ridden. JMO.
As for the supplement I'd be putting a stop to that until I knew what it was and I'd probably opt to go with a mineral block or something that doesn't have anything that will make her hot. It's frustrating and unpleasant for her, too, if she has excess energy.
, I really think you need to give yourself more credit for what you know and have learned and are still learning. You're open to learning which is number one, too many people think they want to learn but are actually resistant to it. And you're learning a lot right now with the lessons you've been taking. I've seen you respond to people on here with excellent points, something you've been hesitant to do in the past. You really are growing as a horseperson and it's lovely to see it and see you blooming. Not that you didn't have knowledge before but you're gaining more confidence and are more sure of what you know.
You'll learn a lot at this new barn. Being around other horse people is the best way to learn. You can take the good and weed out the bad and learn from other people's experiences. A person who has their horses at home and rarely experiences other horse owner's problems and how they deal with them ends up with limited knowledge. Boarding barns can be annoying but the opportunities for experience are endless. |
|
|
|
Post by lorddaxter on Nov 6, 2014 16:35:46 GMT
I will tell you one thing I learned about lunging as opposed to loose schooling, a horse is less likely to act like an idiot on the lunge as you have more control, the one time Ira was loose lunged he went psycho, I'd never seen that before, the trainer told me it was as he knew we could do nothing other than make him change direction and even then he ran through her!
On the lunge however he's a perfect angel!
|
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 7, 2014 3:14:45 GMT
Thank you Northern, that was really nice. I'm learning a lot at work too. Learning is also called "OH MY GOODNESS I SCREWED UP AGAIN!"  Today was a REAL learning experience *rolls eyes* but I have a good boss (so far, but my 6 month review is coming up soon and we shall see!) and I had two lessons at work today, one from my boss and another from an work associates boss. Both bosses have a long history in the business and BIG time story tellers I asked the BOs about not graining Peaches but that wasn't an option. But next week I'll have a conversation with Lois the BO again as she is working with a mare who has similar issues to Peach but because of neglectful mistreatment. Perhaps her horse would be calmer without the sugar buzz too? Sometimes we learn by adding information and sometimes we learn by letting go of information. I think letting go of a way of thinking can be even more difficult than taking on something new. There is a security in being with what we know until we really see how it doesn't serve us and that there is a better tomorrow waiting for us. I'm making progress, I can tell every day. I'll get there, I hope Peachie does too. |
|
|
|
Post by diamondgirl on Nov 7, 2014 3:51:06 GMT
It does sound like you have a real "peach" of a farrier. With patience and consistency, I'm sure Miss Peachy will come around.
About the lunging. I love it. It gives me the opportunity to watch my horses jump, without actually having to be on them. Seriously though. I don't always lunge before riding, but it is a good way to test the attitude of my horse, before I get on. Sometimes my guys are just acting goofy, and lunging them helps get their attention on me, and gets them minding, before I get in the saddle. I don't just make them run in mindless circles. We play games. Lots of changing directions, coming to me, going away, backing up, walk, trot, lope.
Please keep sharing the things you are learning with us. I know it helps me to see a different prospective, and to hopefully correct some of the things I am doing wrong. |
|
|
|
Post by ladymcts on Nov 7, 2014 13:00:37 GMT
Off topic, I just figured out why I keep seeing this in your threads ... |
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 7, 2014 13:36:40 GMT
Off topic, I just figured out why I keep seeing this in your threads ... taa day And run on sentences And ellipses |
|
|
|
Post by horselover4life on Nov 7, 2014 14:45:31 GMT
....before asking or making the barn stop the feed ration find out exactly what they are feeding. Brand, type and amount...let us know. We will all help you to uncover if this could be a issue that needs addressing or not. I am kind of, very hesitant to say this..I am not aiming a arrow at your heart... BUT.... Is it just possible that now that Peaches is being fed differently than before she has more energy? She is feeling better? Honestly, to me she doesn't sound like she is "high" or difficult. Nor "hot"....she has some attitude...yes. You yourself acknowledge that you are handling her differently, expecting more from her and she is complying. She is also a work in progress and not quite sure where the "old" you went off to...you know the one who was around when Peaches ruled the roost not you beginning to exert your dominance. I really don't think the horse is being "bad". She has some bad habits learned that will take much time to unlearn...for how many years has she blinked and you jumped...well, now that is not happening as fast or as often and Peach knows it and is trying to figure it out and find her spot in the hierarchy again.... I think her eating a different type and amount of feed & forage is giving you what this horses personality and energy level is really like.... She is not old and decrepit, arthritic. Peach is in her prime with a whole lot of learning now facing her with her being in a barn where she is expected to act a certain way and her owner is now also handling her differently...the horse is on a huge learning curve as are you, as we all are if honest. Try giving it some more time before you take away the food...she may settle down in a week or so as her body finishes the adjustment period of changeover....she truly has not been at this new barn all that long and is still settling in and acclimating to new barn, horses, feed and above all of those a "new you". As for "free-lunging" her in a riding arena... DON'T. {please don't}
The riding arena is a place Peaches now associates with working with you, or should be. To play in there as a loose horse and you "chasing her"...just not smart in my mind what it will do in her mind...look at it through her eyes and brain...
You will teach her new tricks to evade your authority, and playing "chase me" is dangerous with a horse. Horses brains in that big skull are the average size of 2 fists put together... they learn by repetition so if you establish she can run away from you, or you chase her with a whip, your hands clapping or what ever...you just set a new example of evasion from you in the future. Worst is....the horse does not know to reason out that this is work time versus to her "freedom" play time. You never want the two to cross that she learn when playing she can charge you or chase you...she is 1000 pounds of steamroller in a pea sized brained animal... never underestimate the damage they can do playing with you as you have done in the past with them. Keeping your guard up and always being aware of the dangers a situation can present will keep you safe and moving forward with your education & training and that of your horse. When we lapse in that approach is usually when we get hurt and the horse, well...it might not be so pleasant a thing for them either. If you want to lunge her, do so with a lunge line and control over her....she works when she is told and her reward for doing as told is free-time in that outdoor round pen to have a good roll or buck...but to do running and bucking or whatever free in the area you want to then get her to work in....  ...I would not. jmo... |
|
hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
|
Post by hugs on Nov 8, 2014 21:16:09 GMT
Thank you for wanting to be kind to my feelings, most appreciated. I have had my craw full of folks who think that their opinion is more precious than gold.
I wasn't really going to free lunge in the indoor, it doesn't work well in the outdoor arena either for the very reason you said; she can get away and I'm not nearly as fast as she is to keep up. That isn't what I want her to learn.
Peaches is not at all trying to be naughty. I don't think that at all. And you're right, she hasn't been there for very long. Her personality has changed over the years. She used to be so afraid of everything. Or maybe she wasn't but shoot it sure seemed like it. All stiff and wide eyed, no blinking. It seemed like she'd relax more if I kept her moving in a simple pattern, rather than stand there as if to wait for her to calm down.
I think HL4L that spoiling you interpreted was me having a limited set of skills and time because before I got her I think she did "get her way" by refusing and reacting large. She went through two professional trainers until age 3 then sold to a 15 year old girl who was afraid of her, then to me who knew very little about horses. Gerald was all about pushing hard and getting the horse to give in but he gave up on her too. I simply did small things that I could figure out and only what I knew I could stand up to. So yeah, lotsa stuff she could have done but no one to get her to do it. Oddly enough in the corral she would respond to right, left, forward, backward, stop with out hesitation or resistance.
Anyway, I'm simply learning all of this first hand. I can't say she's "hot" necessarily. I know she likes my company, I mean, since the BO moved the "mean" horses out of the pasture she can come up to me now and stands nicely to be haltered up. Willing and patiently goes through the three gates in a calm manner. Can't complain at all. The BO says she has very good manners and that's from day one. So if she would of acted up it would have been then.
|
|
|
|
Post by horselady on Nov 9, 2014 1:11:20 GMT
As you are learning and having more confidence than peaches is going to become more cooperative and willing. you need to perhaps just use your good judgment and , when peaches gets jumpy, just move her feet. as for lunging in the indoor please do it with lunge line and lunge whip. and perhaps just make a game of it. place ground poles down like spokes in a pie and have her trot or walk over them. change direction when you want. she will not only learn to give to your instruction she will learn to place her feet and to pay attention to where she is going. you can do this either with bridle and saddle. with halter under bridle so you can attach the lunge to the side ring. and yes you will need to stop her to change direction.
|
|
- no reason not to try it! Maybe it will work, it wouldn't hurt anything to try anyway! 884530
Today was a REAL learning experience *rolls eyes* but I have a good boss (so far, but my 6 month review is coming up soon and we shall see!) and I had two lessons at work today, one from my boss and another from an work associates boss. Both bosses have a long history in the business and BIG time story tellers 
...I would not.