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Post by horselady on Jul 3, 2015 11:43:46 GMT
Sometimes we just have to make those decisions that are in the animals best interest and thankfully all in your house are on board with that. as for Duke, he will come around. and Chance is probably breathing a sigh of relief to be away from those smelly cows.
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Jul 4, 2015 1:51:05 GMT
Hey, hey, hey, watch that smelly cow talk, some of us happen to like it, especially the cows  Boy, sounds like you're playing duck-duck-grey-duck or something with horses, that's gotta be pretty emotional, I don't envy you but I do totally support you and agree it has got to be okay for the horse as well as the human. And you will find a good match, I know it will happen but we just don't know when is all, but in the meantime it will be good for everyone and that's what's important. I think more and more that "bad" horses are less and less about the horse and more about the people. Too many have this one-size/method-fits-all approach to horse training and then blame the horse when things don't go right. But they also don't give it enough time and go for the big change rather than the small ones... well, you know all of that, but it's just coming more and more clear to me. Makes my head spin sometimes lol Anyway, can't wait to see pictures of you and your son riding together, that would be awesome! |
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 4, 2015 2:34:46 GMT
I have decided to give it one more chance with Chance with prodding from my hubby.
We are going to try to set up a obstacle course where it will keep his attention needed, his listening and not being bored. If his mind is busy he should not have time to get startled and unseat me in shock/fright.
It is my job to keep his mind focused though...
If we can get him past the hurdle of what appears a time factor I think and I get off or release him and he not be hurt from roughness....maybe, just maybe we can make it work.
I am trying desperately to work this from any angle I can to give him the biggest chance to prove to us he is a trusted mount....
I am skeptical but willing to try...
I won't though do this before I go to my moms as I can't afford to get hurt and not get there for my son or I to see her.
When I return the quest begins to see if we can work it through without me being dumped again...
If I come off because of him, he goes. If I come off because of me we will try again... I will be fair in my evaluation if either occurs.
If we can work this through and he start to truly trust me astride as on the ground, he can stay. No more dumping allowed.
His last chance is soon approaching....pass or fail...all on him and his attitude. {anyone have super glue for the butt stuck in the saddle}
So,....He was gone not quite 3 weeks....
In that time he has noticeable weight loss, terribly busted up hooves and not so affectionate with his face to me. Marks on his butt he didn't have when he left, cut on his face and cheek and a small girth sore just starting.
He really realized today it is me. He came and put his face in my hands to stroke his face and eyes as he so likes... he whinnies and is again coming at a run to me when I call him.
My heart hurts at what he endured when gone. I don't know if I can do that to him again.
I can't afford a pasture ornament, but I may have to find a way to keep one and figure out a way to enjoy riding him as only I will and learn to trust him to not dump me, hurting me.
I'm very nervous knowing how fast he is when startled which doesn't help....
Talk about a work in progress, my brain needs to psych me up not out!!
At least I know that my friends here also have things they need to work through with their horses...
I am not alone in my quest... 757724
 ......
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redzip
Junior Member
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Post by redzip on Jul 5, 2015 13:54:20 GMT
Well,., it ^^ is 'The Journey', HL4L  Red wasn't perfect when I first got him either, it took lots of time in the saddle, plus genuine care to develop that trust.
Zippy is the same,.., he is coming around, but its taking time.
Mostly its recognizing when he IS doing as I ask, even if its just momentarily.
That counts also,.., and its the foundation you build on.
The lessons I'm taking are really helping me with Zip.
It helps me to better recognize 'the slightest try' from him.
In all fairness, thats all I can ask of him,., until he truly understands.
Hope things will continue to improve smileys-gardening-629535 |
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nhg
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Post by nhg on Jul 6, 2015 1:16:21 GMT
Wow, I just read this thread for the first time. Lots of stuff going on. I like the look of Duke and my first thought was appendix or thoroughbred, too. I had an appendix that was one of the quietest horses ever, never a spook and lots of try. I sold him as a family horse and he's happily living on their ranch and taking the kids and older adults out on safe rides.
So Chance came back. I'm not surprised. If Duke came from the place with poor feet and underweight I figured Chance would be treated the same. How sad for whatever horse they get next. I don't know what's wrong with some people. Hopefully you can find someone who will be perfect for Chance. I can totally understand your concern for your son with him, though. And a horse that can control itself with some riders but takes advantage of a less confident rider isn't totally under the influence of it's fears. Yes, a confident rider can help a horse gain confidence but a less confident rider shouldn't make the horse more spooky. That's just being a bad player. It's easy to blame everything on a bad background and use that excuse for his bad behaviour but a horse can also learn to take advantage of that. If he spooks at something today but not tomorrow or doesn't spook at things he should, then he's just acting like a jerk and taking advantage of your pity.
I'm not trying to be cranky, I just have no use for horses that take advantage of people or who behave badly. Sometimes it can be worked through but that's not for me. I must be able to trust my horse. And ride a horse that cares about his rider. An inconsistent horse that spooks but only when he feels like it isn't genuinely showing fear issues or responding to past issues. He's using it when it suits him. If riding isn't a pleasure for me then I'm not riding the horse. There are too many good, honest horses out there to waste time with one that behaves badly.
And a horse that's had a bad background and might be spooky from fear issues isn't like a dog at all. A horse like that needs to feel like you can keep him safe and can be trusted. Being huggy will not help the horse. On the other hand, despite what Cesar says, comforting a dog that's scared will not embed the fear issue. |
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 13, 2015 15:16:17 GMT
Took 2 photos this morning for comparison since I also need to see "details" to know if I'm on the right track toward health restored...
So, original picture first then the 2 from today....
Tell me what you think.... 
This is with just a worming done day after he arrived, and feeding him 1 pound of Purina Healthy Edge Strategy twice a day.
He is out grazing from 9AM - around 7PM. If they come in early I give all my horses some extra hay to keep them busy and a happy belly.
His vaccinations and coggins are current now.
This week the vet comes back to do his teeth {dropping much and sharp edges} and the farrier will be here for his and the rest of my guys feet to be trimmed on schedule.
Will be increasing his feed to 1.5 pounds twice a day and see how he does with that.
I don't want to go to fast and not till his feet have attention do I want him to gain to much.
His feet are a real mess...looks like a hack job. Actually no job was done on them in over 3 months of prior ownership.
Excuse the dirt and sweat marks.
I snapped photos at 10:30 this morning before bathing either of the horses and they are disgusting sticky from sweating so much in the 100+ temperatures we have been having day after day...
While running a fast brush over him last night I thought I was imagining what I felt....so my pictures to make sure I am on the right track...
A work in progress for sure.
**Chance is hanging out in the background.**
So...opinions and advice gladly accepted.... 
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Post by carshon on Jul 13, 2015 16:06:11 GMT
Exceptional! What an improvement. And the aisle of your barn is to die for! We are swimming in mud here and my AgLime runs on our horse sheds have turned into lime and mud quagmire we have had so much rain!
I think he looks just great and think you are doing a wonderful job.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2015 16:20:27 GMT
I agree! I love your barn set up and the improvement is remarkable! I agree with your thoughts on going slowly with adding more feed until his feet can be addressed. Poor guy, glad he is with you now! He is sure handsome!
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Jul 13, 2015 17:10:01 GMT
I think he looks much better! Still needs a bit of weight on the top line but that is always one of the last areas to come back. You are doing a great job with him. I'm glad he is with you now.
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redzip
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Post by redzip on Jul 13, 2015 17:37:53 GMT
He looks good HL4L,.., The TLC is paying off |
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 13, 2015 18:51:51 GMT
He is a work in progress.
He now talks and whinnies when he sees any of us coming.
First to meet us at the gate for a scratch and pat of affection....he likes to nuzzle too.
He has yet a lot of weight to gain...
His hip bones are barely covered, flanks still very sunk in and all those softly padded fat deposit spots...well, not so well covered but better than they were.
I think when he has gained and filled in he is going to be something to behold. His attitude sure has us in love with him..nothing bothers him.
He seems so far to be perfect for Michael and his abilities...
Duke {his name} is quite content to walk along but if you ask him to he picks up the pace and moves out. Go slightly off balance and he quickly returns to a walk or halt till you regain your seat!!
Trail horse extraordinaire as we wanted!! 
It is to soon to know as we have not put anything stressful to this horse to see if he can make a competition horse for Michael but I have hopes of it.
That or our paint horse will become his competition horse as he is nearly unflappable and "flashy" as only a paint can be with beautiful markings. I know Hondo {paint horse} will go through and do anything asked of him..he was a show horse at one time and I believe he has points too. Hondo is also a trail horse extraordinaire...
Michaels' Palomino mount Sunny {belongs to instructor} he has been competing on may be retiring...we wait to find out soon...
So...I am getting attached to Duke as he is a clown with the things he does and is so easy going and sweet to be around...
Time will tell all...
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 13, 2015 19:09:17 GMT
 ...
I'm not ignoring your request for a photo of us all riding.
I'm trying to figure out how to scan and then post one/some of all of us riding together.
My neighbors mom took it of us the first time we all rode together in the pasture. I hadn't ridden her horse ever before and been years since I "truly" have ridden to ride....
So one of the only photos of me in everyday clothes riding along with my husband who is a beginner rider on his paint, my son on Chance, my neighbor & friend on her Paso named Tango and me on her other horse named Bolero.
My neighbor is great. Very generous and knowledgeable but not pushy. Supportive in my "what do I do about Chance"....
A good person to bounce ideas off of and she has done much of the trail exposure of Chance for us astride...hence we know he is to much horse for Michael to safely have under him.
Suzanne {neighbor} lets me ride her horse Tango when we trail ride...a new experience to me as I never rode gaited before!!
Michael rides Bolero as he is literally bomb-proof and a true baby-sitter. I can relax and not fret when he is astride Bolero.
Bolero is a Appaloosa Paint cross by the way and has very striking markings on him...a beauty of distinction with piercing blue eyes!!
So, I will try to get those photos up....
Please though disregard my clothing as I'm wearing barn clothes of a shirt way to large but cool and comfortable and jeans.
Normally I dress nicer and neater...
Bear with me....trying again to post those photos....
Attachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
We were playing follow the leader and everyone had to lead and everyone had to be in every spot in the line-up, up close and personal with the horse in front, beside and behind you to make sure we had no kickers or aggressiveness happen.... had a great time of laughs doing this as I nearly fell off intentionally to see what Bolero would do.
He actually stopped and turned his head and looked at me like "are you done yet? lets go already!!".....
OK...so you will probably never see photos of me again as I hate to be in them....
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Jul 13, 2015 20:03:32 GMT
Duke sounds like such a honey pie. So happy he has a family like yours now. I'm sure he'll repay you 1000 times over every day.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jul 13, 2015 20:12:45 GMT
Gerald and I are in the laundromat and I'm showing him your pictures. He said his old horse Navajo would graze around him when he fell off on purpose then joked that Peaches would probably kick me in the head as if she were kicking at flies. Yeah I don't think so. Smart alec.
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Post by horselady on Jul 14, 2015 0:36:53 GMT
Any horse in your care will come to be what it should be. round happy and well taken care of. the photos are great and you all are having a great time. that is the best part of having friends with horses.
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Post by carshon on Jul 14, 2015 13:48:30 GMT
HL4L- those pics are great. Some of my best memories are of my daughter, hubby and I riding. I wish my son were more interested but horses and my family are my two true passions in life and I mix them any chance I get!
Thanks for sharing those pics (PS- your barn clothes are far nicer than my own!)
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 15, 2015 18:43:46 GMT
So my vet left a little while ago....
No, nothing is wrong just we finished the work needing done on Duke.
So now he has had his dentistry work done and the farrier was here as the vet was finishing up.
We are good to go now...just waiting for the coggins paperwork to return to go trail-ride this guy.
So, after watching the "I'm done" pose start for a strike I called a halt to the float and said sedate him...  {I know he can and will strike as he did it on meeting the other horses}
Duke had had enough, can't blame him his teeth were a mess.
So some "juice" and we finished in record time. His teeth were disgustingly sharp and filthy with debris stuck to the teeth. Recently floated my foot, NOTHING was done to this guy in forever!!
Now all fixed he has really nice teeth, in good condition.
Vet thinks he isn't as old as he first thought now the grime is gone and he can better see what needs seen to age them... Don't really care as long as you don't tell me he is 30+ aged.
So, the farrier then arrives to trim all our horses...
Doing Chance, farrier is looking at me sideways inquiring "What happened to him?.... His feet are terrible!!"
Then we do Duke...
Now remember I was told when we got him "His feet are fine, no need for a farrier."
So at least 3 months + not seen, terrible condition, bad angles and very uneven wear on his heels... 
The farrier expects me to ride him by this weekend and to call him and let him know if he feels better, travels smoother and is happier... currently it is pouring outside so no riding today!
Farrier after seeing and working magic on Duke understood why Chances feet looked as they did even in that short a time he was gone from our yard. 
So, all told it was a expensive day in my yard.
Not any emergent work and still dropped a whopping amount of money on healthy horses!! 
Horse ownership is grand and costs a few of them too at times. 
All for happy, healthy horses... 
....
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Post by carshon on Jul 15, 2015 19:00:40 GMT
I second the thought on horse ownership being expensive - even for healthy horses! I am pouring money into horses I haven't hardly ridden due to the Monsoon's in NW IL!
I bet Duke will feel so much better he just won't know what to do with himself.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Jul 16, 2015 2:18:40 GMT
Oh I bet Duke is going to be feeling so much better!
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 16, 2015 10:02:40 GMT
Duke is already feeling better MM, you are so right!!
Last night when he came in I could see him striding differently...his hips rolling & rotating in a more balanced way. His leg extension now noticeably even where before it was slightly off...
Amazing what having a even foot bed and proper angles can do...
I'm pretty good watching a horses movement and picking up issues, even I didn't realize how off his was till now fixed. My farrier saw it immediately as we walked Duke towards him...so glad he was able to make it more comfortable for the horses sake! Worth every $$ spent!!
Hope to ride him today and see if he "feels" different... 
As for his eating....
Didn't drop a piece of food, not one!!
Duke constantly lost pieces on the floor, in his water bucket... looked last night and a clean bucket bottom.
So, the vet told me the horse has already gained 100 pounds since he first saw him and has 100 more to go to score a 5 or close to it...
Hopefully it will go on easier and faster now that the dental is done...for Dukes sake.
Duke is shedding in gobs his disgusting old coat and now I'm seeing a new softer, shinier coat come in.
Gave all the horses a really good currying and brushing yesterday morning...Duke looked so good when done!!
Actually, they all looked wonderful... I forget how "BIG" these guys are till you groom them thoroughly..
My arms were pooped though..
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{I know he can and will strike as he did it on meeting the other horses}
