~* Rushed into buying him... *~

[ShailaQ]

* Hey! *
My name's shaila (hence the user name) and well... seems as though i've been dropped a *lovely* horse right splat in my lap!:D I've been riding about 3 years and my mom has wanted a horse for 30 years so we bought a 3 year old palomino gelding named Tequila... he a quarter horse. This guy hasn't been given much TLC... he bucks but has a sweet, calm disposition... but his coat is scarred and dirty and his tummy is round and chubby... likewise they only feed the horses hay so naturally he's not in much shape.
Since he's 3 i'm so so glad we got him @ this young age!:) now i get 2 'grow up' with the guy (im 14, BTW)... yesterday my mom did this weird 'herd initiation' thing... :rolleyes: ... we got in the round pen w. him and unhooked the lead line... i planned 2 do groundwork but she told me to walk away from him and halt w. our backs turned towards Tequila. So i did it but i was muttering 'mom this is so dumb'... he didn't even follow us! THEN we walked back up 2 him (all the while staying together, like a "herd") my mom, nudged his nose w. her palm and we started walking away again... he followed! he followed us all over the place sped up when we sped up, and so on... my mom sid he thought we were the leaders/alphas... ever heard of doing this???:cool:
My other question is what can i do to gain his trust & companionship?

[Wally]

Okay, so not you think he he considers you as boss keep it that way.

He's only 3, he's a baby and he's going to act like one. Don't de discouraged if you have days when NOTHING goes your way and everything turns to manure.

You are going to have to be firm, fair and consistent, ask for the same manners every day. Don't let him get away with bad manners or he'll walk all over you.

There is nothing wrong with feeding a horse nothing but hay, fibre is what they are designed to eat, their guts and teeth were made for it, too much grain will do them no good at all. Get him wormed, get a regular worm schedule and stick to it, that 'll help with the belly maybe!

He will trust you and love you if you "lead" him, there is nothing more unhappy than a horse or a dog whose place in the herd or pack is uncertain. A horse rubbning his head on you is not affection it is a test of where he is in the herd, if he can invade your space freely without invitation he thinks he is above you.

Read up on horse psychology, Micheal Peace's book is very good and it will explain how a horse thinks and how you can help him to work with you.

[Busterbum22]

sounds like you your mum was doing a form of join up with your horse, the trainer that uses this type of method is Kelly Marks or Monty Roberts. now provided you stick to what ever method you choose and don't keep changing your horse will grow to trust you with his life. But you must listern to wally's comments she is a very wise lady and only offers good sound advise. The trainer wally refers to is as equally good and has had some very good results with his training methods.

good luck with your new horse.

[Gracie]

I agree with wally 100%! Especially the part about things not going your way! That happens a lot with young horses. They can be angels one day, and devils the next! Don't let it get to you, though sometimes it may!
I would like to try join up my self!

[emma314]

Building a strong, lasting bond with your new horse will take a long time. He has to learn to trust you and respect you. Try to spend a lot of time with him on the ground; grooming, feeding, walking and just giving him lots of love and attention before you attempt to ride him. He should already have a strong relationship with you before you get on his back. If he doesn't trust you and you try to ride him, he won't be willing to do what you want and will try to get rid of you! This could be why he bucks a lot. Give him some time to get to know you first.

Good luck!

[Rakeli]

I agree with the others.

BUT you say that this horse is three years old and bucks... personally I wouldn't actually ride a three year old! That could explain the bucking, he's telling you that he's not ready, or in pain.

Do lots of groundwork with him instead, it'll all pay off in the end!