My First Horse

[BrokenSaddle]

Hi All,

This is my first post, so I'll include a little background. I bought my first horse when I was 45 - she was 3 weeks old - now I'm 48 and she is 3 and green broke. We are working on becoming a team and have a long way to go. She is Thoro'bred/Quarter Horse and bigger than I anticipated. When I was a Kid I rode everyday - but now I'm a little nervous. I've worked with her every day since she was 3 weeks old and had a very good trainer but I am lacking in confidence, I know I can take it slow I just need to convince her of that - she really wants to go!! Anyway I'm glad my friend showed me this sight because I have already picked up some good ideas.

Thanks.

[shirley]

Nice to talk to you.
Sounds as though you have done a brilliant job over the past three years in bringing her up, making sure she eats the right things and probably getting her used to being handled etc.
We took on a 15 month old mare two years ago, who was a bit scared and underweight, but with our instructor (who also part owns her as well) we have bought her on, she is now a good weight, has nice stable manners etc, leads well and is such a quiet mare. We started breaking her this year and are bringing her on very slowly, no rush, letting her take things in in her own time and in her own stride. This she does almost effortlessly, has not become phased by anything and accepts all we ask of her. She is a quiet little mare and will make a lovely childrens show pony. But most of all she knows she is loved totally. She is just a real sweetie. I must admit to being a little nervous, but as your confidence grows your boy will know this and your relationship will deepen. They know who cares for them and who they can respect. It is very much about not letting him have his own way. Rather like not spoiling kids really, but setting them boundaries and insisting they stick to them. Like being the dominent mare in the herd type thing.
Sounds as though you are doing everything just fine. So keep up the good work.
Let us know how things are going
Good luck, have lots of fun and plenty of hugs!!!

[Sp1cer]

Hi,

Sounds like you are doing fantastic so far, but I know what you mean with not having as much confidence. I bought my first horse beginning of August this year (Im 37) and got my first share horse a month before.

Im still very nervous, but when I look back to June, back then I was nervous in picking feet, catching, leading, entering the stable - now I can do all that without thinking.

Im now more nervous of riding so Im taking it very slow, still on trot not done canter on my boys, although I was cantering at the riding school lessons, but its so much different riding school horses and I much prefer learning on my own even though its at a slower pace - but I feel Im learning much much more.

Years ago when I was 22ish, I had no fear and used to race my friends out on hacks - I doubt I will ever get back to that! :)

Pam

[BrokenSaddle]

Hi,

Thanks for the input. Sassy is just great but I need some work. I almost find myself wishing I had bought an older horse but then again I wouldn't have missed out on raising her for anything. I think Time like you both say is the most important thing here. I had purchased a 6 week old foal a year after her but at 2 years old he proved unmanageable for me and I sold him. Now I'm looking for a new pasture mate for her. I'm borrowing a 12 year old gelding to spend this winter with her and Hopefully by next spring I will find a suitable pasture mate for her because she gets very nasty when left alone. Anyway all in good time. How is the your young mare coming along?

Thanks again,