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Member
Posts: 36
| I am riding a clients horse. Have about 45 days on her. This horse cd to me with 90 days. She was obviously rammed and jammed by a reining trainer and she is so frustrated I am at my wits end of what to do. When I first got her all she would do is drop her head between her legs. I have been trying to just ride her and not do to much and just get her to relax but she constantly works the bit and is just stressed and miserable. There have been days I have got on her and if she just stood still while I was on her I would step off and that was the lesson. Her teeth have been done, I have aced her, got her tired, have her easy days, just rode her in straight lines, side pull, little a, never touched her and got off. She has made progress but I don't feel like it's enough. She is just so worried about being worked she is completely miserable. Any ideas? |
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  Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
 
Location: In a happy place | Sounds like she had a horrible experience. I think she just needs more time doing exactly what you are doing. I think it sounds like you are doing a good job on her. |
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 Peecans
  
| Can you just turn her out for a month or two? If she came straight to you from the reiner and was ramed on thar hard her mind and body could diffently use a break.
If she's already had a break or its not an option I would take a long break from the areana (maybe you already are im not sure what all your doing with her). If she was here shed be doing easy cow checks and riding where we are both focused on something besides her issues. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1767
Location: California | I have a FWF mare who is quite a bit older than your horse (9) but was rammed and jammed to be a reined cow horse (she blew up and never made it) so then she got trained on the barrels. I got her when she was 5 (she was run as a 4yo in futurities) and she had quite a few "holes". I didn't think she was so messed up when I got her. Little did I know... Anyway after getting soundness issues taken care of and gaining her trust we are finally on the right path. But there was a time when we couldn't even lope a circle in our own arena without it being a disaster. I did all the going back to basics, relaxing, just loping until she stopped, but then all I had was a really fit horse and I have a full time job so I don't have time to lope for an hour until she was ready to learn something. For a while I had someone else ride her because I was too frustrated to even lope circles on her and I'm pretty sure she felt the same way! I found her able to relax best using Reserpine and I will also give her Guanabenz at a race on top of it. (And yes I tried every calming supplement, herb, paste and cookie before I went to something you give with a needle). I have a whole new horse. She is not stressed, I am not stressed. I know a lot of people are against "drugging" one, but I could get done in 10 minutes what it took me almost a week to accomplish with no drugs. Once she realized that things could be calm and happy we stopped the drugs (although she still gets some at a race, not quite over that yet). I also give her stuff for ulcers because I know she had those. She wouldn't even look at her grain a couple of years ago and now she won't pull her head out of the bucket until it's gone! It can be so hard to get one to relax that's been rushed. It takes an incredible amount of patience. The biggest factors for my mare was gaining her trust and then getting her to relax. Now when she starts to get a little stress about something, I can convince her not to because she trusts me. She used to just blow up and there wasn't much you could do about it. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| She was turned out for 4 months before I got her. She came to me to be lightly started on the pattern but told owners that it would be a bad idea so just trying to get her to relax and let her know being rode is ok. I ride her in and out of the arena. I guess I just need reassurance that I am on the right track with her. Owners are on board to keep going slow so that helps there is no pressure. It just breaks my heart she is so miserable. |
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 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | you are on the right track.. slow.. simple and .. what bit do you use? a simple O ring 3 piece snaffle might help her relax as well. |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | what about a job moving or checking cattle???? Out in the wide open spaces? |
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | It may take a year.........and as much as she was jammed.........that's where I am with one of my mares......and we still have a ways to go......... |
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Member
Posts: 36
| I have tried multiple bits, hackamores, and side pulls. None of of them have made a difference. I have no way to work cattle which would be awesome for her, she is not mine I am just working with what I have right now. Thank you for the suggestions, I'll just continue what I am doing, she goes home in a few weeks. Would just like to give owners ideas to continue on with that I may be missing.
Edited by TightJointsPlus 2014-05-28 5:51 PM
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 Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| Have you treated her for ulcers? Have you made sure she isn't sore anywhere? Those are two things I'd be doing if they haven't been done already. If she is sore or if her stomach hurts every ride is going to be stressful. And I'm guessing if she was rammed and jammed she's probably dealing with ulcers for sure and potentially some pain issues. If I have an ulcer suspect I use GastroPlus from THE. It seems like it has a calming effect and that would be an added benefit for your mare. Dosing isn't always the most handy because it needs to be given on an empty stomach (nothing to eat an hour prior to and an hour after dosing unless they've changed their directions). It's been several years since I used the product, but I saw almost immediate results with my horse.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Mental issues take time to get over. Be firm and consistent with what you ask of her, because consistency will help her to relax and trust you. Maybe get in kind of a routine so she knows what to expect. Some horses like that routine and really thrive on it, especially if they are afraid/nervous of what's going to happen to them when they are ridden. |
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 Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24138
Location: Carpenter, WY | TightJointsPlus - 2014-05-28 4:30 PM She was turned out for 4 months before I got her. She came to me to be lightly started on the pattern but told owners that it would be a bad idea so just trying to get her to relax and let her know being rode is ok. I ride her in and out of the arena. I guess I just need reassurance that I am on the right track with her. Owners are on board to keep going slow so that helps there is no pressure. It just breaks my heart she is so miserable.
I think that is great. People just don't realize a lot of times that this age is where you are making them be what they will be for the rest of their lives. You can't ram and jam and each horse is different in what they can handle. I say kudos to you for wanting to back up and slow down. |
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 Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | Jenbabe - 2014-05-28 5:56 PM Have you treated her for ulcers? Have you made sure she isn't sore anywhere? Those are two things I'd be doing if they haven't been done already. If she is sore or if her stomach hurts every ride is going to be stressful. And I'm guessing if she was rammed and jammed she's probably dealing with ulcers for sure and potentially some pain issues. If I have an ulcer suspect I use GastroPlus from THE. It seems like it has a calming effect and that would be an added benefit for your mare. Dosing isn't always the most handy because it needs to be given on an empty stomach (nothing to eat an hour prior to and an hour after dosing unless they've changed their directions). It's been several years since I used the product, but I saw almost immediate results with my horse. Sounds like you are on the right track. Mental issues take time to get over. Be firm and consistent with what you ask of her, because consistency will help her to relax and trust you. Maybe get in kind of a routine so she knows what to expect. Some horses like that routine and really thrive on it, especially if they are afraid/nervous of what's going to happen to them when they are ridden.
GastroPlus is so much easier to give now. I will try to give it on an empty stomach for the first few days but you don't have to. Most of mine will eat it on thier feed but it is best to give it an hour or two before you ride if you think they may not eat it.
I bet treating this horse for ulcers will help at least a little bit, when they are that stressed they are bound to have tummy issues. Even the walmart brand ranitidine would help. I use twenty 150mg pills three times a day. |
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Location: Down South Mississippi | TightJointsPlus - 2014-05-28 5:30 PM She was turned out for 4 months before I got her. She came to me to be lightly started on the pattern but told owners that it would be a bad idea so just trying to get her to relax and let her know being rode is ok. I ride her in and out of the arena. I guess I just need reassurance that I am on the right track with her. Owners are on board to keep going slow so that helps there is no pressure. It just breaks my heart she is so miserable.
I think you are doing just what she needs. Also, try just riding her out in the pasture or on trails on a loose rein. Maybe she will learn to relax her head and neck. Walk & trot the pattern then go outside the arena. I think you right on track though... |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | poor girl. I think you are doing right by her. |
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Peecans
| I think you are diffently on the right track just takes time.
I dont knkw if this will help but Ive had a few horses that really got ramed on bad, they came around but it took time, vit B was very helpful for the one until I was able to get all his hindsight ulsers healed so he could properly absorbs the nutrients in his feed I had to add extra so he'd get enfough.
Another thing I found helpful was my PHT pole pack. I find when they really work the bit amd get nervous they get tight and sore in thier pole I could feel a real difference.
Thoes dont fix the issues but I found d for myself it helped in a way I could get through to the horse faster and easier if that makes sence. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| Thank you everyone, I treat all young horses for ulcers just because of all the new stress of training. No soundness issues. when I am not on her back she is as laid back as they come. I really appreciate the suggestions. I am just going to keep doing what I am doing and will now be able to ride her out more that she is further along. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| della - 2014-05-28 10:01 PM
I think you are diffently on the right track just takes time.
I dont knkw if this will help but Ive had a few horses that really got ramed on bad, they came around but it took time, vit B was very helpful for the one until I was able to get all his hindsight ulsers healed so he could properly absorbs the nutrients in his feed I had to add extra so he'd get enfough.
Another thing I found helpful was my PHT pole pack. I find when they really work the bit amd get nervous they get tight and sore in thier pole I could feel a real difference.
Thoes dont fix the issues but I found d for myself it helped in a way I could get through to the horse faster and easier if that makes sence.
Thank you!! |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | got boost? - 2014-05-28 5:34 PM what about a job moving or checking cattle???? Out in the wide open spaces?
This. Find her another job, cattle is the best for giving a horse something new. If you don't have a working ranch find someone who does and send the horse there. |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | At 3 years old, this is still a baby.... She needs some TLC... |
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Member
Posts: 36
| CYA Ranch - 2014-05-28 11:47 PM
got boost? - 2014-05-28 5:34 PM what about a job moving or checking cattle???? Out in the wide open spaces?
This. Find her another job, cattle is the best for giving a horse something new. If you don't have a working ranch find someone who does and send the horse there.
I agree, this is not my horse though, I can only suggest what to do with her, until the owners decide that is what is best for her too, I am just trying to do the best I can with what I have. She has not been put on the pattern. She is just being rode very quiet and easily. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| TightJointsPlus - 2014-05-29 1:10 AM
CYA Ranch - 2014-05-28 11:47 PM
got boost? - 2014-05-28 5:34 PM what about a job moving or checking cattle???? Out in the wide open spaces?
This. Find her another job, cattle is the best for giving a horse something new. If you don't have a working ranch find someone who does and send the horse there.
I agree, this is not my horse though, I can only suggest what to do with her, until the owners decide that is what is best for her too, I am just trying to do the best I can with what I have. She has not been put on the pattern. She is just being rode very quiet and easily.
You are doing the right thing, in my opinion, with the resources that you have. It sounds like you show her a lot of patience and that is most likely exactly what she needs.
A caveat - You mentioned that the owners are on board with your program and will follow the advice you give them (awesome) - soooo maybe mention cattle work for her? BUT - not feed lot work. That will be more jamming and ramming in tight places. I think CYA and others are trying to suggest big, wide, open spaces like ranch work in the middle of nowhere type stuff.
Good Luck! |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | got boost? - 2014-05-28 5:34 PM what about a job moving or checking cattle???? Out in the wide open spaces?
This should do the job. Nice slow cattle checking job. Once she can move out across the country relaxed then you can use her to push cattle. Once she's fine there then go back to the arena.
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Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA | you need to tell them right away and not continue taking their money. dig around and find some good recommendations for someone to ranch on her! |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | have you tried riding her in a halter?
Might be enough to get her to relax some, if she's broke enough to be safe being ridden that way. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| got boost? - 2014-05-29 11:25 AM
you need to tell them right away and not continue taking their money. dig around and find some good recommendations for someone to ranch on her!
I find this comment very rude. These owners come watch this horse go every few weeks and are very happy with her progress. Yes she needs to go do something else this, I agree but all I can do as suggest. At this time they feel I am doing what's right for her, was just looking for suggestions of something I may have been missing. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| barrelracr131 - 2014-05-29 11:29 AM
have you tried riding her in a halter?
Might be enough to get her to relax some, if she's broke enough to be safe being ridden that way.
I have rode her in a leather side pull. It didn't make a difference.
Edited by TightJointsPlus 2014-05-29 3:09 PM
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Location: South Dakota | The fact that you are concerned about her well being and mental health, tells me you are on the right track...hang in there...these situations didn't happen overnight, and will take even longer to resolve..
Check out the Masterson Method Massage...it takes time to do it...but horses respond to it, so wonderfully...great way to settle minds...and bodies!
Otherwise, I'd just do a lot of loose rein trail riding...simple walking circles...and tons of praise...
Good luck...hope you get her through this difficulty.. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | TightJointsPlus - 2014-05-29 3:07 PM
barrelracr131 - 2014-05-29 11:29 AM
have you tried riding her in a halter?
Might be enough to get her to relax some, if she's broke enough to be safe being ridden that way.
I have rode her in a leather side pull. It didn't make a difference.
My thinking is that a plain ol nylon halter, like the one you use to lead her, may not bring out the frustration like something that feels more like a bridle, such as a side pull.
It sounds like you are on the right track though. Good luck! |
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Member
Posts: 36
| ridejg - 2014-05-29 3:15 PM
The fact that you are concerned about her well being and mental health, tells me you are on the right track...hang in there...these situations didn't happen overnight, and will take even longer to resolve..
Check out the Masterson Method Massage...it takes time to do it...but horses respond to it, so wonderfully...great way to settle minds...and bodies!
Otherwise, I'd just do a lot of loose rein trail riding...simple walking circles...and tons of praise...
Good luck...hope you get her through this difficulty..
Thank you I really appreciate it. I live on 30 acres. She is hardly ever rode in the arena just lots of walking and relaxed circles like you said. It's hard when it's not my horse and she leaves in a couple weeks, all I can do is suggest to the owners what they should do with her afterwards. I am just trying to do right by her while I have her. Again thank you. |
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Member
Posts: 36
| barrelracr131 - 2014-05-29 3:25 PM
TightJointsPlus - 2014-05-29 3:07 PM
barrelracr131 - 2014-05-29 11:29 AM
have you tried riding her in a halter?
Might be enough to get her to relax some, if she's broke enough to be safe being ridden that way.
I have rode her in a leather side pull. It didn't make a difference.
My thinking is that a plain ol nylon halter, like the one you use to lead her, may not bring out the frustration like something that feels more like a bridle, such as a side pull.
It sounds like you are on the right track though. Good luck!
I may go ahead and try that. Thank you :) |
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Frustrated 3 year old.