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How Much “Quirky” is normal
love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 9:55 AM
Subject: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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I have a nice 3yo prospect that has fantastic bloodlines. She quirky as the day is long but surprisingly under saddle is quiet and almost lazy. I feel that she has potential as a horse I could have a chance at some big things on, but between her quirks and always trying to hurt herself I find myself often feeling frustrated with her. I’m tired of starting over and would like to see her through to a finished horse, but I do plan to sell her eventually. Should I finish her and sell her for more as a 5 or 6yo, Or find her a good home now that doesn’t mind her quirks? What’s better for me as someone who aspires to have some success on one they trained all the way.
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mandita8907
Reg. Nov 2010
Posted 2018-10-18 10:02 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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As much as you're willing to put up with.
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r_beau
Reg. Apr 2010
Posted 2018-10-18 10:05 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 9:55 AM I have a nice 3yo prospect that has fantastic bloodlines. She quirky as the day is long but surprisingly under saddle is quiet and almost lazy. I feel that she has potential as a horse I could have a chance at some big things on, but between her quirks and always trying to hurt herself I find myself often feeling frustrated with her. I’m tired of starting over and would like to see her through to a finished horse, but I do plan to sell her eventually. Should I finish her and sell her for more as a 5 or 6yo, Or find her a good home now that doesn’t mind her quirks? What’s better for me as someone who aspires to have some success on one they trained all the way.

Well, what quirks does she have? You didn't say.
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geronabean
Reg. Sep 2003
Posted 2018-10-18 10:06 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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Some quirky horses can sure make you, at times, question your abilities! LOL!!
They are exhausting but in the end a lot are worth it... some are just quirky jerks though!

If you are in it for the fun then go for it... if you really want to sell later than the less quirky the better. Its kinda harder to sell one that is super quirky (I have one!). Most people appreciate easy peasy if given the choice. Some might say if its a winner quirky will sell but thats not always true either (mine is 1D big shows and my buyer base is limited to whom can REALLY handle her -- not those who just think they can).

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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 10:13 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.

Edited by love2run 2018-10-18 10:17 AM
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veintiocho
Reg. Sep 2015
Posted 2018-10-18 10:17 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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I don’t know the answer to this, but I feel your pain! I have one with tons of potential, but with his quirks and natural ability for getting hurt he is behind. I seriously can work two other colts in the same amount of time it takes to get him worked because he is always *&%%^ around. I tell myself he’s one of those special ones and it’ll be worth it in the end, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just telling myself that as I look over at the horse trailer and he’s standing on the fenders peeking over the top at me.
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Sockittoemred
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-10-18 10:22 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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I have one who used to be a bit quirky. She would ear down and snort at a stranger. Most men couldn't halter her. Like fly to the back of the stall and snort if they came at her. She wouldn't come to me if I had a hat on. She would spook at new color/pattern barrels. Just weird stuff. Hard to catch some days. She was like riding a ping pong ball if there were other horses in the arena. All these things plus more until about 6-7 years old. In the last year she has really come into herself though. Now she is my steady Eddie. Trustworthy, meets me at the gate, my two year old brushes her, he plays with his toys around her, etc etc. She doesn't require much warm up, doesn't need exhibitions, same trip every time. She has become the unicorn I needed.
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-10-18 10:28 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.
Hummm, what type of feed is she being fed, and is she stalled all the time, and what type of vitamins are you feeding her, and if you are riding her to get her tired 2 times aday she kinda sounds like shes getting more of the feed or vitamins then she needs or she may do alot better if not stalled and in a larger area so she can move around in. Or have her eyes checked.  
Edited to say I reread your thread and I see that she does go out in the pasture, does she stay turned out all the time?  She sounds like she got alot of energy.. Is the pasture good grazing with really good grass?


Edited by Southtxponygirl 2018-10-18 10:33 AM
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 10:32 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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veintiocho - 2018-10-18 10:17 AM

I don’t know the answer to this, but I feel your pain! I have one with tons of potential, but with his quirks and natural ability for getting hurt he is behind. I seriously can work two other colts in the same amount of time it takes to get him worked because he is always *&%%^ around. I tell myself he’s one of those special ones and it’ll be worth it in the end, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just telling myself that as I look over at the horse trailer and he’s standing on the fenders peeking over the top at me.

????that last bit about standing on the fender though ?? thanks for the laugh
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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love2run - 2018-10-18 10:32 AM

veintiocho - 2018-10-18 10:17 AM

I don’t know the answer to this, but I feel your pain! I have one with tons of potential, but with his quirks and natural ability for getting hurt he is behind. I seriously can work two other colts in the same amount of time it takes to get him worked because he is always *&%%^ around. I tell myself he’s one of those special ones and it’ll be worth it in the end, but sometimes I wonder if I’m just telling myself that as I look over at the horse trailer and he’s standing on the fenders peeking over the top at me.

????that last bit about standing on the fender though ?? thanks for the laugh

Dang it it didn’t show my laughing crying emojis
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 10:37 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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Southtxponygirl - 2018-10-18 10:28 AM

love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.
Hummm, what type of feed is she being fed, and is she stalled all the time, and what type of vitamins are you feeding her, and if you are riding her to get her tired 2 times aday she kinda sounds like shes getting more of the feed or vitamins then she needs or she may do alot better if not stalled and in a larger area so she can move around in. Or have her eyes checked.  
Edited to say I reread your thread and I see that she does go out in the pasture, does she stay turned out all the time?  She sounds like she got alot of energy.. Is the pasture good grazing with really good grass?

Her diet is almost strictly forage based with a coastal local hay that only rates like 95 (so requires some supplementation not as quality as an orchard or alfalfa) I keep her outside unless it’s storming and food in front of her all the time. A minimal amount of a blended “grain” that’s basically alfalfa/beat pulp/ flax and horse guard vitamins. I can’t even imagine the disaster she would be if kept inside and fed a hot diet
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 10:43 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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love2run - 2018-10-18 10:37 AM

Southtxponygirl - 2018-10-18 10:28 AM

love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.
Hummm, what type of feed is she being fed, and is she stalled all the time, and what type of vitamins are you feeding her, and if you are riding her to get her tired 2 times aday she kinda sounds like shes getting more of the feed or vitamins then she needs or she may do alot better if not stalled and in a larger area so she can move around in. Or have her eyes checked.  
Edited to say I reread your thread and I see that she does go out in the pasture, does she stay turned out all the time?  She sounds like she got alot of energy.. Is the pasture good grazing with really good grass?

Her diet is almost strictly forage based with a coastal local hay that only rates like 95 (so requires some supplementation not as quality as an orchard or alfalfa) I keep her outside unless it’s storming and food in front of her all the time. A minimal amount of a blended “grain” that’s basically alfalfa/beat pulp/ flax and horse guard vitamins. I can’t even imagine the disaster she would be if kept inside and fed a hot diet

Need to add I don’t always ride her twice, but I was testing out a new saddle. She’s often went weeks between rides no problem & she’s been vetted thoroughly and often
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horsegirl
Reg. Feb 2004
Posted 2018-10-18 10:45 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 11:13 AM Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.

Do you have my horse? lol
Scared of anyone being anywhere he doesnt expect. Looks at the hanging cinch and breastcollar sideways as if it will eat him.
Literally watches his shadow if there is one when I ride.
Jumps over any changes in ground color/etc.


 
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MrsHound
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2018-10-18 10:53 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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I have two I am training right now.  A spooky/fragile minded gelding, and a super positive and focused stud.  I LOVE working with my stud, he is so trainable and fun!  My gelding is a challenge.  I like him, but it seems like we take one step forwards and two steps back.  He is going to take YEARS to finish, but we just keep plugging away.  My stud is a year younger and I started him a year later than the gelding and he feels light years ahead already.  So it just depends on how long you have or are willing to take.  If you want something that will be finished faster I'd look for something less quirky. 
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LMS
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2018-10-18 10:54 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM

Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.

Ha! we should talk about my 10 year old then.....those are not quirks, those are inexperienced 3 yr old reactions IMO. However, my 10 year old always acts like the boogie man is going to get him, we found out this spring that there is a bit of vision loss in one of his eyes (which I'm going to say is the reason for his snortiness) is that a word? Quirks are cinchy, not being able to be tied flying out of the back of the trailer (those are what my 15 yr old is limited to)

I sure have a "nice" pen of horses
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 11:01 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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LMS - 2018-10-18 10:54 AM

love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM

Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.

Ha! we should talk about my 10 year old then.....those are not quirks, those are inexperienced 3 yr old reactions IMO. However, my 10 year old always acts like the boogie man is going to get him, we found out this spring that there is a bit of vision loss in one of his eyes (which I'm going to say is the reason for his snortiness) is that a word? Quirks are cinchy, not being able to be tied flying out of the back of the trailer (those are what my 15 yr old is limited to)

I sure have a "nice" pen of horses



Ok someday when I’ve finally had enough her ad is going to say she’s “a little snorty” LOL
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LMS
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2018-10-18 11:14 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 11:01 AM

LMS - 2018-10-18 10:54 AM

love2run - 2018-10-18 10:13 AM

Silly things, like yesterday I rode her 2 times so she should have been pretty tired. Then I put her in a stall to eat her vitamins but didn’t turn the light on. When I came back in to grab her and turn her out she flew backwards like I was attacking her. Then proceeds to walk politely with me to the pasture. One instance of that I wouldn’t think much of but that’s just kind of how she is. Still spooks at the saddle every day even though she’s been saddled a lot. If you disappear around the corner of the trailer then walk back around she will sometimes jump out of her skin. She’s not a bad horse she’s just odd. And I don’t have enough experience with 3yo barrel prospects to say wether it’s normal or not.

Ha! we should talk about my 10 year old then.....those are not quirks, those are inexperienced 3 yr old reactions IMO. However, my 10 year old always acts like the boogie man is going to get him, we found out this spring that there is a bit of vision loss in one of his eyes (which I'm going to say is the reason for his snortiness) is that a word? Quirks are cinchy, not being able to be tied flying out of the back of the trailer (those are what my 15 yr old is limited to)

I sure have a "nice" pen of horses



Ok someday when I’ve finally had enough her ad is going to say she’s “a little snorty” LOL

I'd buy her apparently!
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 11:20 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3
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veintiocho
Reg. Sep 2015
Posted 2018-10-18 11:29 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM

A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3

Maybe just more sensitive than what you are used to.. how is she bred? The running bred horses tend to be more sensitive to EVERYTHING.

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Jazz's Girl
Reg. Apr 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 1:22 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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The quirkier, the better for me. My 17 yr old is still snorty. And Ive owned her since she was a long yearling! I know her so well that I just deal with her idiosyncrasies and go about my business. She will randomly set back. I've learned to not hard tie her. She spooks at the stupidest things, but might not spook every time. Its hit or miss with her. She doesn't like being in a stall. As long as she has a way out, she is fine. She sucks to ride "out" on the trails but put her in the arena and she will work all day long. She wont swim. Don't force it. She panics and its not worth anyone getting hurt.
My 10 yr old is just as, if not even more quirky than her. Don't swing a rope anywhere near her. She will hurt someone trying to get away. Confined spaces such as pushing cows into a bend in an alley will make her spin and go the other way. Gates are still hit or miss if I can open/close on her. She wont get up in my personal space but there was ALOT of groundwork that was done when I first got her 3 years ago. When I warm her up, she refuses to stand still and I don't make her. She has to rub her face on her leg after Ive loped a few circles. If something tramatic happens to her, she remembers and its a struggle to get her over it. Case in point, I was working poles on her one night. She hit the end pole and it ended up on her neck. She PANICKED. To this day if a pole falls, she loses her mind. Carry poles on the ground and she stays as far away from them as she can get.

I think the answer to your question is whatever your willing to put up with. I think the quirkier the better but Ive had people tell me theres no way they would own my mares. I laugh cuz they keep it interesting.
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WYOTurn-n-Burn
Reg. Sep 2004
Posted 2018-10-18 1:25 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3

I had a quirky one and I had to routinely do ground work with him or he'd act just like yours; very watchy and liked to spook and run off. Magnesium was my friend with this one, no hot feed, and I limited his alfalfa intake.  He's 12 now and has been a freak since day one. He got hurt last year, so he's a pretty pasture ornament. I purchased the complete opposite of him and don't miss the freaky attitude. In fact, you couldn't pay me to ride another one like him. Too many easier horses out there that make time spent with them more enjoyable.
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sandygirl1
Reg. Mar 2007
Posted 2018-10-18 1:28 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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This sounds exactly like the one I am currently competing on. I absolutely LOVE her now but a year ago I would've sold her for peanuts! I have people telling all the time they'd like to own her...or would you sell her.....what's your price?.....

She has made me a better horsewoman....when I say she is a challenge people don't believe it because she is amazing....NOW! Lol. She could never go to just anyone to own. I admit I will let her get away with some little things I would not from any other horse but I need to pick my battles and I better make sure it is one I can win.

She has taken ALOT of patients but SO worth it....you can always learn from these ones and often they will be the best partner ever. I have never had one try as hard as this mare. She gives 110% all the time and when you need her she is there! I would embrace the quirks as opportunities to learn.
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rpreast
Reg. Nov 2015
Posted 2018-10-18 1:31 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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veintiocho - 2018-10-18 10:29 AM

love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM

A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3

Maybe just more sensitive than what you are used to.. how is she bred? The running bred horses tend to be more sensitive to EVERYTHING.


Agree. Sensitive.
I've got one who started to jump when I was saddling her. Never did it and then bam, she just started one day. Not sore. Chiro found nothing. Turns out that she didn't care for the cinches coming down and hitting her sides. So now I flip them up and saddle like normal with absolutely no problem.
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MrsHound
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2018-10-18 1:53 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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 I find it to be the opposite.  My running bred horses have been way easier and more sane than my cow bred gelding.  
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horseshorseshorses
Reg. Dec 2012
Posted 2018-10-18 2:51 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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My good mare is/was the same way, not from lack of handling, it is just her personality. She grew out of a lot of her spookiness but she will still occasionally spook/snort/jump over the most random (sometimes invisible) things. As others have said, she made me a better horsewoman and I wouldn't trade working through her quirkiness for the world. Now, after working with my two new "normal" babies, I realize she was a complete nutcase as a 2-5 year old. At the end of the day, I value the lessons she's taught me and training her has put me ahead with the new horses because anything they throw at me, she has most likely done it first and worse! Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. As someone else said, put up with as much as you can handle and value the lessons the colt is teaching you!
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Sockittoemred
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-10-18 2:57 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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MrsHound - 2018-10-18 1:53 PM

 I find it to be the opposite.  My running bred horses have been way easier and more sane than my cow bred gelding.  

Agree. These cowbreds are some super feely suckers.
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-10-18 3:00 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3

So has this horse been threw more then a few owners?  
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love2run
Reg. May 2013
Posted 2018-10-18 3:54 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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Southtxponygirl - 2018-10-18 3:00 PM

love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3

So has this horse been threw more then a few owners?  

No I bought her directly from the breeder
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-10-18 4:06 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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love2run - 2018-10-18 3:54 PM
Southtxponygirl - 2018-10-18 3:00 PM
love2run - 2018-10-18 11:20 AM A friend mentioned to me I should add this horse has been worked with and handled extensively. She’s had tons of one on one time with her humans so it’s hard to chalk it up to her being green even though she’s 3
So has this horse been threw more then a few owners?  
No I bought her directly from the breeder
Ok I was wondering since you said humans, maybe you two just dont mesh and maybe she would get along with someone else better, whats her breeding? I think some bloodlines are just alot more quirky then others.  
I would put her on a supplement like Quiessence or B1 for 4 or 5 months and see if that would help her..


Edited by Southtxponygirl 2018-10-18 4:10 PM
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mgander
Reg. Dec 2016
Posted 2018-10-19 9:31 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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I don't think there is a normal. My two not QH's are super chill, I can do whatever and they won't react or blow up.

My off the track QH, I tried to work with her quirks and I couldn't. Some days putting the halter on was no big deal...other as soon as I got the noseband slid on she'd take off spooked. Same halter. Same spot. She'd pull back on the trailer some days to break stuff, head shaker randomly. Be hot one day, dead sided the next. Treated for ulcers. Chiro multiple times. Watchy on trails but awesome at new arenas. She preferred the show atmosphere than home but I couldn't get her working right at home to haul her to shows without throwing money away.

New guy is Sun Frost/Peppy bred. He's one I can pick my battles with, but he's super sensitive. He'll set back occasionally but he has triggers. Can't walk too fast towards his face, can't use a cheap halter/lead rope/or trailer ring because he's smart enough to learn that he got away, lets try it again. You can see when he's like "Nah, don't like this" and he's going to do something that'll probably irritate you. Can't force him into doing a thing and he must have a reward for the littlest tries. I can't ride him in a light bit like he should be, because if something irritates him, he's prone to bolting. I promise he's not as bad as he sounds but it took a year of building his confidence to over come some of it and lots of observing to figure out his triggers and sensitive points.
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Nateracer
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2018-10-19 10:23 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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Not sure I have owned a horse that doesn't have SOMETHING quirky. 
Old mare, every spring she'd launch in one corner of our practice pen.  She'd flip that ear and she'd leap straight up and upon landing make a hard spin left.  Watched her do it once with my mom next to a barrel and her feet were level with the top.  She was on springs I swear.  Once she had a few rides, she was fine the rest of the summer. 

My old gelding won't tie to a trailer.  Ties most anywhere else to a point, but will set back sometimes. 

My 3yo filly doesn't have a whole lot going on.  She bucks in heat.  She also shimmers when I mount.  I don't know what else to call it.  She gives a little wiggle that has sometimes led to bucking but other times she shimmers and then relaxes.   Saddle fits decently -little wide, but no pinch.    Makes getting on a bit of a struggle due to the fact that I'm not sure what she's going to do. Once I'm on she rides really well. It's not a deal breaker, and I feel she'll grow out it. 


 
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Racer4eva
Reg. Feb 2009
Posted 2018-10-19 10:35 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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Location: NC
I dont think just young ones are quirky lol. My 22 year old today while tied for the farrier, decided there was something across the road that was coming for him....Snorting and staring... there was a not a thing there. And every time my farrier turned the grinder on he would snort and stare at it. (hes seen a grinder for a long time)
Some morning its an argument to put his fly mask on (hes bug sensitive and has to have one on) I've owned him 14 years and still laugh (sometimes) at the stupid things he does (and there are other dumb things)
But at the end of the day hes been there done that and my 67 yr old mom runs him and he takes care of her
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lilpeppy
Reg. Apr 2013
Posted 2018-10-19 11:28 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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I have one, I hauled for two years. Every time I went somewhere it was like her first time being hauled. She spooked in the field one day because a deer came out of the brush in the next field. The rest of that year when she got to that spot she would stop and look for that deer. She did help improve my riding and she was never dangerous, just spooky.
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stayceem
Reg. May 2007
Posted 2018-10-19 11:43 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



Not Afraid to Work


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I think quirks are what generally gives them at that fire and makes them great. If you read a lot of the pro's articles, you will find many of them are quirky.

Now, it depends what you want. Some grow out of quirks and some don't. I don't mind a few quirks but I don't like certain things.

My niece has an OTTB who is extremely quirky. She doesn't tie, a pill to catch (more often than not), she randomly takes off bucking when you saddle her and sometimes runs away when you bridle her. She sucks to work and to vaccinate. However, she rides like a dream. 3D/4D for my niece, probably capable of 2d/3d but my niece isn't ready yet. I was worried about her when we got her because of all her quirks but I have grown to love her because she is so good for my niece. As annoying as she can be, she has taught my niece so much.

And yes, shes been vetted 8 ways from sunday. She has a fairly rough past so we know a lot of her quirks are due to that. Its like she has PTSD and randomly loses reality. You have to just let her have a fit and then she's fine. She got loose on us 3x at a show one morning, then won each other her classes. It all boils down to what you are willing to deal with.
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SwiftSmokinLady
Reg. Oct 2006
Posted 2018-10-19 1:33 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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My mare is super quirky. Spooky some days, and some days not. Some days she will walk away when you go to catch her and others she stands still. One day she rides very quiet, and the next is a dragon that kicks out and rears. She hates when men are around. Doesn't trust them, and won't let them touch her head. She shakes when they try to touch her. And sometimes taking her halter off to turn her out, she throws her head and tries to run away quickly.
In the arena though, she is all heart. Loves to run barrels, and will give all she has everytime. I wouldn't trade her for the world, but I think most people wouldn't put up with her stuff. I don't think much of it, which i think gets us a long ways.

(Streakin Six/OTMR bred with a little cow in there too)

Edited by SwiftSmokinLady 2018-10-19 1:35 PM
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IRunOnFaith
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2018-10-19 3:53 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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My guy is by Ole Heart Throb by The Ole Man and out of Leo Peppy Belle by Mr San Peppy..... 

He's Doomed to quirks his entire life and I'd never trade him. 

Things he does regularly: 
-Lets himself out of his stall to turn the barn lights on at night. Or off and on repetedly until someone comes to the barn. Depends on his mood. 
-Grabs the saddle blanket with his teeth while i'm trying to saddle and flings it around in his mouth. He will not let go until you pry it away from him like a dog. Then he snorts and pouts. 
-When trying to put a bridle on, He will either act like he needs to stretch and will stretch upwards out of my reach or will pretend to scratch his nose on his leg... for a full 2 or 3 minutes.
-Spooks at Goats, pigs, chickens, cows, or any other animal.... He is in a pasture with a 350 pound Momma pig, chickens, and had goats in his pasture for years until we sold out. 
-WILL NOT go through water of any kind. If you do, by some miracle, get him to cross the puddle he will dip his nose down to the puddle, snort and TIP TOE through the water. (Think of Tiny Tim's song Tiptoe Through The Tulips as his theme song
-He will let the mare out of her stall after turning on the lights to make it look like she did it... after he puts himself away again in his stall. 
-If the mare unties herself and then unties him, he won't move. But he frequently unties himself.... 
-Don't leave a drink of any kind by him, he will figure out a way to drink it all.
-And last but not least he will crush a farrier... By that I mean if a farrier is doing his feet he will rest all his weight on them and fall asleep. When the farrier is done, he will either get so close to falling over he will scramble his legs like a newborn foal or scare himself half to death when you wake him up. 
-He was a bottle baby and was fed/kept inside a house for many months so he frequently lets himself out of the pasture and will try and open the screen door to come inside. 
-He will always spook at his shadow. No matter how many times he sees it. 
If I ever sold him well, his ad would be fun to read.... LOLOL 
ETA: He's a 2005 Model


Edited by IRunOnFaith 2018-10-19 3:57 PM
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stayceem
Reg. May 2007
Posted 2018-10-19 4:23 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



Not Afraid to Work


Posts: 4717
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IRunOnFaith - 2018-10-19 3:53 PM

My guy is by Ole Heart Throb by The Ole Man and out of Leo Peppy Belle by Mr San Peppy..... 

He's Doomed to quirks his entire life and I'd never trade him. 

Things he does regularly: 
-Lets himself out of his stall to turn the barn lights on at night. Or off and on repetedly until someone comes to the barn. Depends on his mood. 
-Grabs the saddle blanket with his teeth while i'm trying to saddle and flings it around in his mouth. He will not let go until you pry it away from him like a dog. Then he snorts and pouts. 
-When trying to put a bridle on, He will either act like he needs to stretch and will stretch upwards out of my reach or will pretend to scratch his nose on his leg... for a full 2 or 3 minutes.
-Spooks at Goats, pigs, chickens, cows, or any other animal.... He is in a pasture with a 350 pound Momma pig, chickens, and had goats in his pasture for years until we sold out. 
-WILL NOT go through water of any kind. If you do, by some miracle, get him to cross the puddle he will dip his nose down to the puddle, snort and TIP TOE through the water. (Think of Tiny Tim's song Tiptoe Through The Tulips as his theme song
-He will let the mare out of her stall after turning on the lights to make it look like she did it... after he puts himself away again in his stall. 
-If the mare unties herself and then unties him, he won't move. But he frequently unties himself.... 
-Don't leave a drink of any kind by him, he will figure out a way to drink it all.
-And last but not least he will crush a farrier... By that I mean if a farrier is doing his feet he will rest all his weight on them and fall asleep. When the farrier is done, he will either get so close to falling over he will scramble his legs like a newborn foal or scare himself half to death when you wake him up. 
-He was a bottle baby and was fed/kept inside a house for many months so he frequently lets himself out of the pasture and will try and open the screen door to come inside. 
-He will always spook at his shadow. No matter how many times he sees it. 
If I ever sold him well, his ad would be fun to read.... LOLOL 
ETA: He's a 2005 Model

He needs his own reality show
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SC Wrangler
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2018-10-22 12:25 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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I can put up with a lot of quirks if a horse hase a work ethic and knows when to use it. 
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dianeguinn
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2018-10-22 12:43 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



Lady Di


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SC Wrangler - 2018-10-22 12:25 PM

I can put up with a lot of quirks if a horse hase a work ethic and knows when to use it. 

Amen to this!
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Sandok
Reg. Jan 2011
Posted 2018-10-22 2:01 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal


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OK so here is one thing all 3 of mine of decided to do lately. Since the weather has turned off cooler and rainy they have decided that their barn (which I thought they loved) has become a very very spooky place to go in and eat their grain. The two don't actually get grain, cubes and Renew Gold and then my old guy gets Blubonne Senior and cubes. He is more inclined to come in but the other two I don't know what is going on. Plus they won't let me catch them. They are on pasture 24/7. Any suggestions? Should I try some kind of calming supplement?
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IRunOnFaith
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2018-10-22 3:49 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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Posts: 3815
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Location: The best kept secret in TX
stayceem - 2018-10-19 4:23 PM
IRunOnFaith - 2018-10-19 3:53 PM My guy is by Ole Heart Throb by The Ole Man and out of Leo Peppy Belle by Mr San Peppy..... 



He's Doomed to quirks his entire life and I'd never trade him. 


Things he does regularly: 

-Lets himself out of his stall to turn the barn lights on at night. Or off and on repetedly until someone comes to the barn. Depends on his mood. 

-Grabs the saddle blanket with his teeth while i'm trying to saddle and flings it around in his mouth. He will not let go until you pry it away from him like a dog. Then he snorts and pouts. 

-When trying to put a bridle on, He will either act like he needs to stretch and will stretch upwards out of my reach or will pretend to scratch his nose on his leg... for a full 2 or 3 minutes.

-Spooks at Goats, pigs, chickens, cows, or any other animal.... He is in a pasture with a 350 pound Momma pig, chickens, and had goats in his pasture for years until we sold out. 

-WILL NOT go through water of any kind. If you do, by some miracle, get him to cross the puddle he will dip his nose down to the puddle, snort and TIP TOE through the water. (Think of Tiny Tim's song Tiptoe Through The Tulips as his theme song

-He will let the mare out of her stall after turning on the lights to make it look like she did it... after he puts himself away again in his stall. 

-If the mare unties herself and then unties him, he won't move. But he frequently unties himself.... 

-Don't leave a drink of any kind by him, he will figure out a way to drink it all.

-And last but not least he will crush a farrier... By that I mean if a farrier is doing his feet he will rest all his weight on them and fall asleep. When the farrier is done, he will either get so close to falling over he will scramble his legs like a newborn foal or scare himself half to death when you wake him up. 

-He was a bottle baby and was fed/kept inside a house for many months so he frequently lets himself out of the pasture and will try and open the screen door to come inside. 

-He will always spook at his shadow. No matter how many times he sees it. 

If I ever sold him well, his ad would be fun to read.... LOLOL 

ETA: He's a 2005 Model
He needs his own reality show

He would know and the quirks would get more weird. LOL 
He's way too smart for his own good. Someone should have named him Mr. Ed. 
 
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WYOTurn-n-Burn
Reg. Sep 2004
Posted 2018-10-22 3:53 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



The Bling Princess


Posts: 3411
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Location: North Dakota
IRunOnFaith - 2018-10-19 3:53 PM My guy is by Ole Heart Throb by The Ole Man and out of Leo Peppy Belle by Mr San Peppy..... 



He's Doomed to quirks his entire life and I'd never trade him. 


Things he does regularly: 

-Lets himself out of his stall to turn the barn lights on at night. Or off and on repetedly until someone comes to the barn. Depends on his mood. 

-Grabs the saddle blanket with his teeth while i'm trying to saddle and flings it around in his mouth. He will not let go until you pry it away from him like a dog. Then he snorts and pouts. 

-When trying to put a bridle on, He will either act like he needs to stretch and will stretch upwards out of my reach or will pretend to scratch his nose on his leg... for a full 2 or 3 minutes.

-Spooks at Goats, pigs, chickens, cows, or any other animal.... He is in a pasture with a 350 pound Momma pig, chickens, and had goats in his pasture for years until we sold out. 

-WILL NOT go through water of any kind. If you do, by some miracle, get him to cross the puddle he will dip his nose down to the puddle, snort and TIP TOE through the water. (Think of Tiny Tim's song Tiptoe Through The Tulips as his theme song

-He will let the mare out of her stall after turning on the lights to make it look like she did it... after he puts himself away again in his stall. 

-If the mare unties herself and then unties him, he won't move. But he frequently unties himself.... 

-Don't leave a drink of any kind by him, he will figure out a way to drink it all.

-And last but not least he will crush a farrier... By that I mean if a farrier is doing his feet he will rest all his weight on them and fall asleep. When the farrier is done, he will either get so close to falling over he will scramble his legs like a newborn foal or scare himself half to death when you wake him up. 

-He was a bottle baby and was fed/kept inside a house for many months so he frequently lets himself out of the pasture and will try and open the screen door to come inside. 

-He will always spook at his shadow. No matter how many times he sees it. 

If I ever sold him well, his ad would be fun to read.... LOLOL 

ETA: He's a 2005 Model

OH MY LANTA!!! Thanks for the laugh! He sounds like a total character! 
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jettster
Reg. Jun 2007
Posted 2018-10-24 11:49 PM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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I am enjoying the comments..
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JLazyT_perf_horses
Reg. Dec 2010
Posted 2018-10-25 9:22 AM
Subject: RE: How Much “Quirky” is normal



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Posts: 1520
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Location: Illinois
My 4 year old was a fruit loop when she was 3 and for a good part of this 4 year old year. Fine one minute and then blacked out in a panic the next. Reared for hours if left tied up somewhere, snorted at everything. She'd walk by it 6 times and the 7th time it was coming to eat her. Flipped over a couple times in her blind panic, once because I turned around to back her up for being pushy. She backed right up & over. Sometimes I wonder if that's how she got her name, Timber. She hates other horse but loves people and the minis we have. Her best friend is one of the cats. She's just really weird, but as she's getting older she seems to be leveling out. I did switch grain, but I switched to what she was on when I got her. She gets MVP Calmex too, but she has since I got her too. I'd hate to see what she would've been like without it. Your horse may grow out of some of it as she gets older too
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