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| Long story short, 3 years ago was the last time my mare ran barrels because she was way too hot in/around the arena; had a foal in that time period; fast forward to now and i've gotten her way more relaxed at home and basically retaught her some basics. I took her to an open arena for the first time last week to walk around in/around the arena and watch other horses work the pattern, etc. and it wasn't a horrible experience, but she definitely had some major hot spurts. Yesterday (exactly a week later) i took her back to the same arena, and she was an absolute perfect calm level headed angel. (in this weeks time we started ulcer meds and got chiro work done). I plan on taking her a few more times and doing the same things (not touching the pattern).
Question is, when should i reintroduce her to the pattern and how? Should i start off slow and easy? Just work the pattern at open arenas at first, or let her first pattern be in an exhibition? I'm so terrified that I will approach this the wrong way and everything i have put into this will fall a part. I have never rehabilitated a horses brain like this before, so any experiences or opinions would be very much appreciated!!! | |
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
 
Location: Texas | Was she a finished barrel horse? How old is she? How long did she have on the pattern originally?
I would start from scratch honestly. How much riding has she had so far?
If she's finished, like solid as a rock and you don't think she's forgotten the pattern, then I would just ease her back in to running, maybe try that new pozzi calming paste. And find something like working cows or dressage to do to keep her in shape. | |
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| outrundaizy - 2015-03-11 10:53 PM
Was she a finished barrel horse? How old is she? How long did she have on the pattern originally?
I would start from scratch honestly. How much riding has she had so far?
If she's finished, like solid as a rock and you don't think she's forgotten the pattern, then I would just ease her back in to running, maybe try that new pozzi calming paste. And find something like working cows or dressage to do to keep her in shape.
She's 14, and yes finished - was a smokin 1D horse. I bought her finished and ran her for 2 years. I don't think she will ever forget the pattern lo!
I've been thinking about trying that paste! I think i need to give myself some because I know i'm going to be super nervous with the whole situation! Lol | |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | achildres - 2015-03-11 11:14 PM outrundaizy - 2015-03-11 10:53 PM Was she a finished barrel horse? How old is she? How long did she have on the pattern originally?
I would start from scratch honestly. How much riding has she had so far?
If she's finished, like solid as a rock and you don't think she's forgotten the pattern, then I would just ease her back in to running, maybe try that new pozzi calming paste. And find something like working cows or dressage to do to keep her in shape. She's 14, and yes finished - was a smokin 1D horse. I bought her finished and ran her for 2 years. I don't think she will ever forget the pattern lo! I've been thinking about trying that paste! I think i need to give myself some because I know i'm going to be super nervous with the whole situation! Lol
I would really work on your nerves then, maybe have someone else run her?
I would definitley try the paste, I have heard rave reviews and along with her being on ulcer meds I think that would really help.
If she were mine and I could stay calm I would run her through an exhibition, and then just start entering from there. She is a barrel horse so idk how hot was too hot that she needed a break..
Did you have her vetted just in case? | |
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| outrundaizy - 2015-03-11 10:36 PM
achildres - 2015-03-11 11:14 PM outrundaizy - 2015-03-11 10:53 PM Was she a finished barrel horse? How old is she? How long did she have on the pattern originally?
I would start from scratch honestly. How much riding has she had so far?
If she's finished, like solid as a rock and you don't think she's forgotten the pattern, then I would just ease her back in to running, maybe try that new pozzi calming paste. And find something like working cows or dressage to do to keep her in shape. She's 14, and yes finished - was a smokin 1D horse. I bought her finished and ran her for 2 years. I don't think she will ever forget the pattern lo! I've been thinking about trying that paste! I think i need to give myself some because I know i'm going to be super nervous with the whole situation! Lol
I would definitley try the paste, I have heard rave reviews and along with her being on ulcer meds I think that would really help.
If she were mine and I could stay calm I would run her through an exhibition, and then just start entering from there. She is a barrel horse so idk how hot was too hot that she needed a break..
Did you have her vetted just in case?
Agree with this. I would do a lameness exam as a lot of times horses that get "blown up" are hurting. Of course there's always horses that are just hot to begin with and I agree giving her something to keep her calm might actually keep you from worrying too. I trail ride my hot mare a lot, I also do a lot of slow work just walking through the pattern or working her on roping steers, just chasing them or heeling them or scoring them can really help. I don't mind a hot horse at all (as long as there is nothing else soundness wise going on) Ive had a lot of luck with hot horses, they ares always prepared to run, you don't have to get them up like lazier horses, and the ones I've had have had a lot of try. | |
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