Why I'm discouraged is that I bought a 6 year old mare that has not turned out to be as trained as I was lead to believe. I was told that she had not work out as a competition animal but loved to trail ride. But, until I know this animal better, I'm really hesitant to go anywhere that is out of sight of our home. She is extremely gentle but headstrong. We have a small farm homestead and we raise sheep and chickens. This winter the mare shares a run-in with 5 ewes and a Great Pyr. They all get along amazing well.
I am an advanced beginner rider. This summer I spent time working on ground manners and was making good headway. But, now that the horse is out in the paddock and winter is here I have limited daylight hours to work with her.
She won't willing lift her feet to be cleaned and this week she kicked the farrier. She has become really pushy for hay especially now that she feels she competing with the sheep even though the sheep and the horse are fed in separate areas. Another thing that bothers me is that when I approach her she backs up. If she were a dog, I would consider her behavior as being "hand shy." My barn time is spent grooming her and talking softly and mucking out the run-in. But, doing anything on the ground is difficult with batches of ice, covered with snow.
I'm an avid reader. For Christmas my husband gave me a basic text on riding. I have purchased and read a used Parelli book. My thoughts now are to write out some simple lesson plans and work with her. But, we haven't bonded and that wonderful owner/horse relationship is not there yet. I finally purchased a saddle that fits her to a Tee but until I feel that I can trust this mare, I have not ridden her out of the enclosed paddock area.
What are some of the simple exercises I can do in a limited area that will build trust and rapport between us. Just so that you know - while I have not trained horses, I am a retired agility and obedience dog trainer. I tend to be a "positive trainer" but I also realize that I'm not dealing with a 50 lb dog.
I not ready to throw in the towel. But, I would like to eventually have a well-trained mare. When I graduate in May 2010, I will be in a position to hire a trainer to work with me. But, until then I really would like to have established a solid working relationship with this horse. Any suggestions or shared experiences would be appreciated.
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