Faithful FFF readers (all 12 of you?) have probably guessed that Raven can be...er...challenging. In many ways she is a typical thoroughbred...sensitive, dramatic and hot. In some other ways she is the typical result of poor training...confused, over reactive and fearful. Underlying these natured and nurtured challenges is one heck of a good horse...willing, hard working and bold.
I'm not ashamed to admit that Raven is more of a challenge than I bargained for, but she is turning out to be a fantastic teacher. With the help of Clinton Anderson her manners on the ground have improved 100% -- even during her antics the other day she stayed out of my space with the cutest "I just can't help myself!" expression on her face . Now I need to pursue a similar improvement under saddle. I know that nothing can replace lessons with an experienced trainer, but Farcical Farm is not currently not set up to haul her out or to have someone in. Next summer I hope to send her for 30-60 days of good training, but until then I am looking for valuable books that specifically address the challenges of working with horses like Raven. Everything on Amazon seems to have a 5-star-rating, but I'm not looking for sunshine-and-flowers anecdotes -- I want concrete examples and specific exercises. Any suggestions?
.JPG)
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You are much more experienced a rider, so I won't suggest books or training methods. The only thing I might say (and I'm quite sure you know this but find myself saying it anyway) is that, for Sam (who was a thoroughbred), riding every day made all the difference. If I missed even one day, I would pay a bit of a price, and two meant a frustrating ride, for sure. He was like that right to the end of his life - he never lost that pent-up energy (part of what I loved about him).
Hello again,
Yea, I have to agree with BJC..
the last clinic I rode in Sept- my mare was a bronk and the second day better..the third day, better yet.
The clinitian metioned to someone that said that my mare was tired after about 45 minutes...she said something to effect of.."no, she is just starting to get interested."She recommended us working at least-5 days a week...even if some was ground work, as the Thoroughbreds mind is keen and needs much to think about and do.
I have to agree...I just have a difficult time being diligent enough for her.
You guys are so sweet.
I know that more consistent riding will be hugely important and I have to get off my ass to do it (time is not plentiful right now, but things will get easier for me in the spring). Having said that, I am looking for resources that suggest good, solid exercises to do with a horse like this so that I can have a plan of action when I get one. She's not ready to start schooling all the dressage stuff that I know, and I never did a lot of poorly-trained-crazy-horse riding during my schooling years. I am just kind of at a loss as to how I should proceed (in the imaginary world where I will be riding 5 days a week).
Hey where is my comment? I posted a comment yesterday morning, I swear. fffffff
Anyway - I haven't found any training books that look like they'd address my weird set of issues, so I don't have any specific recommendations. (Hopefully you'll get some good ones!)
I did learn a LOT from Animals in Translation, that Temple Grandin book I mentioned in the merle dog post. She's got a pretty unique outlook on animal behavior.
(This comment was better the first time I wrote it. Scowl!)
What about some of the in-hand dressage stuff? I know you didn't want to really start her on fancy dressage stuff, but why not something to engage her mind? That can wear her out too, much like when you give a dog a puzzle toy.
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