So it's been a bit since my last post, and it's been a very hard time for me.
My beautiful baby who foundered, after going through most of my savings, was found to have major tendon damage as well as her coffin bone being remodeled. She'd never be sound enough to ride, and would most likely need extra care down the road (possible surgery)... This was more than I was able to financially bare.
After a very hard time, I had to re-home her with a rescue (who is getting her payed for by some top surgeons and vets as a case study).
All the barn staff and other boarders knew how hard it was for me, and they pooled their efforts and got me a gift; a baby! She's only 10 months old (almost 11), and sweet as can be.
Now my questions:
She will not leave my side; follows me everywhere, when she's scared she runs over to me...I cannot send her away for join-up! She just looks hurt and backs away a little but won't run or anything.
She backs up, leads well, and isn't scared of anything except the lawn mower. She was frightened once of a dog on the farm, but once I patted the dog and lead her to him she now chases the dog in play!
So you can't scare her off with plastic bags or noises!
Should I leave it alone for now since she's so young?
Second question:
I handle her feet often, and practice moving off pressure, but I was wondering if I could take her on the trails?
I cannot pony her really, but could I hand walk her or is that asking too much of a baby?
Thanks all, and please don't mention my first baby...I've done enough crying, and I get weekly updates on her progress from the rescue, they're giving her more than I ever could have hoped.
I got my Princess almost a year ago, when she was 2 1/2, and couldnt do join up with her because she was so joined upo with me from the start, just like yours. Couldnt scare her with anything. She is still that way, but the other day, we finally managed a bit of join up when she was playing hard to get, for the first time in nearly a year. She trotted around the corral a couple times and said thats it, and came to me and refused to go away again. Yes, I would take her out on trails. That would be a good idea, in my opinion. I have had many youngsters and did that with all of them, and it did them a lot of good. Princess is now 3, and I am riding her lots of places, she hasnt spooked at anything except a cow that stood up suddenly behind a bush. Leading them out on trails is good for them, it helps them get used to new places and things
What wonderful friends you have, such kindness. I think you need to stop worrying about your youngster and enjoy the relationship :-) If she is polite and respectful, dealing with her environment, sees you as a safe place, is willing to learn new things, is not pushy or getting 'in your face' is happy to spend time with other horses and be a horse (I know you haven't mentioned that but I assume she is?) what else are you looking for?! There is a risk that we become so obsessed with the TASK of Join Up that we forget its PURPOSE i.e. the horse choosing to be with you, seeing you as its safe place and being willing to accept you as a confident, safe, and kind leader. Isn't that what you have? Enjoy!!
Thanks! Yes she's with a herd of 8 and is learning the hard way (couple pretty bad bites) that personal space is important with horses! But now things have settled and she loves playing with them and most still treat her like the "baby" (let her eat their food!).
She is pretty joined-up in those ways I guess, so thanks! I'll start bring her on trails! Basically I just love watching her, she is just so darned cute!
Hi thehomemadehorse - good to have you with us again. I totally agree with the advice you have been given above. If they are joined up and well behaved then there is not need to do join up. She is such a baby still so just enjoy her. It is good she is with other horses as they will teach her lots too. I wouldn't do too much with her but you can certainly teach her to lead with the dually, lift all her hooves so they can be picked out and yes I would take her out for walks with you too. The more they get out the more relaxed they will be when it is time to ride them.
Have fun and enjoy. So pleased you have such great stable buddies.