I bought my very first youngster from a sale in Ireland. She is a 3 yrs 4 months Irish Sports Horse who has obviously had a traumatic time and traumatic journey over to the UK. I turned her out for 2 weeks to chill and went to say hello twice a day. She obviously has had a lunge whip up her rear as you couldnt even get down her sides let alone behind her. Since then ive been trying to desensitise her with a stuffed glove on the end of a pole. I have walked her in hand with use of the dually halter, and 3 days ago I done Join up in our round lunge pen. When I finished and she joint up with me the tears were rolling. I couldnt believe what was happening. Two days later we done some in hand work in the arena where she learnt very quickly to halt when I did and to walk at my shoulder. At the end of the session I let her loose as a reward but she stuck by my side wherever I walked. I feel so very privalaged to have been accepted as her friend.
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Hi Nicky,
Congratulations on rescueing this young mare and your succesful Jojn-up and groundwork with her! Like Monty says, this girl needs a friend more than any other horse. Don't hesitate to do more than one Join-up with her, leave a few days between sessions and deepen your bond in this way. With you she has every chance to overcome her trauma!
Keep the good work going and us posted on your progress!
Miriam
I also want to congratulate you! Its exciting to hear of horses being rescued and getting treated the way they deserve. Like Miriam said...keep deepening your bond. You'll have a
partner for life!
Congratulations from me too, Nicky. This is a lovely story. All the best with your big journey ahead. There will be challenges and ups and downs but you have made a fantastic start.
Thankyou so much for your coments, and yes Miriam I will do join up again. My goal now is to be able to pick up her hind feet. When she arrived she was cow kicking and it was impossible to stand at her side. Now I can run my hand all down the sides, belly, flanks and stifles and she seems fine. She is better in the stable than being held on the yard to do this(perhaps she feels more secure inside). She has front shoes on only, cant understand why she has been shod at her age anyway, but aim to have the shoes off and trimmed allround.
Wow! I really don't understand what they r doing to horses in ireland except breeding too many! My horse came from there n had a very stressful start v under weight irish x hanov, head shy (took 6mths until he would allow me touch his ears to put bridal on without needing to take it appart) wouldnt let u touch him anywhere except his withers n back, couldnt pick his hooves up (for first 3wks), couldn't tie up without snapping or breaking to string (2 mths), was frightened of crops (1 wk), umberellas (2wks), coloured poles (4mths-now jumps them), bright coloured clothing (4wks) including people with hoods up, freaked out at a guy on the yard who's covered in tattoes n snorted backed up at sight of his skin-no he adores him! The list goes on and 10months on you wouldn't think he's the same horse! We did join up 3or4 times a week for 4weeks to begin with n didn't introduce anything new until he was confortable with object or prop or the command asked of him! Now it takes 2mins to join up n even when I dismount to clean up the paddock he follows me everywhere! Yesterday I didn't shut my stable door properly n he nudged it open came out and walked across the yard to me and followed me back with no headcollar on! It takes a lot of time and patients but I tell ya its so worth it! Good luck and have fun! You will make a friend for life! X
Hi Emma,
So this is Donny's background, no wonder he spook on trails!
As I mentioned elsewhere, keep doing what you're already working at, earn his trust and time will be on your side.
Miriam