I rescued a 19 year old Arabian who was on her way to slaughter about 8 months ago. I currently board her at a horse rescue. Her hooves were terribly overgrown when she came in and when the farrier came to trim them, I am told she "launched herself almost on top of farrier." They sedated her and trim, so I worked with her the best I could after watching your videos and the next time the farrier came, we held the lead rope, attached to the dually halter, and kept rubbing her neck and face, ect. We made it through without any problems, but I could tell she was thinking about bolting the whole time he was working on her.
The previous owner told the rescue that the horse was never trained, but when I walk her she keeps her head right at my shoulder, and when I stop she stops immediately. I believe there has been some work done with her. I tried join up, got all the stages, but she won't follow when I cross her body and try to get her to stay with me.
I have put a saddle on her and let her run in the round pen - no problem, but have not had a rider on her.
She lives in a field several acres in size and I when I want to take her out to work with her, I can't catch her.
I am wondering, since I am not a very experienced horse person, should I find someone who can work with her better than I or do you think I could do something with her with more training on my part?
The previous owner told the rescue that the horse was never trained, but when I walk her she keeps her head right at my shoulder, and when I stop she stops immediately. I believe there has been some work done with her. I tried join up, got all the stages, but she won't follow when I cross her body and try to get her to stay with me.
I have put a saddle on her and let her run in the round pen - no problem, but have not had a rider on her.
She lives in a field several acres in size and I when I want to take her out to work with her, I can't catch her.
I am wondering, since I am not a very experienced horse person, should I find someone who can work with her better than I or do you think I could do something with her with more training on my part?
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With regard to Join up, it's most likely that your Equus needs fine tuning. Your breathing & body language are so important so I urge you to practice, in front of a mirror & compare yourself with Monty in the videos. You will get better & this mare will learn to trust you. The success with the farrier is proof that, despite being uneducated, this mare is prepared to change, to accept human intervention.
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Should you get help? Well, everyone needs help at some point. Most importantly, the help you need should be experienced & Monty Roberts motivated - absolutely violence free. Keep us updated & we will support your efforts with this mare. Cheers, Jo.
Jo hit the nail on the head. Yes you should own that horse. as a matter of fact I salute you for rescuing it.
As Jo mentioned Arabians are one of the smartest breeds of horses today. The are extremely intelligent and it's bred into their DNA. They could survive as nomads if necessary. Most horses just walk through a puddle of mud or water. An Arabian will find a way around it with out getting wet or muddy. I owned an Arabian for over twenty years and all my children (4) learned to ride on him. I bought him when he was 16 and finally retired him to a green pasture at my dads old farm, at the ripe old age of 38. He's still alive today and just turned 42.
I think if you practice the things Jo mentioned you will be fine but I do recommend you getting professional help from someone that trains without violence. Someone that will help you and possibly show you the things you really need to be doing. I know I'm repeating a lot of things but Body language is so important and it is number one where horses are concerned. They read you so quick and Arabians are quicker to read than most horses. I know you will enjoy your relationship with her and hope you find exactly what you need to accomplish it.
Many blessings with for you, and your new friend!!
Connie Mack