[Rosemary]

The horse in the box next to Smokey's has been on box rest for a while after a stifle injury. She's now being walked out so I offered to give her 15 minutes n the morning. I was told she was a bit spooky and jumped on top of you, but I said I'd put my helmet on and keep her on a long line. So far, apart from the first day, she's been fine. We even had a wee trot today. We have a deal - she walks at arms length from me and behind so if she spooks she's away from me. If she goes in front, I back her up into the correct position. She's very unconfident.

One of the other girls at the yard is also walking her out. She's an AI (ambulant idiot, I think). She told me today that the horse can now be ridden but because she's a bit spooky, the vet has said that there should be two people at her head. For safety. I suggested that - for safety - it would be better not to get on her until some of her issues were resolved and anything that needed to be done could perfectly well be done from the ground. And would three predators grabbing the scared horse make things better? She just looked at me. "We're not going to grab her - we're there to stop her running off" - how, I wondered aloud - negotiation?

When she siad that the vet told them to do it, I suggested that the vet was talking out of a hole in his ar*e. That might have been the bit she took offence at and it wasn't a nice thing to say.

But don't they think this through? If you think the horse will kick off - don't be a hero. Sort her head out BEFORE you get on. Think about it from the horse's perspective as a prey animal. When she gets tight, if you grab her head, she panics. I had her out one morning and she stood on her own rope - panic stations! Of course when she moved her feet, she was released and fine.

Aaargh, I could go on and on. Steve, help!

[ukag0972]

It's not my sis-in-law sis is it???

It amazes me how many people are knowledgable, all the gear and no idea!!!

[cmorrell]

When she siad that the vet told them to do it, I suggested that the vet was talking out of a hole in his ar*e. That might have been the bit she took offence at and it wasn't a nice thing to say.

Well it might not have been a very nice thing to say, but it also sounds quite subtle under the circumstances. Of course, there's always the chance the vet didn't say that and they've simply heard what they want.

[Hardfeather]

Like many of us, vets are very good at some things and not so good at others. Also like many of us, vets should stick to giving advice only on the things they are good at.

One person on the mare's back and two at her head is a recipe for disaster. It's obvious that coercion and restraint are the order of the day in such a scenario. That's not a good approach for a horse which has been on box rest,and will be bursting to express her joy at being out of four walls.

[Hardfeather]

I've been thinking about this............

I doubt if you set out to cause offence, Rosemary, which means, I suppose, that the other person chose to take offence.........which really isn't your fault.

[doganjo]

I think you'll find, Rosemary that this is their problem - not yours.  Don't tke it on board.  You are correct in the handling of that mare, not the vet, and not the stable girl.

[MiriMaran]

All I can say is poor horse!

[Kirsten]

Ooops!  Tact not one of your stronger points LOL!
I have to say, I am no expert with horses (quite new to the equine world in fact, about to start working on breaking my first horse....with lots of help from the more knowledgeable I should add!) but I work with a lot of other animals both predator and prey and what you say seems to make perfect psychology sense.  The trouble with so many people is they 'humanise' animals....like having umpteen people hanging on to it when it clearly hasn't learnt to trust in peoples judgement, is going to stop it panicking....hmmmm!  Fuel and fire spring to mind.
I had a classic where I was at a big show and had a baby owl with me.  This youngster was a real cutie!  Hand raised so just accepted things as they were.  I had a lady come up and on spotting the bundle of fluff declared in a horrified voice 'OMG its terrified!'.  She felt more than a bit silly when I pointed out that far from being terrified, it was in fact so relaxed it was asleep!  Her response then was....'well why isn't it terrified?!'
As you say AI!
I would be tempted to point out to them that unless there is a huge rush to back this horse, then there is no point in taking the risk of both someones neck and the horses future nature and if there is a huge rush, then perhaps they should be looking for a different horse!
Good luck!

[Hellybee]

Quite right Rosemary id be uttering the same words as you (bar the vet bit cos they rock down here lol)

The worst thng they could possibly do is get on a mare like that, on many levels.  A sure way to damaging the mare after box rest ( whcih could be alikened to going out for a run after youve been in bed for a fortnight) not forgetting the "gas and beans" the mare is likely to emit with pure joy of being out.  Also what about the test pilot on top, recipe for disaster.

We do in hand here but of course its all the same kind of ground work.  If she was mine we would continue with walks making them longer each day, get out in school/ on a lungeline, not lunging but walking closer to the head and then further out time goes on walking larger circles then   I m afraid then it will come to a point that the mare will need turnout, (i tend to watch through my hands at this point) Iwouldnt even consider getting on  for weeks yet, but that s me  

You doing the right thing, and if you have some knowitallknowsnothing telling you otherwise, shes wrong 

[Farmer]

Some people won't be told Rosemary, you should know that....to get the best out of a horse you need to think like a horse...perhaps this woman thinks she's got a JACKASS!

Farmer, 

[Rosemary]

 

[Wizard]

Hello agen Rosemary It is another them and us or them as know do. Them as don't tell you how to.Tek no notice of them YOU are right. for a start then

[SuzyJ]

I wouldn't worry about offending them. You offered advice and it sounds good to me but some people being the way they are will never listen to advice and then blame the horse when things go wrong. Sad but true.

I had friends in the Uk who would ask for advice then ignore it, unless the horse is in danger I'd leave well alone. You've tried your best. It can be very annoying knowing that they're probably going to do the wrong thing and possibly cause more problems in the long run but sometimes you just have to sit back, take a deep breath and allow them to get on with it.