Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shirley on May 4, 2009 at 12:23am

Was the trainer you used to teach the Parelli ground manners a Certified Parelli Instuctor? Anyone can SAY they teach Parelli when in fact they are not actually trained with the Parelli Program. Using the program the way it is taught by Parelli's should never lead to fear by the horse. It is also intented to be taught to the horse by the rider/owner so a bond and confidence is built up and a partnership formed. Have you ever watched the recordings in the Level 1 Parelli kit that shows step by step how to saddle and girth a horse and how to get to that point. I hope you can find a way to see that, From the sound of it progressive steps must be missing. Is that possible? From how you describe this, your horse is NOT ready to be girthed-up and forcing him when he is upset is making the matter worse.
As you can tell I'm a big Parelli fan. I am so thankful that I found the program because it has helped me a lot. I have seen some that have tried to do bits and pieces of Parelli and it won't work that way. It is very important to do "ALL" the progressive steps.
I do wish you and your horse the very best!!

Permalink Reply by Donna Humber on May 3, 2009 at 8:37pm

All comments make good sense to me. Time & patience. The only real training tools. [per my old coach]
I also get the impression your horse is anticipating pain, but cannot tell if is remembered or present.
I had a mare once who had [among others], a major problem with the dismount. I had her 18 years, NEVER used a stick or spur, and treated her like the diva she was. She eventually would just tense at the dismount and raise her head up...but as this was a remarkable improvement over the panic stricken bucking\bolting fool I bought...we agreed to let well enough alone. The point I will eventually get to, is that you might be dealing with a highly bred sensitive animal that simply can't cope with things that were percieved as harsh. The world is full of traumatized horses, finding a new lease on life , who panic over the most commonplace things. I've owned 2 OT mares, and they had issues [natch.....that's why I could afford them]. BUT with the advice on here, well fitting tack AND time and patience, you can modify - completely remove this behavior. I think you are on the right track. Keep us posted. I'm most interested in how things develop.

Permalink Reply by Cindy Jeffery on May 4, 2009 at 10:27pm

I agree with Donna and Barbara when horses react like that it means there is some kind of pain somewhere. Horses are very honest and can only tell us something is wrong through a reaction. Pad, grooming, saddle fit are extremely important I'm sure you know this. What ever is bothering your horse could be serious or could be something as little as when the saddle was put on the first time and tightened a random piece of hay, shavings or dirt could have been stuck between the pad and the horse somewhere and the pressure could have been too much for your horse which causes him to remember the pain of it. Now he doesn't want anything on his back that hurts. Going slow like you are doing is excellent and on the right track. Use your own horse sense...you definitely have some or your horse wouldn't have anything to do with you. Be careful of meaningful advice, including mine, so you don't get all mixed up. Pick what you think will work and go for it. It's curious how he accepted the previous saddle and not this one. Certainly a vet check would be worth while just to rule out Barbara's suggestion. I really hope it isn't something serious causing this problem. Don't forget to rule out topical and muscular injuries incured while turned out.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Anderson on May 14, 2009 at 9:35pm

Well, I have something that might or might not help. Secret has been a little girthy since I've had her.
Just over a year ago though I began having massage work done on her - that's another whole story. But, what I learned is that sometimes the small muscles around the top of her front legs can get a little sore. I have found that doing a little massage on those before and as I girth her can make a big difference. I also do my girthing just a little at a time. That way she can adjust and she doesn't tend to puff her stomach out.
The soreness of those muscles happens most when we are working on diagonal movements because those muscles get used more. The massage therapist I use helped to point out the areas and how to massage those muscles.
Hope that helps! If nothing else the massage can be nice for both of us. It's a nice quiet time for us to relax and change from office work day focus to barn and riding focus.

Permalink Reply by Margaret H. Ostrowski on May 15, 2009 at 6:07pm

Well, I appreciate all the advice everyone is passing on;
On the new saddle: he was just as girthy with the old saddle --- in fact, he was worse with the old saddle that wasn't made for him or I; he and I did well with it last year and needless to say he did change physically as I didn't ride him this winter due to this issue --- the only variable was the move to that barn for the winter ---
RE: Parelli --- I agree -- I think all the steps were not taken; no she wasn't a certified instructor; she was just trying to help me out of her own kindness due to my not knowing why, all of the sudden, he started with this about 1 month after moving to that barn; I'm suspecting the feed possibly --- at the new barn he is relaxing some and the trainer is working with him with me although she is speaking softly and calmly to him and I do the same; he seems to respond better to this --- we are taking it slowly --- walking him after a loose tightening; then up a hole; walking some and trotting some; then up a hole; then walking, trotting, canter; then up a hole, etc.--- we are not responding like he is --- wild-eyed and wanting to bolt --- trainer is in her 30s; I'm 55 -- big difference on ability to react quickly and calmly; she lets him out on the lunge line slowly and waits patiently until he quietly walks / trots; we also are using treats (he LOVES those baby carrots) to hopefully instill more positive memories and it is very slow work although I'm seeing slight improvement with his trust of us; he responds to our quiet voice; once he lunges awhile -- than he's fine to ride --- today he was very forward so I had the trainer ride him 1st; then I got on him and he was a perfect gentleman.....my trainer suggested that we make an appointment with the Vet to watch us tack him up to see if there is something physical going on...so that's the next step; I'll let everyone know if there is an answer to this "mystery" --- thanks!

Permalink Reply by Margaret H. Ostrowski on May 17, 2009 at 7:41am

UPDATE: Well, yesterday he came in from the pasture struggling to walk -- R front leg; lots of pain; no wounds....called vet; farrier was coming out anyway as his daughter boards out at the barn my horse is at. Anyway -- farrier pulled shoe -- found abscess seeping --- trimmed it -- wrapped it as the vet said to -- farrier was very experienced at this -- don't know WHAT I would've done without him there.....spent entire day out at the barn -- after wrapping it and all the farrier work he started walking much better although he wasn't sound yet -- stall rest until Wed; then we'll see how he is.....I am wondering if this may have/is contributing to the saddle explosions.....I'll see after he gets back to health.....anyone else ever have this as a cause of girthiness?
PS: My husband is NOT a horse person; most of the time declines going out to the barn; was with me yesterday; helped me hold Harvey for the 30 minutes of soaking in Epsom salts -- even when H pooped (which totally grosses my husband out) - He refuses to go back out with me today, but at least yesterday he was supportive when mostly he's not --- the lady who's husband fell asleep videotaping her sounds like my husband -- he says Dressage is like watching paint dry although he can at least stay awake now!

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