Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cindi Roberts on November 9, 2009 at 4:23pm

Daer Laura, I have always worked with Hunters and TBs so I was used to a certain temperment of horse. I was recently working with two Arab geldings and one sweet arab cross mare, and I found that they bored quite easily. I had to keep each days work different so they would engage with me, otherwise a sassy stubborn streak would emerge. Once I realized they were thinking several steps ahead, buy mixing up the program they became quite lovely to work with. I did daily in hand work then a break, then under tack in the afternoon.
Cindi
The Cheerful Yellow Barn, Ocala FL

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 10, 2009 at 9:39am

It has occurred to me that he's being asked to do the wrong job. At some point I will ask someone to jump him. He's certainly too hot to be a trail horse. Laura

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 10, 2009 at 9:32am

Your comments are making a connection. A few weeks ago the weather got cold, and I hadn't been able to get to the barn for a few days. I thought I could get away with riding him with out lunging him...famous last words. I felt him sucking back at the gate,(and ignored it) there were several minor misbehavior's, then he hit his spooky spot and flew into the center of the ring. He thought that was so much fun he decided to do it again heading for the gate(he's gate sour). When he stopped at the gate I spanked him with the whip and sent him on. After he was disciplined I suddenly had a horse. By the same token if he feels like he's being treated unjustly ( worked too hard, disciplined unjustly) he will not accept it quietly.
Some folks from my area trailer over to Lendon Grey's barn for lessons a couple of times a month. She's supposed to be good with a variety of breeds.

Permalink Reply by vickie lawson on November 9, 2009 at 10:27pm

hi laura: i have heard connemara's have such a disposition (please don;t all hit me). you haven't said how old he is. how are his ground manners or is it only under saddle? with a highly intelligent and spirited horse, i like to keep the work interesting, and use different figures etc and of course catch him before he has a chance to be naughty. i tend to lunge with side reins to remove arguing. i get them to the point of being totally bored with the lunging and ready to cooperate with me when i get on, when they are argumentative. then as i said, keep the work interesting etc. cheers vickie

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 10, 2009 at 10:52am

I just heard from the owner of Dee's sire who breeds Connemara's, she says and I quote...it's incredible how opinionated Connemara's are until you prove to them that you are worth listening to"... Laura

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 11, 2009 at 7:05pm

LOL , On the up-side those of us who enjoy challenging beasties will never be bored. I don't know about you but my horse is one of my favorite puzzles, ( and I'm a psychotherapist). We will never fall asleep in the saddle. We shall remain physically fit, out of fear to life and limb. My newest addition to the list thanks to you is... I shall not be lazy and will stay on my horses case because it does make a difference. Thank you. Laura

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on November 13, 2009 at 3:07pm

Hi, Laura:

All the Connemaras I have worked with have been talented, capable, and incredibly opinionated - actually not usually an amateur ride until they are well schooled! However, I also have often found that their riders take them somewhat for granted because they're on the small side, and they really do have a right to their opinions when they're asked to do crazy and impossible things. Most of those with whom I've worked have really come around when presented with a coherent, organized, and sensible training program.

Lendon Gray has no breed bias at all, and has taken a Connemara pony cross all the way to GP, so if she's available you should definitely follow up on that. Additionally, she has working students who could ride through some of the more challenging stuff for you if you need that kind of support

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on November 13, 2009 at 11:13pm

He's a piece of work, and sometimes he frustrates the *&^&**(%#%% out of me but he is making some progress. Last spring I couldn't even ride him around the ring. Now we can do serpentine's, mostly on the bit. I think hes going to be a great little horse.