Queenrider's Page

Hi "Queenrider" - Thanks for joining the OEF group! Please feel free to use the group to ask questions, post comments, share ideas, etc.

Thanks for posting the info about the John Lasseter clinic. He is a wonderful coach... we really enjoyed auditing the clinic on the days that we went. It would be great if you could post again when he is coming back for another clinic. I would definitely be interested in bringing 'The Squirt' (who is soon going to need a new nickname *lol*) for some long-lining work, and possibly borrow a more experienced horse to bring to ride... assuming that I can arrange trailering etc.

Hi! It sounds like you are going to have to invent some fun for Scooter so that he doesn't get bored, eh?! ;) My lad is the same way... he wants to have something to do. He made quite a fuss in his stall the one day of the show that he only had one class... but once he got out and was worked, then he'd settle down nicely. He does occasionally test what he can get away with though, little stinker. He also seems to have quite a sense of humour!
We plan to wait until our wee lad is four before we start any serious work with him too. I want him to finish most of his growing and find his own balance before doing too much with a rider on him. In the meantime, there are plenty of "monsters" to conquer... the latest was the wrapper from a pack of dog treats! Tarps, balls, bags, flags... no problem... crinkly foil wrapper, eeek! He also still doesn't fully trust umbrellas... he gives them the "stink eye". *lol*

You have discovered a few things that are typical of Canadians - the big one being that they are generally slow to mature. At two, my boy is still very much a baby. His butt shot up over the past week (it's so funny how young horses grow)... I wonder how big he is going to get (hopefully not 16 hh)!

Another is that it seems to be a common instinct for Canadians to prefer to face something that they find scary... perhaps they want to keep an eye on the perceived threat. They seem to be more likely to turn toward and face a scary thing (and back away from it) than to turn away and bolt from it... I have met a number of Canadian Horses (and Newfoundland Ponies) with that attitude, my boy included (it's something that we are working on). Because they are so smart, you really have to earn the respect of a Canadian... but when you do, it is an incredible partnership. The first time that my boy demonstrated that he was looking to me to reassure him that a scary thing was OK was a special moment... he nudged me with his nose, I reassured him and led him on, and he willingly followed. It was one of the best experiences of my life!

Thanks for sharing your story... I have a very similar one. I have been interested in Canadians for awhile, because they are smart, sturdy and versatile. I grew up having Newfoundland Ponies and when I started to look for a horse with the same characteristics as a Newf, I discovered the Canadians. We saw a Canadian farm while out for a drive, and a few months later we called to see if we could visit, because 'someday' we would like a Canadian.
When we visited, we saw the herd and one of the geldings just 'stood out'. He came over to us and was curious about us... and at the first 'snuffle' I was smitten. After we left, I couldn't stop thinking about him, so we went back to 'play' with him in the arena. Once I saw him move I knew that I had to have him. For my birthday this year, my boyfriend gave me the news that we were buying him! :)

It can be a lot of work to bring along a young Canadian, but is totally worth it... just don't forget that they remember EVERYTHING!!! (good or bad *lol*) ;)

Hi again! Thanks for the reply and the link. I will definitely look into getting some of their materials. It's great that you accomplished so much with your mare - and that she found a partner willing to put the effort into finding ways to work with her. I'm sorry that she has passed on.
I hope that you are enjoying working with your new boy. My Canadian is still very young (two) and so we are currently doing lots of ground work, and exploring the world so that he can gain confidence. I do like the fact that Canadians are real thinkers. I am hoping that eventually my little lad will become my dressage partner.

Hi, I came across a couple of your posts and you mention liking TEAM and learning it on your own. Is there a particular resource (book, video etc) that you would recommend as a starting point for someone curious about TEAM? I also have a Canadian Horse (they are great, aren't they!), and am currently working on developing his confidence.

Hi Glad things good for you, i actually board a few mares ,yearlings at gardiners now. Been cutting the mares down, only want 1 or 2. I see its for sale, might take a while though before anyone has that kind of money.! barb

Hi Rhonda
I remember you and Radiant Queen! Must be 20+ yrs. ago! She was a very pretty chestnut with a beautiful head. Thats great you got her to Prix ST George. sounds like she had a nice long life. Every once and i while i will have a nice racehorse that is looking for a good home, maybe you can help find such in the future. Do you still work with horses? I am sure you know the minshall family sold everything, i run a public stable at WB. Shawn has a farm of his own now.
barb