Psycho-Babble Social Thread 789755

Shown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!

Posted by seldomseen on October 17, 2007, at 12:05:51

His name is Andrew and he is a 10 year old warmblood, quarter horse mix! He is so cool! He moves like a warmblood, but has the sanity of quarter horse. He is a good horse for western pleasure (and has roped cattle before), but he is amazing at the fundamentals of dressage (collection, bending, straightness - this horse is straight as an arrow!!!!).

He loads well and stands for the farrier (sorry, an inside joke for all you horse people out there).

But all that aside, he really seems to like me and I was captivated by him from the first time I ever saw him. Riding him is just the most amazing experience I've ever had.

I hope we have many many years together - me and my horse Andrew. Doesn't that sound nice? Me and my horse?

SeldomSeen. http://www.usdf.org/halloffame/2005.asp

ps. Maybe that will be me and Andrew some day....

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen

Posted by twinleaf on October 17, 2007, at 16:39:07

In reply to I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!, posted by seldomseen on October 17, 2007, at 12:05:51

That is the best news! He sounds like a wonderful horse with whom you can do most anything. I loved the story of Seldom Seen, which I didn't know about- and it's such a great posting name- the little horse who got to Grand Prix and the Hall of Fame.

I have an 8-year old Hanoverian, by Weltmeyer and Werther, named Wiecor VA. He is not enormous, thank goodness- only 16 hands, and more like a thoroughbred than a warmblood in appearance.. He's a dappled bay-black, with a white blaze and soft black eyes. He sounds a lot like Andrew- very well-behaved and lovable, and always a barn favorite with farriers, vets, etc.. We are just moving up to third level in dressage, and are doing musical freestyles also. It's the most fun in the world, but a lot harder- in terms of riding skills- than I ever imagined. I don't know if we (or more likely I ), will make it to Grand Prix, but he is bred for it, so I'm trying my very best.

Have a wonderful time with Andrew and do let us know what you are doing with him!

twinleaf, fellow horse- lover

 

Congratulations!

Posted by Dinah on October 17, 2007, at 19:08:19

In reply to I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!, posted by seldomseen on October 17, 2007, at 12:05:51

I hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship!

I always wondered where you got your name. A wonderful story.

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen

Posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2007, at 21:22:12

In reply to I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!, posted by seldomseen on October 17, 2007, at 12:05:51

Congratulations and hence how you picked your posting name. Phillipa

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » twinleaf

Posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 8:57:04

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen, posted by twinleaf on October 17, 2007, at 16:39:07

Thank you for sharing my big day! Wiecor VA sounds awesome! My intructor's trainer breeds hanoverians and they are truly an impressive breed. They are so graceful and athletic. It's no wonder they excel in dressage. Good luck with your efforts. Musical freestyle is my favorite.

Andrew has suffered from some very bad training in the past. People pushed him too hard into the flying lead change and he freaked out, started cribbing and bucking. Gosh anyone can hang out their sign and say they are a trainer you know?

His previous owner, when she found out, got him out of that situation and sent him to what I call "cowboy camp". There is this cowboy (no joke- a full fledged cowboy) that specializes in "problem" horses and Andrew lived with him for several months. They focused on different things (cutting, roping) and Andrew just basically was allowed to hang out with the other horses, go on long trail rides and accept help from someone who really knew what they are doing. Working cattle is a real confidence booster for horses I think - especially those with quarter horse in them. It allowed his natural sanity to re-surface.

He came back a different horse. I can still tell that he is anxious when he transitions up into the canter, so I know that he hasn't completely forgiven his last bad experience, but no longer bucks or cribs.

Slow and steady is going to be the key with him. Lots of trail rides and cantering on long reigns in fields, I think are going to help him to fully open his heart again, which is my ultimate goal for him.

Okay enough blathering for me.

Seldom.

 

Re: Congratulations! » Dinah

Posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 9:07:19

In reply to Congratulations!, posted by Dinah on October 17, 2007, at 19:08:19

Thanks! Seldom seen was an amazing horse, with an amazing rider. Dressage is VERY demanding of horse (and rider) and it is the rare combination of athletic ability, forgiving spirit and willingness to try that allows a horse to successfully compete at the level of Seldom Seen.

Seldom seen was truly miraculous. His retirement video (musical freestyle) is hilarious. If you get a chance look it up on you tube.

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!

Posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 9:08:54

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen, posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2007, at 21:22:12

Thank you. I am still "glowing" this morning. I get to ride my OWN horse this afternoon - although it is supposed to rain :( (Truthfully, it is so dry here, I won't mind the rain).

Seldom.

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen

Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on October 18, 2007, at 15:42:56

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » twinleaf, posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 8:57:04

dunno much about horses, though I was a gaucha once upon a time...

But I can sense your excitement!!!!

congratulations!! :)

-Ll

 

And mine needs tranqs for the farrier... » seldomseen

Posted by Racer on October 19, 2007, at 14:26:25

In reply to I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!, posted by seldomseen on October 17, 2007, at 12:05:51

Congratulations! I wish you both the best.

And every time you get complacent, remember that the loading-farrier stuff counts ever so much! Having to have the vet out every six weeks to shoot 'em up stinks.

(And forgive me -- damn the farrier who started that one. Got kicked in the head for it, too, which cost us big bucks. I have little sympathy for him, though, since I'm sure he got over it far sooner than my poor freaky boy.)

Sorry -- back to you. Have a wonderful time with him, and remember the best and most consistent fix for what you described: if you enjoy him and enjoy your time together, he'll get over it far sooner than you'd ever imagine. Better than any trainer out there -- a good relationship fixes a remarkable number of problems.

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen

Posted by twinleaf on October 20, 2007, at 1:24:14

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » twinleaf, posted by seldomseen on October 18, 2007, at 8:57:04

Since I've been doing dressage, I've become a lot more aware of how often too much pressure on horses can just ruin their confidence and willingness to work with you. We have a number of horses like that in our barn- just beautiful animals- who were pushed too hard too soon (all in dressage, here). Now they are with the trainer here because she does things slowly and correctly. Mostly, she can help a lot, but sometimes she has to decide that their minds are ruined. Sometimes, they have just become too dangerous and unpredictable to ride. Usually not, though.

But it sounds as though a good trainer helped Andrew over the worst days, and he is now well on his way to becoming a wonderful partner for you. Now that he's all yours, you can pet him and groom him all you want- that will build up his feeling that he's special, and it will relax him, too.

Have a wonderful time with him! I hope you'll let me know how things are going.

PS There's NOTHING like owning a horse!

 

Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!

Posted by rskontos on October 27, 2007, at 22:11:14

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!! » seldomseen, posted by twinleaf on October 20, 2007, at 1:24:14

Hey fellow horse lovers, Seldomseen, congrats on your first horse. Twinleaf and all the other horse lovers, I knew we all had more in common than Babble. I too have horses. Two warmbloods and a baby. The baby is a Welsh cross filly that is two. We did own a farm that we just sold and I had to sell one of my mares and a baby, yearling when we sold the farm:( that was hard. We have had three babies on our property and I love to have babies. I am good at delivering foals. Lots of work though for one person. Too much and I was too depressed to do it alone. My H traveled too much.

I am thrilled that you got your own lovely horse!!!! We have owned horses now for 14 or 15 years. I love them dearly!!! What joy they have brought us!!!!

rk

 

Another horse lover!!!!

Posted by seldomseen on October 29, 2007, at 4:52:00

In reply to Re: I got my first horse! OMG I'm so excited!!!, posted by rskontos on October 27, 2007, at 22:11:14

Cool Rk

Don't get me started - this past week has been filled with a lot of Andrew time.

I've discovered a lot about him. On turnout, he is an anxious boy- very cautious about acorns falling.

He's also a dominant gelding and sometimes can't even visit with me in order to keep the other geldings out of his "spot" in the turnout shed. (there is this one horse that is a real pest!!!) He'll tolerate me coming into his spot and minds his manners, but he is always on the lookout.

I'm going to have the farrier take the shoes off his hind hooves so that he is less likely to hurt his pasture mates. He's not very kicky, just flattens those ears and charges, but you can never be too careful.

Keep you posted.

Seldom.

 

Well, things aren't going well...

Posted by seldomseen on November 4, 2007, at 12:10:34

In reply to Another horse lover!!!!, posted by seldomseen on October 29, 2007, at 4:52:00

On wednesday he took off and I fell off. I've got a concussion and two subarachnoid bleeds in my head.

I most likely would have been dead without my helmet.

I'm on bed rest an no more horses for two months.

Sigh. I got off my training plan with Andrew (on the advice of someone I thought was a professional) and well, here we are.

Seldom.

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well... » seldomseen

Posted by twinleaf on November 4, 2007, at 14:37:50

In reply to Well, things aren't going well..., posted by seldomseen on November 4, 2007, at 12:10:34

Gosh, Seldom, I'm so sorry to hear that- it sounds like it could have been even more serious if it had not been for your helmet, as you say. I do hope everything goes well, and that you recover soon. I know you will recover completely, but it sounds like it will take some time. Do take care- and we will be thinking of you. I hope you'll post from time to time to let us know how you're doing.

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well...

Posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2007, at 17:39:51

In reply to Re: Well, things aren't going well... » seldomseen, posted by twinleaf on November 4, 2007, at 14:37:50

Ouch!!! sounds very painful and you were so hyped to get the horse. Get well soon. Phillipa

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well...

Posted by Racer on November 5, 2007, at 9:24:46

In reply to Well, things aren't going well..., posted by seldomseen on November 4, 2007, at 12:10:34

I'm so sorry! I can hear it in your words -- and it feels horrible.

Just remember, you're newlyweds. It'll take at least three years before you really want to kill each other, so this is just a bump in the road.

I hate that two month hiatus, though, because it gives you time to think about what happened, and that's not so good.

xoxo

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well... » Racer

Posted by seldomseen on November 5, 2007, at 12:08:39

In reply to Re: Well, things aren't going well..., posted by Racer on November 5, 2007, at 9:24:46

Yeah, this all really is bad. I've already ordered the best helmet money can buy (major bucks for that) although my troxel obviously was fine.

I'm going to continue working Andrew from the ground.

And another thing I am going to do is I am going to trust my own instincts from here on out. Period. End of story. Even if a world class trainer comes out and says to do something - if it is contrary to what I KNOW is best for me and my horse - I won't do it.

Andrew and I were put in an impossible situation, that neither one of us were ready for and here we are - 2 months behind.

Oh well. I'm just glad I'm okay.

Seldom.

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well... » seldomseen

Posted by Dinah on November 6, 2007, at 14:20:54

In reply to Re: Well, things aren't going well... » Racer, posted by seldomseen on November 5, 2007, at 12:08:39

I'm glad you're okay too. Thank heavens for your helmet.

There's something to be said for trusting your instincts. As long as they're well informed instincts of course. :) And I'm sure they are.

 

Re: Well, things aren't going well...

Posted by rskontos on November 7, 2007, at 11:08:55

In reply to Re: Well, things aren't going well... » seldomseen, posted by Dinah on November 6, 2007, at 14:20:54

You know Seldom, our horses and I and my daughter can relate to your story. My daughter has broken one arm twice and one wrist. I torn my acl and had it removed while waiting on my girth to arrive and have had knee surgery twice now, three strikes and I get a new knee. But we hang in there. I have fallen several times obviously and now I jump off. I had one horse rear on me, still don't know what spooked him but I think it was a fugue (I lost time and checked out while on him)(I do with my other horses but they don't get spooked) I did jump off and come too when I landed on the ground with a sprained ankle. So I do understand LOL :: Bad to be off 2 months :( I was off longer from the knee surgery but came back and so has my daughter. But then she is fearless. Now you can actually do loads of training on the ground so I don't doubt you will do well and will not actually be set back with Andrews training. Now your body will have a few sore muscles when you ride again probably but that won't last long!! I am just glad you had a helmet and you are OK!!!!rk

 

Well, I was back at the stables today.

Posted by seldomseen on November 7, 2007, at 12:54:21

In reply to Re: Well, things aren't going well..., posted by rskontos on November 7, 2007, at 11:08:55

And did a lot of groundwork with some other horses. Andrew had a blown shoe, so he got a pass until Friday.

It was so scary to be back. Frankly, I was glad I didn't have to face Andrew. He wouldn't even look at me. Poor guy, it's not his fault. But I can't really reach out and comfort him right now you know? My head still hurts.

I had to go back or I knew I would be gone for good. My instructor and I were lounging a horse and he got all bucky and wadded up and I got scared, but worked through it. My instructor was between me and the horse which was fine with me. He did some beautiful flying lead changes on the line. Just amazing.

I also worked the best horse in the whole world. His name is Jay and he is a 24 year old gelding quarter horse. He is solid as a rock - talk about bomb proof. When I do get back on, it will definately be on him for a few days. He's too lazy to buck, to dull in the bit to be sensitive and just too smart to work hard. When he gets upset, he just stops, turns to the barn and starts walking.

He's having trouble with his right canter depart, so I helped him to re-learn to pick up the right lead from the ground. He looks so uncomfortable in the counter-canter so I think it is important for him to strike out on the right lead.

It's going to be a long way back physically and mentally. I hope I can make it.

Seldom.

 

Re: Well, I was back at the stables today.

Posted by rskontos on November 7, 2007, at 14:51:48

In reply to Well, I was back at the stables today., posted by seldomseen on November 7, 2007, at 12:54:21

You will make it. I know so many people that have been in your shoes. I have had friends that have broken their backs, 4 in fact, one friend broke almost every bone in her body working polo ponies and they dragged her for two miles in the stirrups unconcious but she is back. They all say it took a while but they are fine now. Horses know when they hurt you and it bothers them so Andrew needs comfort when you can give him some. My daughters one trainer;s bridle broke during a jumper round before a big grand prix and knocked him unconcious and the horse went on and jumped the next fence and came back to stand by his rider. That horse was depressed and off his feed until he saw his rider probably three weeks later. Then when he say him walking he was right as rain.

I am sorry your head hurts. Just take it easy and go slow. I am glad you have some nice horses to help you over the hump. I would have you come over and spend time with my baby, Coco she is the prettiest little two year old, a welsh/tb cross and we are hoping she stays a large pony. She thinks she is a person. She will follow you like she is a very large puppy. She loves to give kisses. She will always make a person feel better. I will ask her to send you a cyber kiss....... Take care seldom and go slow for now. You will be ok.....rk

 

Re: Well, I was back at the stables today.

Posted by seldomseen on November 7, 2007, at 15:29:58

In reply to Re: Well, I was back at the stables today., posted by rskontos on November 7, 2007, at 14:51:48

Thank you for your post, your pony sounds just wonderful!

By all accounts Andrew is still eating just fine - I would be really worried otherwise.

I hate to whine, but god I wish none of this would have happened.

I'm still freaked out over my head, freaked out that I'm scared of horses, and freaked out that I really didn't even want to see Andrew today.

I know it isn't his fault. I know it isn't my fault. I just want it over.

Seldom.

 

bravo to you! » seldomseen

Posted by karen_kay on November 8, 2007, at 6:57:36

In reply to Re: Well, I was back at the stables today., posted by seldomseen on November 7, 2007, at 15:29:58

for going back!

take care of yourself dear. it'll come back, and you'll want to ride him again when you're ready. but for crying out loud, can't you wear full body armour????

(((ss))))

you'll be back on the horse (andrew, i mean) in no time!!

hey, i had an andrew once, but he was no horse :) sorry, bad joke!!

 

Re: Well, I was back at the stables today.

Posted by rskontos on November 8, 2007, at 10:04:15

In reply to Re: Well, I was back at the stables today., posted by seldomseen on November 7, 2007, at 15:29:58

Seldom, you will be. I understand wanting it to be over or not at all. But don't rush yourself. You will get over it. I did and I have fallen I think 4 times, injuring my knee and foot, and jumped from that rearing horse. I now chose my horses more carefully. And the situation.....But you will be fine. It will just take some time. You probably need to go up to Andrew and just love on him for you both. You aren't scared of them just what happened and for what nearly happened. YOur mind goes to where it could have gone. YOu know what I mean. But you are ok. He is ok. And life will go forward if you let it. Go pat him on the muzzle and love on him. It will be ok. Trust yourself and the wonderful horse you feel in love with. All will be fine. rk


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