QueryHorse – Ask the "Horse Girl"

DISCLAIMER: (There had to be one: Kathleen IS a lawyer after all!) Information provided via the "Ask the Horse Girl" column is for entertainment purposes only and represents an opinion. It is not intended nor can it be relied upon for medical, nutritional, legal, or expert advice of any kind. Readers are warned they bear the burden of seeking out expert advice (i.e. not QueryHorse) for their specific questions, and by accessing the "Ask the Horse Girl" column, they hereby affirm their understanding of these conditions.

February 3, 2012 – Why does my horse drop down on his back end when I mount him?

He's doing this because he has a sore back. You're hurting him when you get on. You need to investigate this so that you don't permanently injure him.

First, check his back to see if he has any evidence of injuries, such as cuts, bites, or infections. If not, press lightly there and see if he responds as if it's tender. Then, check the underside of your saddle and both sides of the saddle pad to see if there's anything sharp, any blood on the pad, or anything obvious that could hurt or irritate your horse's back.

If you still haven't found anything, or you found that your horse already has one or more cuts, bites, or soreness, you need to have your veterinarian check your horse. DON'T RIDE HIM until you get this resolved or you could cause permanent damage as well as further hurt your horse and cause him severe pain. For him to drop down like that, this has to be hurting quite a bit.

February 2, 2012 – I had a gelding quarter horse and rode western, trail-riding, in my late teens and 20s. Since I sold my horse in my late 20's, I've had little contact with horses and riding. I am 56 yrs young now and for several years have wanted to get back into riding. A part of me keeps telling me I'm too old for this, yet the wonderful memories of my horse and the great times we had together keep me thinking I should get back into riding.

I consider myself an "experienced, but much out-of practice rider" and I currently do not own a horse. There are numerous training stables in my area as well as a non-profit horse rescue organization nearby. I would like to know your thoughts on how to safely get back into enjoying horses, owning a horse, and trail-riding. Any guidance and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Well, I certainly know what you mean by having hesitation. The older we get, the harder we fall. However, if you have the right horse and ride safely, horseback riding will help keep you in good shape and happy. That is worth it no matter what age you are. And people regularly ride into their 80s if they're in shape; so you're far from being too old.

But you will have to work up to it, and with a safe horse. I would go and interview lesson barns in your area, and use all your common sense in checking out the instructors and the horses. Make your wishes definitely known: you want to start with a bombproof, safe horse with no issues at all, for a beginner rider. Then, start slowly. As you gain confidence, then branch out. You'll be able to manage better as time goes on, and you'll have more strength and endurance.

Don't be afraid to bail on the horse or the instructor if you feel uncomfortable with anything. Somewhere, there is a horse and a trainer for you and your past experience should help you to know if something feels right or not. Good luck!

February 1, 2012 – Hello, I have a 13 yr old gelding that I got 3 years ago. At first, in the sand school going from trot to canter, he would buck and turn sharply and just stand there if I fell off, although we overcame that (only does it to test me at the start of the session now). Recently however, he has started doing this on the road!! Any ideas how to stop this? Thank you!

This is part of the overall testing process. Your horse is continuing to foist these tests onto you for reasons that most likely have to do with you being hesitant to act and failing to convince him that YOU are in charge. I suggest that you pay more attention to the incipient stages of his rebellion. Next time he bucks, make him work when he expresses this editorial opinion. He'll soon associate the work with his buck. He won't like the work, so will stop bucking.

And you need to remember that YOU are the boss, not him. You need to believe it yourself before you'll be able to make him believe it.

January 31, 2012 – I sold my horse for a lot of money. Do I have to report it to the IRS?

Generally, if you sell a horse (or anything else, for that matter) for what you paid for it, you broke even and owe no tax. If you sell him for less money, then you lost money and still owe no tax. But if you sell your horse for more than you paid, then that is usually seen as a profit and the amount more than what you paid is typically deemed taxable.

However, there are some exceptions and exemptions that may come into play and states can also have their own exemptions for livestock that vary by state. Therefore, you need to contact an accountant for this one. It's the only way to confirm you're in conformance with federal tax law and those of your state.

It's likely that she had a bad experience sometime in the past with stud behavior. Horses have long memories and certainly remember when something has frightened them. Generally, you should be able to keep a reasonable distance from a horse that makes your horse uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there are not many stallions around because there's no need to deal with their unpredictability unless the owner is using him as a stud. Otherwise, they're better off having him gelded.

January 27, 2012 – My horse runs us into trees and anything trying to get back to the barn? Why does she do this? How can I stop her? I've got scratches all over my face and am afraid to go out riding again. Is it dangerous?

Your horse is barn sour. You don't have the ability to stop her from doing what she's doing or you would have already done it. The problem is, since she's confirmed in her mind that she's in charge, and has taken steps to prove it to you that include you getting injured, I don't see any easy way out. You definitely need to get a horse trainer involved. You also need to not ride your horse again until you've sorted out the dominance issues with the expert help.

The process will start with ground training and continue to where you get help dealing with the small signs of resistance that preceded this large rebellion. In any event, this horse is not safe for you until you get that help. And even then, it may not be safe. Your horse will always remember that she had you on the run at one point, and is therefore liable to try again. If she does, you'll have to be ready, knowledgeable about what to do, and committed to doing it immediately and convinced you will prevail. Anything less and she'll sense it and won't give up until she prevails.

January 26, 2012 – How much risk is involved in being a horse trainer? Is it dangerous?

It can be very dangerous. It's not a question of whether or not you'll get hurt, but when. Sooner or later YOU WILL get hurt. The beast is just too big, powerful, and unpredictable. Even with the best of precautions, accidents will happen.

Now that being said, the actual incidence of death is low, but the incidence of injury is quite high. It's all relative, I guess. Horse trainers love what they do, so the risk is reckoned to be worth it.

January 25, 2012 – Can my horse be seized if the barn owner is being sued for breaking her contract with her partner?

No. If this happens, one or more will be liable for trespass to chattel. Only if you don't pay your board fees, can your horse be seized. I assume from this question that neither party has any ownership interest in your horse? If either or both partners have an ownership interest in your horse, then the sueing party may have some claim on the animal. Otherwise, their legal battle does not involve you and your horse.

January 24, 2012 – I got yelled at by my barn owner for walking into the herd in the paddock to see my horse. The other horses just ignored me, so I don't understand the problem. They don't seem to care unless I give my horse a treat, so I've been giving it to her quickly and then stopping as the other horses come around. They usually get the picture that they're not going to get anything pretty quickly and go back to their grass eating.

The barn owner is concerned that you'll get unexpectedly kicked in the head or badly bitten. This is a valid fear! You likely WILL NOT see it coming until it is too late — it can happen that quickly!

Here's what's happening. Essentially, you're setting up dominance battles by bringing treats into a herd situation. Even if you do it quickly, the other horses certainly do notice, and after a while, they may try to act preemptively to get that expected treat. This means drilling your horse in advance with teeth or hooves, and if you're in the way, you too — too bad, so sad.

I'm afraid that I'm with your barn owner on this one. Don't bring treats into a herd situation. You're taking serious risks that could get you and your horse hurt, and maybe even you killed.

A tractor with a loader, a manure spreader or arrangements with a service to pick up the muck pile weekly, a trailer, and a mower are things that initially come to mind. But those are just the big ticket items. If I were you, I'd call a horse farm in your area to see if you can get a basic "must have" list. You'll be able to expand from that according to your own needs once you get there.

Also, make good friends of your local farm supply shop. You'll need their good will and credit for feed, hay, bedding, and more.

January 20, 2012 – How can I train my horse to do an extended trot on the lunge line?

Push him faster as he trots by standing just behind his shoulder (while you keep turning to face him as he goes around), staring hard at him and moving slightly at him with shoulders square. He'll respond by moving faster. If he goes too fast, back off on the stare, pull his nose in a little, calmly tell him "whoa", and make him go in a somewhat smaller small circle until he slows down. Then, try it again. He'll figure it out fairly fast.

January 19, 2012 – My horse hasn't a bad bone in his body. However he tends to be a little pushy. I've recently gotten back into riding. We moved him and I was letting him settle in (I also fell off not long before and was recovering, physically and mentally.)

I love him to bits and I think that's part of the problem. I'm really into "natural horsemanship". I still use a bridle and a bit, but I try to use talking instead of kicking to ask him to move (he was trained like this). I had a lesson where he kept mucking up and trying to get to the gate, I persisted and eventually he understood what I was asking of him.

I did kick him quite a bit. Not hard mind you, but just firmly. Afterwards I felt a little bad seeing as it's not what I'm used to. But on the other hand, it seemed to me that after the lesson he respected me more. I think it may have something to do with leadership. I've been firmer with him and maybe he accepts me as his leader now? (I was probably too soft before and let him get it over me a little.) Not looking for an answer as it's not really a question, more just input and your opinion.

This is hard for many (usually women) to believe, but horses actually feel safer if their owners take charge of the situation. And that means the situation involving the horse and the horse's wishes. Horses don't test you because they don't like you. Instead, they're biologically impelled to test because only a committed leader can keep the herd safe. A herd member that isn't committed can't be trusted with overall leadership. And to your horse, you're a member of his herd.

Now, understand that there are just as many horse wimps as there are people wimps. Horse wimps are horses that are wimps and avoid the leadership role at all costs,. The difference is that if there are two horse wimps that meet and greet, one will take charge. Each horse does understand the stakes, that is, someone has to be the boss or they will both be dinner.

People don't have the same instinctive understanding of the issues. When a person wimp and a horse wimp meet, they will often have a battle for the low spot. This just confuses the horse and makes him mad. So, I guess I'm not surprised your horse felt relieved that you took charge — SOME ONE HAS TO!!!!!

January 18, 2012 – Hello, I'm 13 and I have a horse. When I try to lead her, she will take two steps and stand there and look at me like I'm dumb. She used to follow me in the summer when I did it, but now she doesn't. Then she will corner me and try to bite me. I'm confused, help me please.

As a young person, your horse has likely figured out that she's the boss of you. She likely believes that she is much more mature, wiser, and much more responsible in terms of her well being than you are. This happened because you missed seeing the early stages of her rebellion and are now stuck with the later stages, which are quite unpleasant and dangerous for you.

You can fix this, but it will take some training of both you and your horse to change her mind. I would look into reading on the issue of horse training and also seek out some horse training videos, such as from Clinton Anderson or a similar clinician. I also STRONGLY RECOMMEND engaging a local horse trainer who can teach, guide, and monitor how you're doing.

Because horses react instinctively to, say, a lunge whip with plastic tied to its end, you'll be able to change your horse's mind about moving forward at any specific moment. Under the supervision of a more experienced horse person, lunge your horse and use the lunge whip to move her slowly forward in one direction or another. If she balks, use the lunge whip to move her forward. You use the whip as a motivator — never hit her with the whip.

The foregoing is a quick fix to get things started. The bigger issue is changing her mind about who's the boss. Don't delay this; get expert help right away. Your physical safety depends on it. A horse that thinks she's the boss is a danger for the human.

January 17, 2012 – When I go out to the pasture, my horse pushes her head under my arm and then lowers her head and will stand there resting her nose on my boot. It's kinda weird, why does she do that?

Because she luffs you and luffs being near you and figures you'll save her from the local wolves, lions, tigers and bears, and perhaps, other large enemies of her kind. And while you're protecting her, she can relax and catch a few zzz's while you're on guard.

January 16, 2012 – I just bought a horse 2 weeks ago and recently he has been going from side to side on his hind legs. What could be wrong?

This sounds like either a neurological condition or a lameness issue. Did you vet the horse with a pre-purchase examination when you bought him? I always recommend doing this when purchasing a horse because you can identify and avoid a lot of problems with this examination process.

Depending on how valuable the horse is, you can ask for differing levels of examination, including x-Rays, and even MRI scans, as well as blood work. Since some unscrupulous sellers are not above drugging horses so that lameness issues are masked. I would be very concerned that the horse has a longstanding problem that you're now the owner of. I would get your veterinarian there immediately and document all issues found. Then, send a letter notifying the seller of your intent to rescind the sale depending on the outcome of the exam.

I would also contact an equine attorney in your state fairly quickly, as there are certain time requirements when you contest sales that you'll need to comply with if you want eventual success on the merits of say, a breach of warranty claim.

All of this will also depend on the wording of your contract for the sale of the horse. Some sellers try to disclaim the general warranties of sale that accompany horse sales with disclaimer language in the selling agreement, such as "sold as is" and so forth. It is beyond the scope of this post to go into all of the legal background involved with contesting a sale, but suffice it to say that you need professional legal help quickly if the horse is seriously lame right after the sale.

January 13, 2012 – I just purchased a 4 year old gelding and he is fantastic! He learns so quickly and is doing very well, but I'm having problems with blanketing him! He's terrified of it! It seems like I've tried everything; any suggestions?

Clinton Anderson, a clinician and trainer, does a great job of showing how to de-sensitize a horse (even young ones) of their fears from many sources, including blankets. When you say you've tried everything, I doubt you've tried the de-sensitization process for long enough to make a difference. It does take persistence from the trainer, and if you're not up for it, then delegate it out. A horse can and will learn that a blanket is not a problem, but the human is the one who's got to show him that.

To get started, get a copy of Clinton's tape or DVD on this topic. You'll see it just involves showing the horse the blanket again and again and again and again and closer and closer and wider and taller and waving it higher and harder and closer and, well, you get the picture.

January 12, 2012 – I have a older gelding that is in his late 20's early 30's. He seems to be laying around more and doesn't want to get up to eat or drink. He may have symptoms of a cold. Any suggestions?

You don't say what his weight is. If he's having problems keeping on weight, then there may be a wasting condition that leads to weakness that leads to the condition you describe. If he's in good weight, then he has something going on with his feet, possibly laminitis, that's causing him pain when he stands.

Contact your vet immediately! A chap this old is frail and deserves medical attention, or you may by default be pulling the trigger for him.

January 11, 2012 – Hello, I have a 13 year old Thoroughbred mare and she has a lump in her girth area. She hasn't been ridden in a few weeks and it's winter time, so I don't think it would be a bug bite. Should I be concerned? She did have a turnout blanket on for about 5 days due to cold weather but she has been in her stall.

This sounds like an abscess. Is it tender to the touch? You should contact your vet on this because she may need to receive antibiotics to deal with this problem if an infection is the cause.

Also, sometimes horses don't adjust well to the constant contact of blanketing. Or the blanket straps may be too tight. Take a look at how the blanket fits and make sure it fits well, not too loose and flapping, but not too tight and rubbing either.

Well, you may have noticed that when he does this, he's much bigger and more intimidating than when he's standing on all fours — he knows this. So, out of an excess of energy and feeling like he's the boss of the world, and certainly of you, sometimes it just feels better to him that way. It obviously makes the point more emphatically as he tries to dominate other horses (and people).

Frankly, I wouldn't stand for this (pardon the pun) if I were you. When he does it again, get him working at an extended trot with frequent changes of direction until he stands still when you let him. He'll quickly learn that showing his dominance results in extra work. Horses don't like extra work and learn quickly how to avoid it. Be consistent so you don't frustrate your horse and it will also help him make the connection and learn the lesson quite fast.

As in falling down, or as in resting his weight on you? If the former, you should have him checked by your vet or farrier for a foot or leg problem. If the latter, that's not much of a surprise because most horses will gladly let you be the couch if you would only stand still for it. Everyone likes to take a load off and horses are no exception. Them dogs be barking, and if you, the kindly human, will willingly serve as his mattress, he's all for it. Stick an elbow in him and get him off of you!

January 6, 2012 – Why does my horse put his head barely above the ground when I'm trail riding him?

Smelling the trail of those that have passed before you guys? Looking for grass? Evading the bit? Seeing what you'll do if he does that? Horses are well able to self-amuse themselves at your expense, and if he does it at no other time, I would bet that is what he's doing. If the trail is highly traveled, he could be trying to get a handle through his sense of smell on who's in the area and whether or not they present a threat.

If he does this all the time, then it's probable it could be a health-related concern, such as from a sore back. So, call your vet if he's doing it regularly and have him examined. He could have a back problem, a mis-fitting saddle, etc.

January 5, 2012 – Whenever I take off my horse's halter to put on the bridle, she runs off. What should I do to stop this from happening?

Dealing with this moment takes dexterity and a leadrope. Put the leadrope around your horse's neck and loop it high so you can hold onto it and the bridle at the same time. When she first shifts her feet getting ready to head off as your hand approaches the halter buckle, YOU NEED TO BE READY to say, "STAND!" in a loud and terrible voice, and smack her on the shoulder with the flat of your hand right after you stop her with the looped lead rope. Depending on how lax you've been on this essential ground manners moment in the past, you'll have to manage this maneuver fairly quickly and immediately upon any activity from your horse. If you time it right, she will absolutely know what you're referring to and that you're asserting leadership status.

You may have to do this another time or two. After a little of this, she'll start sulking because she can't have her way and will then stand quietly while keeping an eye firmly fixed on you to assess how determined you are to enforce her good behavior. Then, it's just a matter of following up consistently every time she moves when you're changing from halter to bridle or back.

Of course, if you woolgather, chat with someone, or otherwise demonstrate lack of attention, she'll notice it immediately and be right back at the "let's beat feet" moment. Unlike us humans, horses are ALWAYS ready to exploit a weak moment — don't show it to her!

January 4, 2012 – What are the reasons that my horse's hoofs might be warm or cold?

Founder and hoof abscesses will often be related to a warmer hoof as the blood vessels swell inside to deal with a disease or injury. This is very painful for the horse, sort of like what happens when you get a nail bruise and the swelling has nowhere to go. Cold is really not the issue; horses evolved to have their hooves withstand extremely cold temperatures. So, heat in a hoof is a danger sign. Call your vet immediately if you determine one or more hooves are warm.

January 3, 2012 – My pony has his tongue sewn up due to an injury. Will he ever be able to wear a bit again?

Probably. But it won't hurt to let get him used to a hackamore or some alternative bitting regimen while he heals. Let his behavior be your guide. If it hurts him, he'll definitely let you know by waving his head and mouthing. Don't push it while he recovers, otherwise you'll set up some bad habits for the future.

Also, you need to ask your vet these questions. He/she likely did the suturing or is at least aware of why it was done and how and when you can start bitting your horse again.

December 30, 2011 – My quarter horse's big feet keep hitting each other when he walks. What should I do to stop this?

First, have him where coronet boots on the front so that he doesn't injure himself. This will help prevent strike bruises and torn-off shoes. Then, speak to your farrier. The farrier may have a cure for this problem with corrective shoeing. It's not a guarantee, but it is worth a shot to check. Otherwise you may go through coronet boots aplenty.

December 29, 2011 – How can I slow down my fast horse and still keep him soft on the bit?

I'm wrestling with that right now with an ex-race horse in polo training. Essentially, it involves doing lots of circles, alternating with straight runs and then circles, and then straight runs again. The minute he takes off or pulls, put him into a large circle reducing the circle's radius as he fights, and then softening and enlarging the circle as he relaxes.

Vary the circles and the straights, working always to lay off the bit and have him respond to weight. As he moves his weight further and further back onto his back end, he'll get lighter and lighter and more and more responsive to the bit. Use the bit for signaling only, not to hold him back — let the tighter circles manage the speed for you. As soon as he figures out that the job is to play the game and not to run fast, he'll get interested in listening so that he can play.

Horses generally want to please us. It's up to us to be smart enough to find ways to communicate what we want and expect from them, and then to reward them consistently when they give it to us. Once they learn that and we're consistent about it, they want to please us even more.

December 28, 2011 – My 16 year old LOVES gates. If we are in the arena and someone opens the gate, it's like he forgets everything and runs right for it. He is very well mannered and listens great to me except for when someone opens up a gate. How can I prevent this from happening?

This is a variation on "barn sour" and you need to make him work when he doesn't pay attention to you. For him to make the connection as you train him, there needs to be a direct correlation between his non-attention and your demands for attention and service. In other words, you need to make him work as soon as you notice he's getting ready to go for the gate. Once he tunes in to what you want him to do, then pat him, let him trot on, canter on, or what have you for a moment and then let him relax. Repeat the foregoing if he again loses focus when someone opens a gate. He'll very soon figure this out if you're consistent.

December 27, 2011 – Hi! My horse has come in for winter and over the last two weeks his legs have been filled. There is no heat in either hind leg and he has no stones or abscesses in his feet. I'm not sure if it's not a problem further up his legs as when he walks out it looks like it takes a few minutes for them to move. He has become less steady and even fell. Any advice?

This is a common problem. Your horse was likely used to lots of walking and now he has lots of standing. The long standing times can cause circulation issues.

If he's an older horse, this may also accelerate as he ages. The only thing you can do is to gradually increase the time in the stall standing, interspersed with turn out whenever possible. Your horse will adjust, but it will take a little time. If he hasn't adjusted in the next week or so, call your vet.

December 23, 2011 – Is it okay to leave my horse's turnout sheet and shoulder guard on him over night while he is in the stall? Also, if I get him a waterproof neck cover, does that need to come off?

The crux of this revolves around your horse's hair to some extent. Is he clipped? If so, he may need a sheet or blanket to keep him warm in cold weather when not being ridden. But if not clipped, it's definitely a BAD idea to leave the turnout sheet and shoulder guard on all night if the barn is relatively sheltered. The same is true for the neck cover if you get one. If you do leave these on your horse, he's likely to get quite warm and bothered by them. If that happens, he'll be uncomfortable and may rub. If he does do that, you could have ripped rugs, some sore spots, or even an injury.

In addition, your horse will sweat. When he then goes outside, he'll lose heat quickly because he'll be wet in dry, cold air. Both the overheating and the subsequent chilling and possible hypothermia from a wet body being out in cold, dry air can be dangerous. At best, it will cause your horse constant discomfort and possible diminished health.

So, if any of these coverings are waterproof, they definitely need to come off when he's in his stall. Horses are very efficient in their warming ability, and if inside, will heat their stall quickly with just their body heat. With waterproof rugs on, horses will sweat, cook, and get very unhappy with the lack of air circulation. Needless to say, that would NOT be good for their health and disposition.

December 22, 2011 – My horse lays down near me when I go into her pasture. What does this mean?

Well, aren't you the privileged one! It means your horse considers you enough of a "wolf slayer" that she wouldn't mind having a nap while you're around so she can sleep with a peaceful mind. In other words, like an ever-vigilant, lead mare protecting the herd, you give your horse comfort that you're looking out for her safety.

December 22, 2011 – My horse lays down near me when I go into her pasture. What does this mean?

December 21, 2011 – Hi, I recently just got a new horse and stupidly fed him the food my other horse eats. Well little did I know he only eats oats. I just gave him one scoop, but I'm very worried about him. He is acting fine, and my mother said just to keep a close eye on him. What do I need to do?

I don't know all the particulars, but based on what little information your provided in your question, I don't think you need to worry about what happened this time. A horse's digestion system is usually not THAT finicky unless there's an allergy involved. Oats are a low-energy food, so about the most I suspect you did was give him a little more "oomph" if there was some corn or something similar in the strange feed.

December 20, 2011 – My horse fell in the pasture and ever since he has been eating a lot more than usual and sits down and can't get up.

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY! This could be a founder situation which is very dangerous for your horse. Horses can't lie down for any length of time at all without injury.

December 19, 2011 – My two year old mare gets really jealous if I pet any of the other horses in the pasture. She is constantly by my side whenever I'm out there and if the others walk up to me, she takes off after them. I've corrected her behavior several times, and she is fairly polite after I do, but as soon as I go out there the next day we have to do the same thing all over again. I feel bad for the other horses and don't really want to get run over or catch a stray kick, so what can I do?

Awwwhh! How cute! She thinks of you as her baby. You'll just have to keep correcting her until she understands that you're the BOSS lady. Do this for your safety as well as for the other horses. It sounds as though you already know HOW to do this, so just keep it up.

December 16, 2011 – I have a gorgeous horse, 18 yrs old, who is a great school master. However, he has recently learnt he can get out of my hands, and has taken to be quite argumentative with his head. My instructor says he is trying to avoid the bit, and we are working on correction, and avoiding letting him get the better of me.

The bigger problem is that the last couple of times I have hacked out on him, he has been argumentative for most of the ride, culminating in him stopping by a main road and refusing to cross (literally home is the other side of the main road 2 min away). The first time he stopped, got stroppy with his head, bunny hopped, grunted in response to being kicked slightly harder than usual (after the usual aids of squeeze with legs, and small tap of stick) failed to work. He then followed through with striking out with his front legs, a bit more arguing with his head, one more grunt, and then eventually deemed to humour me, and calmly crossed the road.

Is he trying to tell me something, or is he just being a little cheeky and trying it on? Upon arriving back at the yard, he is very affectionate, nickers, puts his head down to nuzzle my back when I bend down to take off his brushing boots, licks my hand etc — so I am not convinced his performance is solely due to him being mad at me for something (he is also more than willing to be tacked up and ridden).

It's not such a problem, just more curious as to why he has decided to be a little more challenging when ridden out than previously?

If the signs are not general riding related (which can indicate pain issues), but instead is location oriented as you describe, then your horse is barn sour. So, your horse is being the way he is because he can be. In other words, you're allowing him to be so.

Signs of affection are great — but signs of obedience are better. Your horse is NOT being obedient. Therefore, your really have three options:

This is not unique to your situation. Horses generally attempt to execute their own desires with all riders. Some riders may just be lucky and have a horse that always obeys with no testing, but that's rare. The riders with horses that regularly obey are themselves periodically tested by those horses to determine if the rider is still worth to be the leader. Those riders show their horses that they are in charge. So, we need to take on the leadership position and its responsibilities, or we can let the horse be the leader, go along with him, and risk our safety from time to time because the horse won't always listen to us.

December 15, 2011 – When I try to mount my horse, she goes out of control. She backs up, shakes her head, and moves all around. Why is she doing this? What should I do?

If this is a new symptom and is something she hasn't done previously, then it's likely a pain related issue in her back or neck. Not having words, she's doing a pretty good job of telling you that what you're doing is painful to her.

Get a vet, a farrier, and a chiropractor to attempt to rule out all of the various things it could be. In the meantime, don't ride her. Instead, give her some pasture rest while you try to figure this out. It's obviously something, that's for sure. Those signs sound pretty emphatic.

December 14, 2011 – What does it mean when a horse runs, bucks, and his tail is straight out?

It means he's having a grand time and is expressing his athletic joy at being alive and moving at speed. If I had the gigantic, oxygen processing heart-lung capacity of a horse coupled with the ability to run thirty five miles an hour with my nose and eyes in the wind on my own, I guess I'd feel the same way. When I'm on a horse who's running at that speed for fun, I know for certain that if I had a tail, it'd be up in the wind as well!

December 13, 2011 – Can you stop a horse from taking off when other horses pass him?

He does that because he's obeying herd instincts rather than listening to you as his leader. You'll need to do some ground training and then work with him and a horse trainer so that he obeys you first. We've had some extensive posts on this topic in the past by the HorseGuy. You should review his posts in the archives to see his advice. Coincidentally, he's answering this very same question again today. I mean, we get this same question in multiple flavors a lot.

December 12, 2011 – My horse fell to his knees on a slow walk. Should I be concerned?

Well, like people, horses can trip anytime they are moving. I would be more concerned about the circumstances of the fall; if he just fell as opposed to tripping, then yes I would be concerned. He either had a seizure or fell asleep while walking. (Yes, horses can get so tired and sleep deprived that this happens.)

Keep an eye on your horse in the pasture and see if he does this on his own as well. And get a vet to help you with figuring out this one. If the problem is neurological, it could be dangerous for both you and your horse if such a fall occurred at speed or going over a jump. I'd get this problem diagnosed and resolved before taking any chances.

December 9, 2011 – Why does the outside of my foot sometimes hurt whilst I'm horse riding?

There can be several reasons, such as putting uneven weight on your foot while in the stirrup, or the fact that the stirrups concentrate the weight on the ball of your foot. With either situation, a change of stirrups can make a great improvement.

Endurance riders often use a stirrup that has much more surface area. This distributes your weight over a much larger portion of the sole of your foot. If that's not enough, some of those deeper stirrups can also come with a foam pad that additionally cushions the stresses on your foot.

December 8, 2011 – I have just purchased a 6 year old Quarter Horse mare who was used for barrels. She is well trained and has wonderful ground manners. When I saddle her, she pulls at the bit and the entire ride is a struggle. She will stop frequently and she returns to the post where she was saddled and refuses to leave. I have tried everything I know with no such luck.

My husband gets on her and she goes easily and does what is asked of her. I understand she does not trust me, what can I do to help our relationship? Should I go back to ground work or just continue to ride her out? My husband tells me to be more aggressive, I do not agree with this theory. I checked the tack for comfort and all is well. I even stretched her legs before I mounted. I am at my wits end!!

Unfortunately, this is a common tale. You're correct that this horse does not trust you — she also doesn't respect you. But the reason is the one you don't want to hear, that you're not a firm leader for her. Your husband, being a man, talks about leadership as aggression. And it may well be true that this horse demands to be told who is boss in an "aggressive" fashion or in a fashion he thinks of as aggressive. By the same token, many women may confuse assertiveness with aggression, or at least, as a woman lawyer, I have at times seen other women lawyers reprimanded for their "aggressive" style that on a man would be called "assertive"'. It's an unfortunate double standard that persists to this day; but that's another story.

HOWEVER, no matter what you call it, the point is that there is a language of assertive leadership that horses understand and can receive instruction with. It uses eye contact, body language, reactions, judgment, and indeed, conduct which may rank as "aggression".

Observe horses sorting out dominance issues in the field: are they not at times very aggressive? Getting a chunk of flesh bitten out or receiving a double barrel broadside kick ranks right up there as agressive in my book. Fortunately, most humans can learn and talk that language to horses and get there without the kicking and biting, but it all starts from having the nerve to give a command and expect that it be obeyed.

From your description, I think that you're not comfortable giving this direction, and not comfortable challenging her disobediences in all the varied ways you describe them. Your husband, on the other hand, IS comfortable challenging her and overcoming her resistance. Therefore, she understands it as normal herd leader behavior and complies.

So, with all this being said, you have one of two choices: you can learn this more "aggressive" style with a horse trainer, or, if you're truly not comfortable with this dominant mare, you can give over and not ride her or sell her and get a horse that is more compliant. As I get older myself, I'm getting to the point where it's just not worth the battle and my mounts are getting more and more quiet and docile by my choice. That's not to say I won't command obedience, because even on the quiet types, this testing goes on and must receive the proper response or things could get dangerous for me. But as I tire of the battle and want less hassle in my life, it does mean I won't pick a mount with those known issues. I still have to deal with these issues, but less of them and fewer times.

December 7, 2011 – I have a horse that will let me put the saddle on her, but won't let me get on her. She will let me get on her bareback, but not with the saddle. She'll start dancing when I put weight on the stirrups or grab the horn. I don't think it's because she doesn't trust me since I get on her bareback. Please help. Thank you.

Horses often resist the step up on the stirrup because it twists their spine. There's much new thought by veterinarians about this issue and the value of using a mounting block or some other assistance so we twist our horse's spines much less. You can learn more in one of our articles entitled: Mounting Pressures.

Even if you follow the above advice, there will still be times when you must mount from the ground using the stirrup. And mounting a moving horse can be very dangerous for you, both from the risk of a fall and that of being stepped on accidently by your horse.

To teach basic mounting manners, start be getting ready to mount your horse from the left side. If she dances, move her hind end around and around you until she voluntarily stops moving. Then praise her and let her stand for about 30 seconds.

Next, put your foot in the stirrup, but don't get on. If she dances, make her dance in a circle around you again until she stops moving. Praise her again and then get on quickly and without lurching on the stirrup. This is done by making sure your upper body goes quickly over so that you're not hanging with your full weight on the stirrup.

If you improve your mounting technique and teach her manners, then the issue should resolve itself over time. If you can't do this, then you're doomed to using a mounting block, stump, large rock, or some such all the time. That's actually better for her spine, but you're not guaranteed to always have something to stand on when mounting. So, you still should teach her mounting manners so you can safely mount her when there's nothing around to stand on and assist you.

December 6, 2011 – I have had my gelding, Merlin, for three or four years, and I had him trained just the way I like. His mouth was nice and soft and he didn't brace against the bit at all. But then my mom brought one of her friends over and she didn't know how to ride well, so mom stuck her on Merlin. This was a bad idea, because the evil lady jerked on the poor guy's mouth like no other, and when I got back on him, he braced and when we galloped there was a huge difference in how much effort it took to stop him. I feel bad that he feels like he has to brace like this, but I don't know how to fix it.

Ok, you'll just have to train him out of it and it may take a while. If you have gentle and responsive hands, as it sounds as though you do, he'll learn your way again over time. Just don't let the evil lady ride him anymore.

December 5, 2011 – Why does my horse always jump out of the trailer when unloading? I want her to quietly walk off.

Well you know, a horse has a giant blind spot from the middle of his forehead out about three or four feet, right? So, a horse will learn over time and remember that a trailer has a lip. Even a trailer with a ramp has an incline that the horse can spot. And when he walks on the incline or puts a hoof on it, it's not secure. Therefore, a prudent horse walking blindly will not trust to hope, and will instead take matters into his own hands and will vault the dangerous location. And, if it's a young horse with lots of vigor and fun in him, he'll do so even if you try to prevent it. He'll think to himself, well, I know they mean well, but after all, it is MY responsibility to guard MY wellbeing here in this small way, and so, nuts to you O great leader — I'm outta here!

Now, over time, and with lots of vigorous work and trailering in the company of a wise older horse who walks quietly down the ramp, your horse may learn to get off less excitedly as she gets more tired. My reaction would be to let her get off as she does as long as she isn't using the occasion to act up on either end of the process. If it's clear she's merely acting prudently and not defiantly, then it's just one of those horse things. If she IS acting up, then do get a horse trainer.

I have a polo mare in training with a trainer right now. He entertains me with stories of the babies in the stock trailer going to and from practice. Since the job is to stand tied quietly for hours on end, both in and out of the trailer, the learning process these young thoroughbreds go through is quite entertaining. Most of them are recently off the track, which means they're barely civilized and certainly not amenable to standing tied. The bottom line is that in about six weeks or so, most of them are standing tied like lambs, for hours, with their minds ready to receive the wisdom of the polo lesson, which is, to run and turn and play the game. They quite like the game, and so the lesson is the reward for being such lambs. Since there are six to seven of them who go at a time, they all watch each other and learn at once.

I've seen the learning process in action. Usually there is an anointed boss mare, and if one of the others starts acting up, the boss mare picks up her head in the trailer and gives the instigator a commanding stare. If the instigator is standing next to the boss mare, well, then there will be a spot of kicking. The row soon subsides and the lambs are quiet for a while until the next baby gets a bright idea about where he wants to be. It may be that I'm just easily entertained, but I find watching all this to be hysterically funny, most of all for the woebegone look the instigator gets after being drilled in proper behavior. I wish I had command of the same techniques for my teenage children!

Now, to close the story with an important point: the polo horses always jump off the trailer. Of course, they jump on, too, and so I guess it isn't really an issue as long as they jump when and where I tell them to.

Most horses cannot usually be injured by a rider kicking its sides. Horses are much bigger, stronger and tougher than humans and have evolved to ward off the bites of lions and wolves. That is why, unlike people, their soft intestines are well protected underneath kicking feet and tucked up under rib walls.

Now, that being said, keep in mind the following: just because a horse cannot usually injured by a kick doesn't mean that they don't feel the kick — they do! Whether they regard it or ignore it is another matter entirely.

Horses that disregard kicks are usually desensitized over time, so that's why you'll see school horses that will ignore kicks. Also, horses that are in the throes of athletic competition will be operating at such a high adrenalin level that they won't be able feel kicks. That's why you'll see spurs being used as an aid in many high level sports, not to hurt the horse, but so that the horse can feel the reminder.

HOWEVER, with spurs in the picture, the answer can change when misused. A large or sharp spur can and will injure a horse, draw blood, and inflict wounds. So, mind the spurs, use them appropriately if at all, and use kicking for a signal and not as a constant goad. Then you and the horse will achieve understanding and partnership.

December 1, 2011 – Could strangles effect the hind legs of my horse making her fall down while I'm riding her?

No. Strangles has a number of highly unpleasant symptoms involving the respiratory system and the lymph nodes of the horse. Left untreated, the disease will progress to internal bleeding and strangulation by throat swelling — ICK!

Your situation sounds more like EPM, which is a parasite left by raccoon poo in the feed and water. The parasite affects the nervous system of the horse, usually in the back end.

It's very important to catch EMP as quickly as possible because catching it early can be much more effective. So, call your vet IMMEDIATELY for the proper course of treatment.