Maddy has ridden Lucy for me a few more times this week. Lu got the first half of the week off to relax and reflect upon her new old job, of you know, working. Maddy got back in the saddle yesterday and then rode her again today.
I was working when all of this went on but I love that she tells me how it all goes, and she's not afraid to say, hey, your horse was kind of a jerk. During yesterday's ride, Lucy started out really nice and sweet and mild-mannered, and was enjoying her nice long rein. When it came time to trot Maddy picked up just a bit of rein, not even enough to actually have contact with Lu's mouth, but enough that she could have contact if she needed to.
Well, Lucy did not approve. Even though Maddy was not messing with her mouth at all, Lucy's ears went straight back, tail swished, and she kicked out(!!!!).*
Maddy dropped the reins and tried again. Happy ears, relaxed tail, adorable Western jog.
One more time trying out the contact? DEVIL HORSE!
On the buckle? HAPPY HORSE!
Ok, the mare has spoken. I guess she wants to be a Western Pleasure horse?!?!?!?!?
I told Maddy that as long as the horse was happy and sound, I didn't care what she was doing :) If she wants to doodle along on the buckle with happy ears, that is totally fine by me. It's actually what the vet wanted her to be doing, and I was standing there thinking "Lucy? Long and low? Relaxation? Umm can I buy some more Ace?"
Hehehe. I think I'm going to have a lot of extra Ace in my first aid box. :)
*Disclaimer: teeth are UTD, saddle fits great, she's going in a super mild snaffle, feet are solid and UTD, she doesn't give a crap if I poke and prod her all over her back, so I am quite certain this is not a pain-related issue or response.
Bahahahaha! Gotta love mares -- they sure aren't afraid to speak their minds!
ReplyDeleteoh funny, Mr. Mojito was the same way with my friend the other day. Walking long and low: happy. Trot with contact: tiny buck to halt move. wth
ReplyDeleteKind of sad that a disclaimer needs to be given anytime a horse has a behavior issue (or opinion). You've definitely done everything possible for Lucy and have worked closely with your veterinarian.
ReplyDeleteI agree, but with a public blog you never know who has actually spent the time to read her very extensive vet history ;) so I would prefer just to say, hey, I know this sounds funky but trust me, nothing is wrong with this silly mare! than get comments that are like, have you done this? what about this? oh definitely try this!! :) I know people mean well.
DeleteI was just thinking this but totally understand the disclaimer. I would make one too. Or you bear the "could she be in pain" etc etc questions.
DeleteOh mares ... she wants to do what she wants to do mom :)
ReplyDeleteDefiance at it's best....if she has no schedule of what she needs to be doing and in what time line then I guess there is no harm in her plodding around on the buckle!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure whether to feel encouraged or discouraged!! No one ever wants to hear about a "marittude"!! Very good thing you have Maddy on her to build her fitness level. Nothing wrong with riding on the buckle! Maybe if its within budget she can get some professional trainer rides in once her work load is ready to increase? End the "marittude" before it even starts!
ReplyDeleteLucy has had many of her own opinions from day 1. Olivia seems much more level-headed. I don't think I will ever train the opinionated mare side out of Lu so my job as her mom is to work WITH her on it :)
DeleteIt's such a mare thing! You never know, she might have just NOT been in the mood for contact today? Girl
ReplyDelete*Girls are like that I guess :)
ReplyDeleteShe wouldn't be Lucy without a bit of a 'tude! haha
ReplyDeleteTotally understand. A mare at our barn hates hates hates contact. She rearee last time I tried. Boy do they have their opinions!!
ReplyDeleteLol, I'd much rather be a western pleasure, peanut roller too. Hopefully as her fitness returns she will accept a little more contact again. Silly mare.
ReplyDeleteMy friends leased 17 h TB is the same way. Loopy rein is a ok but if you pick up a bit more contact, she will dig her head into the ground to avoid it. She's a jumper too so it's tricky but they have figured out her happy spot and it's working well for them. If Lucy had a low head and is stretching out her back, and happy, then that's awesome. It may feel better now and when she builds back up, she may offer a different frame then.
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