Should i sell my mare?

Question

So i have an appendix[tbxqh] mare.. about 14 years old, 16hh, bay, very nice ground manners [most of the time], stands for farrier/vet/dentist/ect. she isnt registered, but i could most likely get her a hardship AAHA registery for $95. She is a very englishy horse, excelling in jumping. she has cleared 3 foot jumps, but not much time on them, comfortable ride over 2'6" easily.. I took her to a jumping clinic in a dee ring snaffle and was told to switch to a kimberwic. after i did, i took her to her first hunter show. she placed 4th in her two hunter classes. she is defineatly more jumper than hunter because she is rushy towards jumps. She does have really nice english movement. Also shown in speed and does well. Ive had her for three years and ive had some issues with her but we do click really well.. its just that she is REALLY strong-headed. She doesnt usually rear or buck but she has little outbursts where she will... she also throws her head alot while she is being ridden.

Answer 1

I don't think you should sell her. She sounds like a fun project horse, and with your dedication, you can teach her to calm down and show her what's right and wrong. It sounds like you have an excellent horse that just needs to be ridden more by someone who has the time and dedication and want for her to be calmer. Please don't sell her and please try to work with her for at least several months (I mean like five times per week) and then think about where it's going. She seems to have a lot of potential and you sound like you know what you are doing. I think this might end up being a fun experience for you and her.

Answer 2

after you got this far dont give up now just keep working with her i think the more you guys work together i think you guys have  alot of potential to do great. keep working with her and training with her on the sides ground work and some one on one with her does the trick. but keep up the great work you are doing and good luck to you and your horse

Answer 3

no you look like you really care about her and she cares about you

Answer 4

i wouldnt sell her unless she is dangerous, or u really need the money, i would just try to work in some extra time to work with her, she sounds like a good mare with some minor problems, u said bucking, what i would do is when she bucks, as long as ur at home, if she bucks, stop her and back her up and smack her neck, not too hard, and if she doesnt back, just stop her and smack her neck once, i know this cuz my sisters horse bucks occasionally, and that is what she has done, now her horse bucks less, and with the sometimes rearing, try flipping her, what that is, in case u dont know is u clip a leadrope on each side of her halter, about the same length ropes, and u make her stand, while u stand behind her on one side holding the lead, and someone else doing the same on the other side, then when she rears,as soon as she lifts her front legs, pull backa as hard as u can, until she falls on  her back, if she doesnt rear, make her rear, do something u know will make her rear, then flip her, this wont hurt her, it just hurts for a few minutes then she will be fine, do this a coupke of times, then ride her and see if she ever tries to rear, this could help, i hope it does, and for the strong headed/rearing, u could try using a tie-down on her if ur type of riding allows that, it is a western thing, but i dont know about english it helps keep from tossing there head, and it makes it really hard to rear, so try that!!!!!  i know this is long, but it may be worth it to read all of this, but, i wouldnt sell her, she sounds like a good horse, and u dont want to lose that unless u absolutely have to!!!!

Answer 5

No she looks and sounds great why would you? Are you giving up already? :(

Answer 6

well a lot of the issues you're talking about has basis in trust and connection and could all start with the bit( being in jumpers and dressage (and even before that...) i've always preferred loose-ring snaffles, they have a little bit of a jiggle that helps them to accept it cause its more gentle). or it could be a pinch somewhere under the saddle or even a pinch in the bridle.

My favorite and most helpful riding tip I've ever been given is " Simply ignore your horse and keep riding, don't acknowledge misbehavior" keep going with the motion but ride through the bucking or rearing keep pushing or riding the gait you're trying to ride. after a while of ignoring misbehavior they simply stop because it doesn't acomplish anything.

but to answer the original question you should sell her if it would really be better for you. you should still find her a good home but it is more about you.

Answer 7

Get her in with Pat Parelli i am not trying to be short and smart but the parellis are amazing

Try putting her in a hackamore bridle, sometimes horses that toss their head dont like the bit ...

OR

the MILLISECOND she tosses her head put her to work. one head flip and put her into a vigorous trot and into about 3 small circles. when the crircles are over stop her, back her a few steps and if she stops reward her with a pat on the shoulder and return to your riding. eventually she will know that tossing her head means work

anytime she disobeys put her to work and when she obeys, over-reward her the first couple time and then after a while just normally reward her

dont give up!!!

there is an amazing horse in there somewhere

Answer 8

well it really cannot be anyone else's decision but your own but this is my own opinion about it....

As far as rushing jumps, being a strong headed horse, tossing head... I think that she almost sounds bored. I am not sure that if you only jump her when you ride her, but would she be able to go on a nice trail ride? Maybe switch it up, and ride western a few times(an just have fun, possibly try to slow her up, and teach her to speed only when you want her to). And if her teeth are fine then she shouldnt be tossing her head, but she could also want a little more rein for her, maybe you hold the reins slightly tight.

If you feel that you should sell her than do it.

If you are not sure, I would wait it out, and maybe try to mix up the routine that you are riding her in.

**also price...if you don't get her registered under $3000, if you do I would say between $5000-$7500 (going by horse prices in my area, also age factoring in)

Answer 9

By virtue of the fact that you are asking the question, I think you know what you ought to do.  It is hard to separate from a horse that you have a relationship.  You obviously love her, but it sounds like you both ought to move on to someone else.

You are not abandoning her, and you aren't doing anything wrong.  Make sure that you find her an excellent home, and then find a new best friend that is a better fit for what you prefer in a horse at this poing in your life.

EDIT:  I love your striped rubber boots.  Too cute!!!

Answer 10

You need to ask yourself what you really want.  I have found that selling is not always the answer.  Sometimes it is refining my goals.  Finding out how I can improve myself, so my horse can improve.  An easy horse does not teach you as much as one who challenges you everyday.

The tossing of the head is a symptom.  It could be many things.  

+ Check her teeth first. Vet will understand.

+ Position of the bit

+ The kind of bit

+ Muscle memory, nervous habit

+ Frustration about something

+ Saddle is uncomfortable

+ Sensitive to flies and other insects

+ Too heavy of hands or inconsistent hands

And it can be one or more of the above.  

As a horseman I would explore the reasons why, work your horse in basic lunging and long lining.  Watch her carefully.  Spend time listening to what she might need from you -- while you refine your skills in telling her what you want from her.

A good relationship is work, but it IS Worth it. My best horse was always a challenge.  He taught me a lot.   My Grandfathers best horse always took 5 to 10 mins of discussion first --  then was great for the rest of the day.

I hope this helps some.  It is not an easy decision.  The question is "can she take you where you want to go, if you know how to communicate it to her."  If so -- don't sell.   If not -- sell her.