Whatcha think???????????????????

Question

Here is a video of the horse that I am retraining. She has had a bad history and needs work, let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W31O70lP0sE

Answer 1

Sorry only got 1.24 into it, she seem's fine, but the music, bad choice... (my thoughts, sorry)  Hey I'm getting old, lol...

But she is beutiful and doing very, very well...  But I would recommend to keep the dogs away while training, she doesn't need to have to worry about them, and you don't need the worry she'll kick, it happens to much.  (finished watching)

Answer 2

I have raised shire horses for over 40 years. I suggest you switch to shire horses.

Answer 3

I didn't quite pick up that you were retraining for someone else or that  you bought this horse and are retraining her for yourself.  I could sit and watch your good seat forever, it is good for the mare and will also eventually teach her to alter her gait to match.  I see the run off at the canter...I would like to see you transition from the walk or the halt.  You can easily do it, as she accepts and responds to your leg aids quite well.  If you can do this, she will already be slow, just keep her there, if transitioning from a trot, she is already got her speed up and you have to bring her back down.  I don't know if you are relying on leg aids only to get into the canter or verbal ones as well...I have found that these along with the leg aids tend to not only reinforce you leg aids, but tends to keep them listening to you as they take the canter.  I would also like to see you (when needed) finger your reins back to where you are riding her (behind vertical) but when she gives and/or slows down, give it back to her so that she doesn't have to travel behind the vertical, which she did consistently.  There is something else that you can do, when cantering and she is "running off", not too often, but at odd times when she least expects it, stop her and pivot, using the fence to force her to collect and pick up the canter again, right at she finishes her 180.  One more thing (let's end on a positive) i really liked the way that you used your hands on her, literally, when you were grooming her, etc.  I have to agree with the suggestion that one of the other posters mentioned, connect with her all of the time with your hands, that way she knows exactly where you are and what you are doing. I too, agree on the point regarding the dogs...yes, I used to have a couple go everywhere with me when I was riding, and yes, I lost a couple in the process.  I don't do that anymore, not only does it put the dogs in danger (and one if not both yours appeared not to be working dog breeds), so they won't know instinctively when to get out of reach.  I would also be concerned that you didn't have 100% of her attention while they were almost running in and out of her feet.   I'll put it this way though, if I had a horse that I cared about that needed finishing and returned home with a sound mind and body, I would certainly consider sending one to you.

Answer 4

She looks very sweet and seems fairly responsive to you already... sidepasses really well, turns on the haunches well... hope you have fun with her!

Answer 5

She's cute! she looks like a well mannered-mare too. Good luck!

Answer 6

BEAUTIFUL HORSE. i love he is so pretty. Good training. LOVE HIS head set. Good mover. I think you got a really good horse. if u ever want him off ur hands,, just e mail me. lol. but he is very pretty

Answer 7

Overall, excellent show!  I do agree with one of the other postings though that she seems a little over sensitive on the ground when you're not easily visible.  This is most likely a product of her background and/or lack of previous handling.

I also agree that the dogs should be contained while you're riding just a precaution for all parties involved.  Even if nothing has happened yet, that doesn't mean it won't so why test it?

My last suggestion would be to work on some exercise to help make her neck and shoulder more supple and let her relax her headset just a touch further.  At faster gaits, she tends to lead with her shoulder instead of her nose.  As an Azteca, she's conformationally predisposed to this but it can be overcome.  

Her rear end is tucked under her beautifully, also because of her conformation, but most of her weight is still on the front end.  You can tell this because of the way she rounds corners at speed and when asked to sidepass, all direction and momentum (or lack of) comes from the front feet, not the rear.

Still, an excellent example of a horse in training. You've done a great job with her!  

Answer 8

I think she's a winner...you already have a lot going in your relationship.  I don't think her behavior while you groom her is so much lack of trust, as it is wanting more slack in the lead, to check everything you are doing out at closer range. Her ears aren't back from irritation...just attentive.  I do worry about the dogs being so close as you ride her...one kick is all it takes for a tragedy.

It's all good...you are a good pairing.  I enjoyed the video, and I'm a gramma and the music was just fine for rockin these old bones!

Answer 9

Hope you are willing to accept some pointers from an old horse trainer... Okay, you hinted at the fact that she has had a bad history, and I see that she is exhibiting some concern when she cannot actually see you (when you were moving behind her while grooming... just watch her ears) You couldn't see from your position, but when you turned towards her tail and tried to pick up her hind leg, she looked very tense and almost startled by your actions... If she were my horse, I'd take the time to talk to her, and keep contact with her as I was moving towards her tail (just a hand on her side at all times to let her know where you are, and what you are doing)...

And go slowly... who knows what trauma she's endured...

As for the riding, I think both she and you move very beautifully... (and I don't give out riding compliments very easily) she has a nice head position, and great conformation, and the only thing I would change would be to allow her to extend her head just a little more, but when I say that I'm being a perfectionist, and as I've already said, what you are doing on the riding front is as near to perfect as I think you can get...

Other notes... I know that your dogs are part of your family, but whilst you are training this horse, I would keep them away from the riding arena... At one point, the little white dog, was exceptionally close to her hind legs, and you'll never know when the mare may decide to lift a leg and try to warn the dog off.. I speak as someone who has seen four good farm dogs killed over the years, after they were "helping" to train a horse..

Now, aside from those pointers, I see a BEAUTIFUL horse, with great conformation, and who is a good size and no doubt will be highly sought after if you ever wanted to sell her (though I'm not sure why you would want to)..

An absolute pleasure to own I am sure....

Although, I'm not sure she would like the rap music any more than this crusty old horse trainer...

Hope you guys continue to do well...

Answer 10

She is really beautiful and she looks very well mannered.