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melissa110
melissa110
Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 21 2009, 8:04 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 21 2009, 8:04 PM EDT
Hi,i wanted to drop a line and say hi and introduce myself.I just bought a black and white paint and i absolutely love him.My husband has a couple horse's but im scared of them hes been trying to get me to go riding with him but i wouldnt on one of those.ive seen them act up so they scare me.But my new baby on the other hand is doing fine.i think he is a well broke horse but me on the other hand needs to learn alot i know the basic ive rode a few times but it has been awhile til i got Joe ( thats his name husband named that)ive rode Joe 2 times and ive had him 4 days so i guess thats doing good.if anyone has any advice please feel free to give it i need all the help i can get. Thank You! Do you find this valuable?    
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MustangMike
MustangMike
1. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 21 2009, 9:03 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 21 2009, 9:03 PM EDT
Remember those old antiperspirant commercials? "Never let 'em see ya sweat" Take that to heart. Exude confidence (not cockiness) whenever you're around your horse. Even if you don't feel it, fake it. Think about how you'd feel if you got into a cab in a big city and the driver seemed nervous... might make ya wanna walk instead. Horses are very keen to our body language. I joke all the time that the reason I'm so good at starting horses under saddle their first time is that I'm too stupid to be scared. That's not really true, but I'm not scared to be the first person on a horse's back, because I have confidence in my technique and my ability to read the horse. Take your time, take it easy, and when in doubt, step off, and walk it out.

Good luck,

Michael

Michael
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jodiqh
jodiqh
2. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 22 2009, 8:55 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 22 2009, 1:32 PM EDT
Congratulations! I know you are excited about your new guy. I am with Michael on this. One of the most important things is to be confident in what you are doing. The horse feeds off of your energy so if you show weakness or nervousness the horse will as well. Spend as much time as you can handling him and watching him in the pasture with the other horses. Really get to know him so that the two of you build this trust and connection with one another. That will help build your confidence around him as well as horses in general. You will be surprised at how much you can learn about horses just by watching them in the pasture and around other horses. I wish you and Joe the best, and lots of fun times.

JoAnne
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redhorses
redhorses
3. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 22 2009, 11:07 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 22 2009, 11:09 AM EDT
Hi and congratulations on getting your new horse! I'd like to echo what the others have said in their posts and in addition would suggest that you might consider finding someone that could give you some riding lessons. If you can gain some further knowledge and experience I think it might help you with any nervousness you may be experiencing. The real trick is finding some one who has good teaching skills (and of course, riding skills) that will help head you in the right direction. Be sure to check into Chris' video series if you haven't already, a wealth of information there that it easy to learn and very effective. Often times folks who are self taught can inadvertently develop some bad habits that can cause them problems in the long term and be downright dangerous.
Anyway, welcome to the group, you'll find a lot of really good people here who are happy to help you with any issue you may be having. Enjoy the Journey!
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melissa110
melissa110
4. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 22 2009, 6:51 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 22 2009, 7:01 PM EDT
thanks for all the advice , thats what my husband keeps telling me to never let him sence that im scared. and i was also woundering if you guys know of any chat rooms where you can can talk about horses? 1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
Naildrivingman
Naildrivingman
5. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 23 2009, 11:06 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 23 2009, 11:06 PM EDT
Read, read, read. Ask, ask, ask. Never stop trying to learn something. This forum is one of the best I've visited and that is why I keep coming back. I like CC's methods, but I've learned a thing or two from Anderson, Westfall, Cameron, Turvey......... The most important thing is to never close your mind to another's ideas or practices. You'll know instinctively what is right and what is not for you and your horse, but give everyone the benefit of one or two doubts before dismissing them and their ideas. Above all else, take your time! If you feel impatient or angry it is because you don't know how to tell your horse to do what you want. Step back and figure out how to send your message. Your horse wants to please, but it needs a leader to please and you are that leader. Good luck and remember to ask, ask, ask...

Chris
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foalhandler
foalhandler
6. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 27 2009, 2:09 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 27 2009, 2:09 PM EDT
I do not have the riding skills and expertise that Mike and some of these other good people have but I can tell you I worked with horses for 15 years before I ever got on them. They taught me so much and I can state for a fact that the ground time is sooooo valuable . Now don't get me wrong, you don't have to do it for 15 yrs. but..take the time it takes ....learn to be comfortable and confident around your horse, work with him on the ground and learn his language..it will take you a long way. I foaled out and imprinted 200 plus babies and worked with them until they went under saddle and the difference in them and other horses was unbelievable. I never had to "catch" a horse that I had worked with. I can't tell what a great feeling it is when you get called to go get a horse that know one else can. So good luck and remember ...build that relationship it the most important thing you can do. By the way, thanks to Chris I'm riding now and loving it but I wouldn't trade anything (even riding) for the relationship I have with my horses on the ground so, start there .....GodBless.... 1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
thoroughbred4421
thoroughbred4421
7. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 27 2009, 5:55 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 27 2009, 5:55 PM EDT
i have been riding since i was just a teenager and i am 26 now. my adopted mom made me ride bareback until i didnt fall off every five seconds.it took a long time as i am very clumsy. five years ago i sold my horses due to divorce, and recently i bought a three year old. i never before had done much ground work. i could loung a horse for exercise, but had no idea otherwise. since i bought my new boy, i have been studying clinton anderson and chris cox. their ways of training. I have used them to train my new horse. ground work is amazing!! I used to tug and pull on my old horse, and just though that was the way. now i know how to have control on the ground, and recently started saddle work. we've riddin for a few weekd now. I am takin my time to perfect each exercise. The more time you take the better. and if u do fall off, get right back on, and try again. dont give into your fears! it is all worth it. horses will surprise you in incredible ways. the other day I was riding coby in the arena, and there were deer in the woods at the far end. i was so relaxed, and not really paying attention. he spooked, and i had my feet out of the stirups, and shifted to the side and he jumped the other way. needless to say I new I was going down. I went off the side and rolled it out. he stopped jumping around and followed me to where i rolled. sniffing my feet and stood over me. As if to say " ok dumby why are you down there and what is next?" I was laughing so hard. I got back on and payed a lot closer attention. this sounds silly but i think if i hadnt done all the ground work he probably would have just walked off, and left me there. 1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
melissa110
melissa110
8. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 28 2009, 8:36 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 28 2009, 8:36 PM EDT
hi thank you all so much for replying i just wanted to drop a few lines and let you all know i am getting along pretty well with Joe.i have a guy that is very good with horse's.he is training me to ride and teaching me how to handle Joe.im working on respect right now and being Joes leader. we practice the neck flexing and yeilding the hind quarters. and we are doing very well with that but i think its because Joe already knows it all.he does have a problem with respect tho because he was turned out and let to do what ever he wanted but hes getting alot better. he was easy to catch today came right to me i was so happy :)ok ill go for now but i will keep you all posted on our progress please responde with any advise you might have Do you find this valuable?    
foalhandler
foalhandler
9. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 28 2009, 10:11 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 28 2009, 10:11 PM EDT
"hi thank you all so much for replying i just wanted to drop a few lines and let you all know i am getting along pretty well with Joe.i have a guy that is very good with horse's.he is training me to ride and teaching me how to handle Joe.im working on respect right now and being Joes leader. we practice the neck flexing and yeilding the hind quarters. and we are doing very well with that but i think its because Joe already knows it all.he does have a problem with respect tho because he was turned out and let to do what ever he wanted but hes getting alot better. he was easy to catch today came right to me i was so happy :)ok ill go for now but i will keep you all posted on our progress please responde with any advise you might have"
YAY!!!! Joe's already getting the idea that you are the boss mare, that's why you didn't have to "catch" him. You stay with it girl and Joe will respect you and look to you for leadership. That's all he really wants ...to know that you are the one and he can always trust you. A hugh helicopter landed in my pasture the other day and of course my horses panicked. One went thru a temporary hot wire and of course the other followed. The copter unloaded 10 men and all their equipment which scared them even more then proceded to fly over the horses with a big water bucket hanging down. In a panick they took off the other direction I went down to get them and I have to say I was a little nervous. My husband came down and walked up to my mare and put his hand on her neck and she let out this hugh sigh as if to say, thank God you're here. She completely gave to him and waited for him to rescue her. I took her and walked her past everything and altho she was terrified she was soft like butter and my other followed like a puppy dog. It's so rewarding to see and feel that trust they have in you so keep on working on building a relationship that will last a life time. Cathie
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Naildrivingman
Naildrivingman
10. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Jul 29 2009, 5:36 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 29 2009, 5:36 AM EDT
My horse was a "moving lawn ornament" for many years before I got him. I didn't know much then and still not a lot now, but the time we've spent together is invaluable. When I first got him, it took 1.25 to 1.5 hours to groom and tack up, now the process takes 15 minutes. He wouldn't take the bit or pick up feet or stand still or.....you get the picture. Now I drape the lead over a fence (like in the cowboy movies) and he'll stand as if tied for awhile. Trust is key. Know that many will say horse don't remember...WRONG! They are flight animals. Do not betray his trust. Good luck and keep us posted.

Chris
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mnhorselady
mnhorselady
11. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 1 2009, 1:27 AM EDT | Post edited: Aug 1 2009, 1:27 AM EDT
I sold my TB & a few months later, I ended up buying a 1 wk old paint colt. It's been 3 months & I have no regrets getting him. I love going out there & working with him-it's fantastic when he picks something up. I'm new to owing a baby-always rode the "push button" horses until I got my TB-he put me through many challenges. Buying Brody is putting my knowledge to the test-but its well worth it.
Best of luck with Joe. (Paints are the best!) :)
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melissa110
melissa110
12. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 1 2009, 7:25 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 1 2009, 7:25 PM EDT
yes they are i love mine and good luck with your new baby Do you find this valuable?    
melissa110
melissa110
13. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 3 2009, 4:42 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 3 2009, 4:42 PM EDT
hi all i just wanted to write and tell you all i went riding on Joe today and he did great.and i had a blast we didnt go on a long ride but thats because i was alone so i wanted to stay kinda close but we rode for about 30 minutes it was great.we are both coming along great i just need to get more confidence in myself and him but that will come with time ok thats all for now bye :) Do you find this valuable?    
horseahaulic
horseahaulic
14. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 3 2009, 6:37 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 3 2009, 6:37 PM EDT
I'm glad your new horse is working out so well for you. Did you say how old he was? You made a wise choice not going on a long ride alone, too many unexpected things can go wrong. Ask Chris about that. The most important thing right now is working with him on the ground and in the saddle and you don't have to ride him every day. If the arena is open and no one is in there I play with my horse. Use a helmet and ride safely and enjoy Joe. Do you find this valuable?    
melissa110
melissa110
15. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 3 2009, 7:06 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 3 2009, 7:06 PM EDT
Joe is 9 yrs old he was a stud horse up til last october ,they used him for breeding mainly but he was rode some most of the last yr he was mainly just turned out in the pasture.He has never had a pair of shoes on but we are getting him shoed tomorrow i hope it goes good. Do you find this valuable?    
melissa110
melissa110
16. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 17 2009, 9:00 PM EDT | Post edited: Aug 17 2009, 9:02 PM EDT
Hey just wanted to write and say hi and to let you guys know i had a wreck on Joe .we went riding and we came up on a big truck and he spooked and well of course he toke off and i got scared and forgot everything i know to do well i fell off and i was on pavement.i got hurt but nothing to serious and thank god Joe didnt get hurt.it could of been alot worse if he had of went forward and not turned around before he started running he would of went right on front of the truck but im not going to let this little set back stop me from riding him i just need a few days to feel better.Im very lucky and i know Joe didnt mean to do it Do you find this valuable?    
Horsestudent
Horsestudent
17. RE: Hi,im new to this and to owning a horse
Aug 18 2009, 10:04 AM EDT | Post edited: Aug 18 2009, 10:05 AM EDT
Glad you are all right, Melissa. Things happen around horses, that just comes with the territory, and often those things happen so fast we don't even have time to react before we are on the ground... But it really helps to practice your rein management. Not necessarily on the horse, but with just the reins, or even just visualizing the one rein stop and hindquarter disengagement. It needs to become second nature.

You don't want to scare the horse by "grabbing his face" right when he sees a scary object. Just be ready with your hands to use that one rein and disengage when necessary. Sometimes, if you even suspect that something ahead may worry your horse, just start practicing disengagement both ways but letting your horse see the scary thing at the same time. It may relax him before he even has time to get worried, and it keeps him flexed to where it is going to be hard for him to get a chance to react in a negative way.

Hang in there, and get back in the saddle as soon as you can!
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