HELP for My Horse & Me!!!

by Lindsey
(Grand Prairie TX)

I have put everything I have into my horse. I bought her under the assumption she was, "a 3 year old in foal that is nice, sweet and was in the process of being broke before she got pregnant." The only thing true about that is that she is pregnant, and MAYBE 3 years old. I think she is more around 4-5. I have had her for 3 days now and have gotten her to where she will eat from her feed bucket when I hold it. She will not eat any carrots, apples or any other "treats". Will not eat anything, including hay, out of my hand. Just feed out of her bucket. She lets me pet her face and sometimes neck when she is eating, only if I am holding the bucket.

I got bold and tried to grab her halter yesterday and she reared up and pulled back. For both of our safety, I let go and she would not come near me for the rest of the day. She did come and resume normal activity this morning though. She needs her hoofs trimmed pretty bad, but I fear she will never be calm enough to have her done without it costing an arm and a leg to tranq her. I cannot afford that. I want her to be happy with where she is and be calm. She is 8 months in foal. Can you please help me? I am at a loss of what to do. This is my first horse and at the rate she is going, she is will be my last horse because I will give her all the time she needs but if things aren't going to get better, then I will give her to someone that can turn her out to pasture. She seems to enjoy my presence, but doesn't want me to close to her. PLEASE HELP!!!

RBintro





Answer: Unfortunately you are not the first nor will you be the last person who was given inaccurate information about a horse that is being sold! Buying a horse is a serious venture and should be done with reputable people. I remind people often that it’s rarely the “good” horses that are for sale! Often, people don’t sell horses, they pass around their problems!


Always get a vet check and have the owners demonstrate what the horse is able to do before buying. And first time owners should always buy a well trained mature horse to learn from. Leave the youngsters and new babies for the more experienced. How did you end up buying her? Can you contact the previous owners and discuss your concerns?

This is a young, scared, pregnant horse that I assume is alone as well? Three days is not enough time for her to adjust to her new environment, feel safe or to build trust with you. This will take much more time and effort (like a few months).

You have found yourself in a very challenging position one that will require more help than I can offer through an email. But start with spending lots of time with her without trying to do anything like grabbing the halter. Give her space and comfort, allow her to feel and discover that she is safe with you. Sit in the paddock with her and read a book. Slowly offer the back of your hand for her to approach and sniff. Always be the first to walk away from her, in other words, do more retreating than approaching. If after three weeks you are still unable to touch her, brush her or pick up her feet you will need to find someone in your area that can either teach you or you may be better off giving her to a more experienced person, especially one who understands her pregnancy condition.

Elaine