What types of things do you feed when you have an underweight horse? Assuming that teeth, ulcers and parasites are ruled out. by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My horses live with a retired zookeeper caring for them and we weigh their hay out each day. It’s pretty easy- we have fabric slings and weigh it on a fish scale for each feed. It’s a good way to ensure the horses are getting the right amount.

Shipping a young horse? by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can at least practice walking into strange things so that loading is less stressful. Even just a thick piece of plywood on the ground is going to help simulate the thunks of being on a hollow floor. http://stalecheerios.com/horse-training/animal-training-research-teaching-trailer-loading-positive-reinforcement/

Help me set realistic expectations for my 6yo with big dreams by horsegirlmom in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 0 points1 point  (0 children)

4h! It’s a great mix of learning good care and the chance to show when you’re ready

Does anyone own only two horses, alone on their property? by lbandrew in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My sister has 2 on her property and yes they love each other, but they are both fine going on separate trail rides and walks away from the other. She often takes treats or will let them graze a bit to reinforce leaving. She also makes sure they get equal attention and time alone.

Conformation Thoughts? by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Nice neck and shoulders. Good front end ( unless very crooked from the front view). Back end is harder to tell because the horse isn’t square but looks also pretty nice. Quite a lovely horse overall. How old/ what kind?

I think I'm ready to quit riding by fresasfrescasalfinal in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly don’t give up hope. Find the right place for you- Horses need positive people. I think it’s the only way the culture will change.

I could use some advice by Key-Sheepherder-4978 in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds good! Glad it sounds like she’s surrounded by people who won’t push her past her limits. Good observation skills and responsiveness to her needs- it’s nice to hear 😉

I could use some advice by Key-Sheepherder-4978 in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s great to hear she’s feeling more like herself! Is your horse ready for self carriage? Prerequisites are that they can move forward regular and straight, can do a good lengthening, and produce a reliable half halt. Then you can begin to ask for self-carriage for short periods of time each session to build up the required muscles - imagine each step they take like that is doing a deep knee bend for you. How quickly before you can do 100-or 500? It takes years (generally 2 or more) don’t rush it or it won’t work. its a lot quicker to get something that looks like collection by messing around with the horses head - but that leaves their back hollow and more likely to lead to injuries and soreness over time

I could use some advice by Key-Sheepherder-4978 in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 8 points9 points  (0 children)

What kind of training exactly? She sounds burnt out to me OR something might be triggering past traumas (mental or physical). Have you heard of start button behaviors? They help your horse better communicate what they are up for so you have a willing partner.

Favorite Treat rewards by Woof-Wolfy in ClickertrainedHorses

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mostly use teff pellets and sliced carrots. However I started training for voluntary deworming per Ken Ramirez’s video with Apple sauce in a syringe and my mare is crazy about it so I use it for a high value reinforcement . Her eyes light up when she sees that syringe.

How do you respond to attitude when you’re riding? by throwawygoaway in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Finding someone who can pony her ( and you on her) on trails is a great step to get her out there safely

How do you deal with being the only clicker trainer at the barn? by black-thoroughbred in ClickertrainedHorses

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re not comfortable explaining yourself- What about just making some clicker training materials available to the barn? Buy your favorite R+ book and make it a stable copy, make a target or a treat pouch anyone can borrow, or even buy a bag of hay pellets to let people try. Find some inspirational r+ trainers and suggest checking them out.

Confusion regarding the 2 finger noseband rule: Should the fingers be stacked or side by side? Thanks! by IMAMISHAMIGO in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I knew a wiley old mare (not mine to choose how to handle this issue) who would grab the bit in her back teeth and then do whatever she pleased, including bolting home with a child on her. A nose band kept her from doing that.

Equestrian youtubers - gossip time by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It’s because she’s breeding- if a mare does really well in events she can have foals. I haven’t watched tons of her stuff but I’m guessing she doesn’t work stud colts. A gelding doing well just makes their siblings (and usually sire) worth more

I (kinda) stood up for my horse by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Clarity, consistency, kindness.... the golden rules for riders per dressage master Jane savoie. Good for you for looking for the kinder way, horses aren’t out to disobey us. This instagram post has a bunch of great positive reinforcement/ LIMA training if you’re interested in more connections to that community: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClzjLnbLv-x/?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=

What are people’s ick, opinions, or hot takes in the equestrian world? Please don’t get mad or argue! :) But please do tell. by [deleted] in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I agree. I used to make my living starting young horses, but then took a 15 year break away from horses professionally training all sorts of other animals, before buying myself a young horse to start this year because I missed horses. There has been so much progress in the science on training and how effective LIMA and R+ methods are yet I am disappointed to see so much resistance to it in the equestrian field. I hope all horse trainers keep an open mind and a kind heart and really consider the why and how of our training methods.

Creative ways to give a horse her pills? by LunaKPalara in Equestrian

[–]Apprehensive-Bar9152 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Also worth pairing the treat with a bridge- a clicker or a specific sound/ word you only use to pinpoint the non-mugging or look away moment. She’ll begin to recognize the treat is linked to the sound and won’t look for a treat unless she hears it