I am looking for a new horse. It is hard to find a horse with the right attitude and size for me. It is narrowed down even more by the fact that I am looking for a “free lease”. There is one I tried, Hamilton, or the Hamster as I like to call him, but he turned out to be too reactive to the bit for me. Hamilton would throw his head around constantly when I rode him with the bit. That made the ride uncomfortable and uneasy, like, “What is he going to do now “He was somewhat hard to steer and unsteady. I had gotten used to yanking the reins on Punky because he could be strong and opinionated. With Hammie I had one of my aids knocked out. I couldn’t really yank on his mouth to make him listen and therefore, I couldn’t use my reins as much as I would have liked. I was afraid to use contact because I was frightened that I might ruin him again because he had a bad experience with the bit at one time in his life. We just had gotten him to take the bit happily and I didn’t want to undo that. He ‘s a fun horse to have around the barn because he gets along with all the horses and he plays, nuzzles for treats; he’s just the type of horse that you can love all you want but when it comes to the bit he’s a bit of a brat. On the other hand, he is great on the trail. He was very calm even when my mom’s horse overreacted to something. As a result of him being too reactive to the bit, we have to give him back to the farm from where he came :”(. Hamilton is also a bother, but cute, when it comes to treats. He tries to lip you all over. If Hamilton gets to the point where he is good with the bit and a bit more schooled, I might end up back with him. Hamilton really isn’t much different from Punky. Both have pony attitudes. The difference is I know Punky and we have gone through a lot together and have learned together It has taken us a long time to work through things. I don’t want to have another 12 years of learning the hard way! Nevertheless, Hammie was much better today when we tried something new, a running martingale and a different type of bridle. He surely needs some more training but I like him. Hamilton and Punky are two different animals but they have both left a hoof print in my heart.
4 Responses to “Brady’s Blog May ’11”
Kris
Brady, perhaps rather than putting Hammie in a martingale, you might make sure that (a) he’s had his teeth checked and floated recently–it’s amazing what sharp edges those teeth develop (b) you stop thinking about the reins as a “yanking aid” to “make the horse listen” and start thinking about steering with your legs and seat. (c) Hackamores work beautifully on some horses who dislike the bit. It’s not Hammie that needs more training–it’s you. Learn to have light, steady contact–or ride the horse the way it wants to be ridden. Some horses can take heavier contact, some prefer light, some can’t tolerate any (see Western horses). In the meantime, getting a set of reins with an elastic loop in them will help you and Hammie get along better.
Jay McGarry
Kris,
I appreciate your comments and will respond for Brady. We checked his teeth first thing. You should read my article on him as well. Brady takes regular lessons and is working on just what you have suggested. We started with a hackamore and my article will explain a lot more of what we did with him. He is not yanking him at all and the Micklem has an attachment that helps prevent that.
Smartysmom
Brady, you are very wise to want a horse that’s appropriate for you right now and to know what that is. You can’t learn “stuff” on a horse that doesn’t know it either, and especially not on a horse that needs to be working at a different level than you do.
Approaching things with your good sense will be the fastest, best way to where you want to go. And it will be doing “The Hamster” a favor too!
Good luck!
p.s. My, you’re legs are a lot longer than they were last picture I saw. Bet that makes things really different!
Jay McGarry
I’ll make sure that Brady sees your comment! He has gotten taller! And, to comment on your added note, it looks like Hamilton may be going into some training which will benefit him greatly. If that works out, Brady will hopefully get to ride him at the trainer’s. We’ll see.