Perhaps I should clarify a few things...
Diego gets turn out for half a day every day. And I was told he walks around and around in the turn out, too. But again, his owner told me she used to watch him from her home office window walking along the fence line most of the day at home, too. So I'm not surprised that he's doing it here.
As for him liking me? Well he whinnied when I came in the barn and said hello to him on Wednesday and when I come to see him he's right at the door to say hello, not sulking in a corner. And he sure enjoys the light equine massage I do for him along his topline while just hanging out with him before and after riding. I'm sure he misses his horse and cow peeps at home. So I've made the extra effort to spend "hanging out" time with him so he knows I'm there for him. I don't look at any horse as just a "thing" to be ridden and put away.
I am not looking for the next top show horse. Monty wasn't an A-circuit show horse but if you knew him, you would understand why I have expectations based on him. And he wasn't a big money animal, but his qualities made him priceless. I don't expect perfection, but I already had a problem horse once in my life, as in the mare I had before Monty and I don't have the time or energy for a horse that is that high maintenence again. I should start another blog and tell all her stories from the 20 years we were together. It would be quite entertaining and informative, especially anyone wanting to learn how to keep patching up a horse that was a hazard to herself.
So all I can do is keep trying Diego and keep looking. And it is disappointing and frustrating on many personal levels. I appreciate the support and understanding from those who "get it" and maybe those who don't will learn something from my experience.
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7 comments:
Sorry SM- didn't mean to be a pushy wench... which by nature I am now and again ;)
Doing a blog about your old mare sounds like an excellent idea IMO. Seems like Sonny Bunz is going to be one of those horses as well. His situation is such that I have to keep him turned out ALONE- turning him out with a pal is a disaster. Which sucks, as we were offered the chance to adopt a really truly lovely and special older TB mare. But because I have way way limited room here, I can't possibly take her. *sigh*
Anyways.... I am pulling for you to find That Perfect Horse, be it Diego or not!! ;)
Your trial gelding Diego,sounds to be going well.
My mare is so fearful/social that she will walk the fence line or stand in one corner, of a huge field, to see the others. She is not able to relax without company..that seems to be the biggest differance between us!
I am very interested in your tales of the former mare!
KacyK
I second Kate's notion about ulcers in response to your last post. Experts estimate as many as 70-80% of all horse have ulcers.
You could try some Ulcergard paste--a full tube is exactly the same as a tube of Gastrogard (available only through prescription) to see if it makes a difference.
Trouble is, the full treatment of a tube a day for 28 days is very expensive. But well worth it if it changes Diego's behaviors. I treated my Thoroughbred last year and it completely changed his attitude. He was so relaxed at his last show of the season it was all I could do to get him going. (This change from a "threaten to explode" bronc.)
When you only have one horse, it is very important that you enjoy everything about him/her. I takes all the joy out of it if all you are doing is trying to cope with or cure problems that bother you.
Unless you take a certain pleasure in rehab or retraining then there is no point at all in getting a horse with "issues."
If you want more info about ulcers and treatment, my email is available on my Blogger profile. I'll be glad to fill you in on what I know.
Yikes...I hadn't been here in a few days and I am sorry to hear that Diego might not be working out. And as soon as you said stall walker my heart went out to the person who cleans his stall. Those horses are the worst to muck because even if you spend an hour in there you are not going to get every last piece of manure. I hope you feel better soon and if it isn't meant to be then it isn't meant to be. As much as I bitch about how hard my Appy is I still know that he is the horse I am supposed to be riding right now. Only you know if it is right. You have 2 kids, a husband and a full time job. If you don't have time for a horse with issues then that is that.
I follow your blog quite religiously..and I just wanted to say I feel for you. I have been through 5 horses in the past 12 months and had to give up on 4 of them for different reasons varying from size (too small) to failed pre purchase exams. All but one of them I took on trial for a minimum of 30 days.
My current mare...is a lease with option to buy, but I am not sure that there is a connection (I have had her since November 1, 2008). But I am goign to keep trying to find it. That being said.
Is it possible that maybe you need to reassess your goals a bit? Monty has definetly left some big shoes to fill...but please keep in mind that you had years to build your relationship with him. Years to develop him into the horse YOU wanted.
YOu have stated more then once that you do not have time for a high maintenance horse...but as an experienced owner you know...when it comes down to it...all horses are high maintenance. Especially the new ones!! If you do not have time to spend developing a relationship with Diego...or any other horse...you will not be able to recreate your experiences and you will not be satisfied.
I dont mean to sound harsh but maybe you should stop being in such a rush just to fill your stall. Be fair to yourself and to your future horse and realize that you will not be able to make a decision this important, with as many stipulations as you have, so quickly. The perfect horse is out there, he is the right size, he has the right attitude and level of training and he is at the right price..but you will not find him in 30 days (take it from someone that has been looking for 10X longer)
Have you considered a half lease? Or maybe spend some time catch riding on the weekends.
I felt that way last October, after horse number 4 failed his vet exam, I was devastated. All I could think of was how I would not be ready for spring shows if I did not have a horse to ride. But since then I had the opportunity to realize that spring shows dont matter...my goals need to be based around my relationship with my horse, not because I wanted my bronze medal in 2009.
Buying a new horse is something you should be excited about...not somethign you feel obligated to do just to meet a deadline. I am sorry for the novel but I wanted you to know that you are not alone.
Sorry to hear things aren't working out so far.
It's funny with horses. I bought one at an auction(long story). It took me a year to really feel good with him. I said "I won't do that again" and took my 2nd with a 1 month trial. I liked him the minute he stepped off the trailer. Sometimes it is love at first site, sometimes it takes time. Or sometimes it just isn't meant to be.
Would love to read a blog about your old mare.
I am enjoying reading your blog. I also have horses. If you think it is tough finding a horse, it is even tougher trying to sell one with issues! I bought a project horse, and four trainers later and more money than I'd like to admit I ended up giving her away and running!
Be patient you will find your dream horse.
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