Posted 2007-04-21 2:01 PM (#59728) Subject: dominate mare
Member
Posts: 13
Location: s.vienna ohio
I was given a 4 yr old mtn horse. the problem she has been with 8-10 other mares in small space and not had much human touch. and she was dominate mare. she has shown aggression towards me! I have never had a horse like this and wondering if I should send her back and get one that has been imprinted or handled from birth? we tried join up and she circled but never joined up. 3 times she stopped and squared herself to me and head up looked at me as to challenge me. I'm 52 and not ready to have my head kicked off. any suggestions?
Posted 2007-04-21 3:52 PM (#59730 - in reply to #59728) Subject: RE: dominate mare
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Two choices here:
First, if you don't have the time or training to break her down (mentally) then you need a horse more suited to your style, skill level. The bad part about all these training videos out today is that it seems that anyone can use them and get instant results. This isn't always the case. Some animals need more than a quick run around the round pen until they think your way is best. Lots of people get hurt because they have a false sense of security from "training" their horse. So if this sounds like your situation then get another horse.
Second, if she is just testing you and you have the time and skill to break her then don't cave first! The early training may take many times longer than normal, like normal exists in horses, but after time she'll learn to give to you. I have always been told you train the lead mare more than others so that you are in control of the whole herd, not from the bottom up but the top down. But then again at 52 you know you don't bounce like you used to...
Call the folks you bought her from and see if they'll trade, I don't keep horses on my place that are dangerous. I can't afford that kind of liability!
Posted 2007-04-21 6:24 PM (#59738 - in reply to #59728) Subject: RE: dominate mare
Location: Brighton, Colorado
I would have to agree that it is a game, if you will, that your mare is playing with you. If you have the option to get a different horse, I would say do it. But if you are willing to put the time into her, you may end up with a more effectionate horse than any of the others because you will be her first human that she trusts. I have experiece this very thing and it is amazing. Just beware.
Posted 2007-04-21 8:04 PM (#59741 - in reply to #59728) Subject: RE: dominate mare
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Imprinting is great but even that won't help a truly dominate horse. Some are just plain old cranky. If you don't have the wherewithal to train a bitchy mare, then by all means, get rid of her and find one you can enjoy.
Posted 2007-04-22 8:13 PM (#59762 - in reply to #59728) Subject: RE: dominate mare
Member
Posts: 13
Location: s.vienna ohio
Thank you to those that gave me very good advice!!! My daughter and I have decided to send the 2 horses back to the owner. We felt after working with them on Sat. that it just wasn't worth the risk. We have been very blessed to have horses that we could hug and love and trust. So as soon as he can come to get them, they will be out of here. I realize that I don't have the time or patience or knowledge to work them out of this attitude, if it is even possible. So back to looking for horses that we can love and enjoy!!! thanks again and it is very nice to have people that will give knowlegeable advice.........
dominate mare
