Gepetto Farms

Kristine writes:
I have bought a just turned 5 year old thoroughbred who was broken as a 2 year old,
trailed lightly, and then turned out. Had spent 6 weeks on jogging machine. She is a
delight to handle on the ground in all ways; was great to shoe after months of not having
feet done... Her only thing is she walks away from you when you first try to catch her.
I saddled her with no issues - didn't mind getting saddle on and girth tightened. Walked
her round with her gear on and no issues.
However when I tried to mount she started to move and fidget and didn't want me on. I
did get on with not too many dramas but then she instantly went crazy - she started
bucking and pig jumping. I hadn't done anything except mount, hadn't even tried to pick
up reins or ask her to move forward.
Please help. After a couple of minutes of her being crazy, I dismounted and lunged her
for a few minutes with no real dramas. When I tried to mount again, it was impossible.
Every time I tried to go beside her to mount she would keep backing up but would
happily stop right beside me and satnd completely still. If she knew I wasn't going to
mount she would happily stand still and I could touch her back and tummy happily, but if
I tried to collect the reins or put pressure on the stirrup, she would start again.
Please help me - I don't know what to do!

Dear Kristine:
Unfortunately, I feel that the people who sold you this horse have seriously taken
advantage of you. Either this mare has serious physical problems, or she has probably
never been ridden. Either way, you are in for a lot of work and money, and if you can
return the horse I would suggest considering that option.
Your first step, should you keep the mare, is to call a vet! Have her back thoroughly
checked, and request the vet draw blood work and maybe scope for ulcers. Another
thing to check is that your saddle fits properly. As you are waiting for a clean bill of
health, keep working on the lunge line daily. If your vet says that the mare is sound, then
you can continue working through the problem from a training point of view, with no guilt
that you might be hurting her.
At this point, I highly suggest hiring a competent trainer. Have the trainer ride her for 30
days, and then s/he can help the mare transition to you as her rider. The fact that she
lunges well and has excellent ground manners are good signs that she will learn quickly
and be a delightful, willing horse to ride. If you should choose to not take my advice and
wish to do this yourself, you must train your body to ignore your emotions. Any fear or
nervousness will create the same feelings in your horse. No matter what she does, you
need to focus on going forward and rewarding her everytime she takes a step in the
direction you are asking. But, I cannot stress enough that this is a job for a trainer. We
are here to 'take the bullets' for you, there is no need for you to risk serious injury or
death, when there are people out there with the experience to get the job done more
quickly and with less chance of injury to horse or rider.
I wish you and your mare the best of luck! Please let me know how this progresses.