Ross learned how to drive the tractor and started working on the sheep’s hay mess, doing some grading and cleanup in the barnyard for me.
And (in between tractor work) Morgan was ready to get Patriot saddled up.
This did not go well, and we’re not sure why. Patriot didn’t want to accept the bit. I don’t think it was the specific bit as he refused the bit entirely, would not open his mouth. At all. Not wanting to force him, we stopped, took a break, taught Ross to drive the tractor, let Patriot browse in the pasture, then went back to get him a few hours later. He came willingly, everything just fine, till we tried to put the bridle on him. Again, same thing, he refused to open his mouth. (Yes, tried the thing about putting fingers to the side of his mouth. He just wouldn’t open his mouth.)
At this point, we called the horse trainer up the road. He came down, and had the same problem, only he’s better at it, of course, and he got the bridle and bit on Patriot and saddled him up. Patriot was completely calm about it all except for taking the bit, which he resisted. Feeling a little unsure of Patriot’s behavior because of the bit resistance, the trainer didn’t want to let Morgan ride him without a lead. But, oh, she so wanted to ride her horse! So he started to walk her around the barnyard with Patriot on the lead. They didn’t get far before Patriot bucked and threw Morgan.
Which was scary.
She is okay.
We took everything off Patriot and put him back in the pasture. Morgan does not want to get back on him.
At the moment, I’m not sure where we are on our horse journey.
LisaG says:
I always lunge my horse before riding each way til they run with their heads down. I also found out the hard way to always wear gloves. I fell off once and got rein burns. :happybutterfly:
On April 9, 2012 at 11:10 am
Hlhohnholz says:
Yikes, Suzanne. That’s tough. Unfortunately, that’s one of the things that happens when you get a new horse. Something to consider-A bit is not a necessity for riding a horse. Many horses do just fine with something called a “hackamore,” which is in essence a bit-less bridle. There are different varieties, the two most popular of which are the “mechanical,” and the “bosal.” They work by putting pressure on the horse’s nose, chin, and behind their ears. You may want to ask your horse trainer if that is an option. Hang in there, and persevere!
On April 9, 2012 at 11:11 am
SuzzyQ says:
When things like that happen, later we found a sore in their mouth (or under their saddle, if getting on them was the issue). Kind of reminds me of Secretariat, when he lost that race leading up to the Triple Crown. They found an abscess in his mouth. Just an idea to look for things like that. An otherwise gentle horse, if in pain, will react badly. Also, if someone didn’t treat him nicely in his previous days, he may be reacting to or remembering that. The people you bought him from can probably give you many clues into his behavior such as did they saddle/bridle him there? It would be interesting to find that out.
I’m glad Morgan is OK. That would be totally scary! I feel badly for both the horse (for what he may have been through in the past) and your daughter but most problems can be resolved with time & patience.
On April 9, 2012 at 11:19 am
mintamichelle says:
I am so sorry. We are also very new horse people and had a similar experience. I “tumbled” off my horse when she went down a steep incline but it scared us both, ALOT. I did not want to give up and hired a trainer to come and work with me AND the horses. In a little more than a month, I’ve started doing all the ground work with them myself and my confidence is way up. Sometimes, I do all the ground work, saddle and bridle but don’t ride and sometimes I do. I still only ride in a corral but, I am getting there….I think getting to know the horse over time helped, even though there were always calm, tt really took about a month for them to settle into their new home. This weekend me and my little girl (also scared) painted their hoofs shiny pink for easter, we are coming around and I am really REALLY enjoying them….BTW: We’e only had them since December. It doesn’t take long to see drastic improvement.
:happyflower:
On April 9, 2012 at 11:20 am
beforethedawn says:
Glad to see Ross making use of that tractor!
So sorry to hear about Patriot. I hope it works out though. Being bucked off is scary, don’t give up Morgan! Set backs suck, but we can trudge right through them. 🙂
On April 9, 2012 at 11:24 am
lattelady says:
I always used hackamores, but it depends on the horse.
Was it a real ‘buck’ or a crow hop?
He has been on green pasture and petted for a week or more. Why should he want something in his mouth and someone on his back? 😉
Things will settle down. This is all part of horsemanship.
Deep breaths Morgan, you will do this.
On April 9, 2012 at 11:43 am
Murphala says:
Interesting that this behavior didn’t happen when Morgan was on Patriot at the rescue… or did it? No indication at all that he was skittish about the bit and someone in the saddle? I’d be like a new parent calling the pediatrician all the time… I’d be asking the rescue people who are familiar with him a little more and might know about past behaviors! What is it they say? Get back on the borse? Yup. Morgan can do it!
On April 9, 2012 at 11:53 am
Murphala says:
Um, not “borse”, “horse”. It’s Monday.
On April 9, 2012 at 11:54 am
Leck Kill Farm says:
Sorry to hear about the challenges 🙁
On April 9, 2012 at 11:57 am
LK says:
This is the bridle that we want to get for our present horse and for any other horse that we get: https://www.nurturalhorse.com/
It would be worth checking out further. There would be no bit to contend with and things would most likely go a bit smoother.
I know that a lot of people will lunge a spunky horse for a while before riding just to get the jumpiness out and get the horse to settle down. It is part of teaching who is boss and maintaining that power as well. Riding can be a lot easier after doing this.
On April 9, 2012 at 12:09 pm
BuckeyeGirl says:
If he was using the bit at Heart of Phoenix, that’s what you should use, but you know that I’m sure.
On April 9, 2012 at 12:11 pm
sal says:
Hi Suzanne, not the end of the world. Patriot is getting used to his new home. Horses like all animals want to do what is most pleasant to them. He’s testing his new owners. You could try some molasses or syrup on the bit. Most important is not to reward the horse by putting him in the pasture after he acts up. That is what he wants. Keep working with him no matter how naughty he acts. Patriot needs to understand his behavior isn’t working. BTW hackamores can be very severe to the horse if used incorrectly by inexperienced riders. For wonderful information on horses and owners google Pat Parelli. He has developed amazing techniques for horses and riders. He re-enforces good behavior by showing the horse it’s easier to do what he want than to resist. Horses always look for the easiest most pleasant way to live. Good luck and don’t despair. What you are going thru is entirely normal for most new horse owners…
https://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/natural-horsemanship/
On April 9, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Joell says:
:butterfly:
I guess even having a horse as a pet takes time for the naimal and the new owner, especially those that are rescues, we dont know completley what they ahve been through, what they remember that frightens them, and unfortunatley they cant tell us, only through there reactions to things. Hopefully time will help Patriot adjust, maybe a companion horse that Morgan can ride would help. Animals learn by watching their humans interacting with like animals. I certainly hope he comes around, he has been through enough sadness in his life. Like humans, animals have a hard time trusting completley once they have been abused.
On April 9, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Cold Antler says:
Don’t lose heart. Yesterday Merlin didn’t want to cross water and flat out refused. I had to get off, lead him through the stream, and then when we finally got back to me in the saddle, he would not listen to a lick of command from me since he was surrounded by green grass and fields for the first time in…months! I had to get off and walk him back because he was starting to crow hop and fuss. And this is a horse with more education and experience than I have in human schooling….
So take a breathe and call in a pro! DOn’t give up!
On April 9, 2012 at 12:21 pm
tearhart says:
Dont give up Morgan!! Getting bucked off is scary! I have two horses and I’ve had plenty of scary instances. I wont offer my advice based on the previous blog post. 🙂 I do think one or two of the comments are on track. I’m sure the horse rescue staff will get you back on track!! I dont know if you get RFDTV om your cable but there are quiet a few horse programs which are really helpful. I really like Clinton Anderson!!!
On April 9, 2012 at 12:38 pm
LuluBear the Wonder Dog says:
Don’t give up, Morgan! We always said you have to get thrown 9 times before you’re even considered a real rider. Which didn’t make much sense, but it helped our egos. And NO we didn’t all get thrown 9 times. Have someone teach you how to to kick him forward when he gets ready to buck, and how to fall (roll away), and you’ll be ok if he tries it again.
I definitely second the idea of having his mouth checked, and lunging him before the next ride. He sounds like such a chill guy, he must have a pinch or sore someplace. It’s a new, unfamiliar field, maybe he nibbled on something he shouldn’t have, like a prickery something, and the bit just rubbed him on a sore spot from that.
On April 9, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Suekov says:
I don’t know if you had a vet check the horse but that should be your first thing. He will determine if there are any physical problems. If none are detected then you should find a good trainer to help you. This would ideally be a natural horsemanship trainer who will work with both the horse and even more importantly, Morgan. She needs to learn groundwork so she can continue the training. If a trainer works with him alone he will revert almost immediately to his old ways once the trainer is finished. She should not get on him again until he is safe and his issues are resolved. Ground work training can be loads of fun and very rewarding. If you can’t control the horse on the ground you most certainly can’t control the horse under saddle. I know you asked that no more advise be given but the picture has changed now and I certainly don’t want to see anyone hurt, including the horse. And I truly believe this horse has much potential, he just needs tough love and good training. I second the Clinton Anderson recommendation, he is the best around. He teaches the owner as well as the horse and I can’t stress enough how important that is.
On April 9, 2012 at 1:20 pm
NancyL says:
First, good for Ross! I’m glad he’s willing to use some of his time home to help out around the farm. He looks good on the tractor!!
Now, Morgan. I’ve never owned a horse, only ridden some that were already trained and saddled for me, so I cannot tell you anything about that. Your Mom’s readers have offered a lot of great advice (I know I wouldn’t want something in my mouth!) and you have a horse trainer nearby and can always call the rescue group. I can only repeat what others said, and what you, as a top athlete, already know: Don’t give up!!!!
On April 9, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Blyss says:
Morgan, don’t give up! I have been there and been bucked by more than one horse.
The first one was startled by a Blue Racer Snake… and sadly, where I got thrown was into the electric fencing! I can attest to why horses don’t like to get close to electric fencing! Even though her fright (and throwing me) wasn’t her fault, I didn’t want to ride her again. However, her owner (A Veterinarian) MADE me get back on… I was one terrified girl (I was 15 at the time) but I did it. No more snakes and no more problems with that horse!
Then, about 15 years ago, we had a horse that was at our barn as a boarding animal. He was a WONDERFUL calm horse. We rode him all the time and never had an issue, until one day he decided he was going to buck and slam me into the wall of the barn where he was tied to be saddled and all. He did some major bruising to my leg. He didn’t want to be ridden but instead let out of the stall and into all that green grass. This was early Spring, and he thought being ridden was a rotten idea when all he wanted to do was get out into the pastures from the long winter! The Owner was there and able to stop Charlie (yes his name was Charlie Horse!) and I got off without being thrown off, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort on Charlie’s part! I unsaddled him and started to take him to the pasture, but the owner said no, that he was to remain tied to the stall wall, like a kid in time out for a half hour, so he knew he was naughty, and couldn’t misbehave to try and get his own way. He was then put back in his stall and never did get out to that new pasture that day.
My heart broke every time I went to the barn as he was the most sad eyed contrite horse EVER! But he never tried to get his own way like that again. The worst he did was once when I was out riding he was “parading” for the cows in a pasture across the street and wouldn’t take my cues to go back to the barn until I got off and pulled him by hand. But he didn’t throw me, so I was happy.
So don’t give up, Morgan. I am sure Patriot has a good reason for not wanting to be ridden… like all that nice green Spring grass just waiting for him to be chewing on it! Remember, he is a survivor of the Great Horse Feed Famine, and probably has some issues with being parted from food! LOL
On April 9, 2012 at 1:46 pm
shirley T says:
Ahhh!!HUGS to Morgan.
so hope you are not bruised too badly.I do hope things work out for you.
On April 9, 2012 at 2:01 pm
doubletroublegen says:
Hang in there Morgan! Cowgirls don’t get tough just by wearing boots, they get bumped up and tossed about, earning the name cowgirl. Patriot is being like most horses- testing you and he won yesterday. Next time will be different- make sure you win. Never let the horse win, you control all his moves and behaviors. You tell him when to stop and when to go. Hopefully he was corrected by your father and understands not to do this again. Horses can be naughty creatures- their size makes them dangerous. Make sure you wear your helmet! Saddle up and ride that pony!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaP0t5IUnM
On April 9, 2012 at 2:13 pm
bonita says:
Morgan, by now I’m sure you’ve contacted the Rescue folks and talked to the people who were fostering Patriot. Surely they can help figure out what was the problem and how to get around it. More importantly, I hope you can forgive your dear horse and understand that his issues overcame his budding friendship with you. I hope you can give him, and yourself, another chance.
On April 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm
emit says:
Not going to say anything wrong with the horse but didn’t you say he had had his teeth floated? Maybe he was a little sore? Please tell Morgan not to give up!!!! My Daughter was bucked off a horse the first time she was on one an now 20 years later still is afraid to ride a horse….( that is bad when you have six) Just remember every horse is different. Each one has its little quirks.
On April 9, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Cubzwin1908 says:
doubletroublegen….thanks for posting that link. Priceless. : )
On April 9, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Jess says:
I watched the clip of Patriot and Morgan. After watching, I saw a few things that caught my attention.
– Patriot wasn’t happy about Morgan getting on at the pen.
– When Patriot was following, Morgan had slack reins, so he was in charge.
From what I can see, he uses a curb bit, so unless he has a sore in his mouth, I’d say he may be little lazy from his pampering and wanting to establish a pecking order. So Morgan, since she’s hesitant about riding, should lunge Patriot at least once a day. This keeps him from being bored and lets him know who’s in charge.
Morgan doesn’t need to be discouraged. This can be the best lesson for her, and Patriot. If he has the stamina to buck, he has the stamina to be a good riding horse.
Patience. It works with horses.
On April 9, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Darlene says:
I got my first horse when I was 12 so I am asking this question out of couriousity. I read comments from people who had trouble with their horses and I am wondering if the horses were kept or overnighted in a stall?
On April 9, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Barbee says:
I read about a similar situation, and they discovered the horse had teeth problems. The owner said no wonder the horse couldn’t tolerate a bit. Once his teeth were filed and its bite corrected the horse did fine.
On April 9, 2012 at 3:12 pm
BethanyJean says:
Some things I can share after being around and riding horses my entire life. ( I was on the back of a horse before I could walk)
-always get back on your horse if you have been thrown off. Shows them they are NOT in charge and that behavior is naughty and will not be tolerated.
(getting back on can be hard to do sometimes when your body or pride is hurt. or the tears are coming down so hard you can barely see, which is usually the case for me)
-never get on your horse in the barn or pasture, always take them out of their “element”
-keep the reins tight enough so u have full control of the horses head
-when riding always bear your weight down in the stir-up to help hold you in
-never let go of the reins
Just relax Morgan & don’t be scared, get back on your horse and ride!! :)I have fallen so many times I cant count, I have cried every time but I have always got back on. Eventually you and Patriot will fall into a rhythm together and you will have complete confidence. horses can sense your mood and will know if you are nervous and or scared.
What’s that country song? “Cow girls don’t cry, ride baby ride”. I don’t know who sings it but every time I hear I cry bc it reminds me of my Grandpa, who always said “never cry get back up on your horse and ride”. Even tho I cry every single time I get bucked / fall off. 🙂 have fun!
On April 9, 2012 at 3:22 pm
stjames says:
I agree with the other posters about checking his mouth, lunging, etc.My concern is that the saddle appears to have been purchased without a fitting. It is very possible the saddle does not fit and is causing pain. It is quite difficult to fit a western saddle, especially on a smaller horse. Would it be possible for Morgan to either a) get a professional saddle fit, or b) try an English saddle? It would still need to fit properly, but it is a far easier thing to accomplish, and the saddle wouldn’t have as many pressure points as a western one. Most tack shops let customers take saddles to try. Even some of the mail-order places do as well. You can order a kit to take measurements of Patriot beforehand. If Morgan is concerned about the “horn” to hold onto, you can put a leather grab-strap on the pommel of the eastern saddle (there are always two convenient D-rings on the pommel).
On April 9, 2012 at 3:27 pm
MMT says:
I too agree that checking Patriot’s teeth/mouth would be a good step. Also ground work, ground work, ground work. A couple others mentioned Clinton Anderson and I have to say his methods have worked really well for us. Although his no nonsense approach to horse training seems abrasive to some, you need your horse to be respectful and listening to you. Morgan, I hope you will get back on your horse soon, but first do the ground work. You will be so glad you did.
On April 9, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Flowerpower says:
Who knows what Patriot has been thru before you got him. I would say and not from experience with horses that it will take a lot of patience and love from Morgan to get him settled down. I think she has it and can get the job done. I can imagine it’s not a good thing to fall off a horse but many seasoned riders get bucked off all their lives and seem to live thru it. Wouldnt be my choice of dismounting! Hang in there Morgan! :happyflower:
On April 9, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Jane L says:
Sorry you got bucked off Morgan, it unfortunately comes with the territory. I have been bucked off more times that I can count and only once did I get hurt (not terribly badly.. just a couple of stitches), and the horse was quite contrite as I recall. There is a bond that grows between horse and girl, but you have to be willing to work at it. Don’t give up and always get back into the saddle – that is the first piece of advice you get at riding school. Good luck!
On April 9, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Jane L says:
Oh, and the only reason I had to have stitches was because I did not wear a helmet – which is actually rule no 1;)
On April 9, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Window On The Prairie says:
It helps to think of horses as great big toddlers. They will test you all the time to see what they can get away with. Treat them as you would a toddler, swiftly and consistantly when they misbehave. And watch the documentary, “Buck”, about a horse trainer. A most instructive film.
On April 9, 2012 at 4:33 pm
The High Altitude Tea Duchess says:
Oh, I’m sorry about, Patriot. I know how much, Morgan was looking forward to riding him. Perhaps he has an issue with his mouth? Or maybe it is the new surroundings? Perhaps he thinks he is in horsey heaven and does not need to allow people to ride him any more.I hope it all works out soon.
On April 9, 2012 at 4:42 pm
TwistedStitcher says:
Morgan has to get back on that horse. When I was 8 my Dad was a horse trainer. He trained Hunters and Jumpers. I fell off my horse and ruptured my gall bladder and spleen and was in the hospital for a good while. As soon as I was cleared by the doctors my Dad made me get back on that horse. I spent the greater part of my youth riding horses. Have some wonderful memories I treasure greatly. Morgan will too, she just has to get back on that horse. Getting bucked off, falling off, getting your feet stepped on and all that is just part of being a horse woman.
On April 9, 2012 at 5:05 pm
KarenAnne says:
As others have said, my first thought was he has a sore mouth or a tooth problem.
The horse trainer can maybe show Morgan how to fall safely.
I also would ask the rescue people to come out and work with Patriot and Morgan.
On April 9, 2012 at 5:38 pm
D0lcecat says:
It’s going to be fine Suzanne. Let Patriot settle-in and I’m sure that your trainer had some wise words on this, but I wouldn’t let Patriot “get away” with this either.
When I was going to look at and ride a horse that our neighbors wanted to sell us, he bucked me off and ran back to the his pasture. Mom was waiting with the owner, and I came back, yes… crying a bit, but “ok”, and told my mom that that’s the horse I wanted, that one, Danny. We did end up buying him, even though I was a bit scared to ride him, and mom was very nervous…
After some time, slowly working with him, he settled in and became the best horse in the world, so it will happen.
The bit issue… well, the horse I mentioned above, Danny, didn’t like a bit in his mouth. So, the bridle we used was called a hackamore, and worked fine for him. Here’s a great site for looking at some of these: https://www.bitlessbridle.com/?gclid=CI6V0dffqK8CFYoDQAodJDLTZg
Worth a try with Patriot, maybe??
We usually always rode bareback, even though we had a saddle for him, and I think that this was more comfortable for the horse, to begin with. I have always felt that it is easier to hop off a horse that is bucking if I am NOT in a saddle. The back strap that is lower on the belly, called the billet strap, can sometimes be too tight on a horse can cause him to be irritated. The (front, cinch strap does need to be very snug, so the saddle won’t slip.
If the trainer agrees, I’d have her try to ride him bareback, with a lead… and if he acts up, it’s easy to jump off and also easier to hang on than you might think – hold a big chunk of the mane and use her legs to also hold on, she’ll get the hang of it.
Much luck to you and Morgan, I know that it’s going to be fine with a lot of patience. I hope some of this is helpful for you, it’s just based on what we did with a “sensitive” horse like Danny, so your trainer friend may disagree with me.
On April 9, 2012 at 5:53 pm
outbackfarm says:
Suzanne and Morgan, I am so sorry. But I think this has happened to everyone who has ever had a horse. It did to me too. And I am old. (Well, 53 now. But this was about 5 years ago.) Too old to be bucked off a horse. I had always wanted a horse, just like Morgan. I got a horse. A beautiful 2 year old Paint. I really got her for my grands. My oldest named her Sally Sunshine Moonshade. So we had her trained before we ever rode her. And she bucked me off. It hurt. We had her almost 2 years when this happened. I broke my right pinkie. It hurt. I have not gotten back on a horse since. And I sold her not long after that. She was just too young. IF I ever were to get another horse, it will be an 80 year old gelding. I still love horses. They are just not for me.
I hope he settles down. Maybe he was afraid of the tractor? Or just not having a good day. I’m glad there were people there. But she has to get back on. If not him, then another horse soon. Or she will be like me and never get back on. Or be too old to. Get back on, sweetie! (Was she nervous at all when she did get on? Because that’s what happened to me. And Sally felt my nervousness through me to her. And when that happened, up in the air went I.)
On April 9, 2012 at 6:12 pm
princessvanessa says:
I’m sure that the horse rescue place will have just the right solution for Patriot’s actions.
On April 9, 2012 at 7:51 pm
WvSky says:
The first thing they did at the rescue was Lunge the horse. Did you do this also before Morgan tried to get on?
( For non horse people )
“People who lunge their horse do it to get the wind out of the horses sails when they have been kept in a stall and come out being crazy and silly and too hot to get right on and ride.”
On April 9, 2012 at 8:51 pm
lifeisgood/ Melinda says:
I am so sorry that Morgan’s first experience riding Patriot on her own property was a negative one. I have never had a horse, never really rode one much, and have no constructive advice. I would, however, contact the rescue for their advice and input and I hope Morgan was not so frightened that she doesn’t want to ride again. As others have said, with time and patience I am sure Patriot and Morgan will work through this. I just feel so sorry for her because I know this dampened her enthusiasm.
On April 9, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Country Blossom says:
Morgan will be fine. I fell off my first horse, the first time I rode him at home. That was 36 years ago and I still have horses :yes:
I was always told … Green horses and green riders make black and blue.
Let her do groundwork with Patriot and work with the local trainer. Their relationship will work out in time. She and Patriot both have to get an education.
Have a great week!!!
On April 9, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Dixie says:
I had to register for the blog (I am a daily reader and love it, but this was finally the one thing I saw that stirred me enough to make a username!) in order to comment. Call the rescue and verify that his teeth were floated–sometimes a wolf tooth can make a mouth painful enough for a horse not to want to accept the bit. While both were justifiably nervous, the fact that he REALLY didn’t want to accept the bit makes me suspect a pain related issue. Also ask them if he ever had any chiropractic issues while he was at the rescue, which could potentially explain why he bucked. Both of these are important issues to address. I have always discovered that most issues that horses have can be discovered by first starting at the ground up in regards to medical/chiropractic issues. If he has been fully vetted–i.e., teeth floated, chiropractic evaluation, etc., then I might also suggest that he is one of what they term “cold backed,” horses, who first need a warm up on the lunge line. First, though, start with the rescue itself and find out if he was given a thorough going over, as not all rescues tend to do that–although it should be a given.
On April 10, 2012 at 12:03 am
Lana says:
So sorry about Morgan’s disappointment on her ride with Patriot. Several people have mentioned that you should “lunge” the horse. What does that mean?
On April 10, 2012 at 12:07 am
Dixie says:
And before I forget..Morgan, after eliminating any and all potential sources of distress, PLEASE don’t give up your riding! There’s not any one of us horse rescue/equine lover/owners who have not been thrown from our horses–not once, but many times! It hurts, but eventually ALL of your kinks between the two of you can be worked out. You will continue to learn new things from your horse on a constant basis, and bonding with your horse is one of the most enriching experiences that life has to offer. Sure, being bucked off hurts–both your pride and physically–but don’t let it deter you. Horses are prey animals and some of them spook easily, some not so easily, so there will undoubtedly be falls in your future. Our futures. But that’s ok, because the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks, trust me. As soon as you have Patriot’s trust, you have many, many good years ahead for the two of you.
On April 10, 2012 at 3:04 am
twiggityNDgoats says:
I could ride before I learned to walk and I have been tossed off countless times. I have to agree that Morgan will have to learn work Patriot on the ground and find an experienced horse person to help her for a while.
BTW lunging is working the horse in circles from the ground using a long line sometimes using a long “whip” to guide the horses movements (not used on the horse) without being on the horse’s back. The horse learns to trust and respond to his handler.
On April 10, 2012 at 6:45 am
Janine E says:
I’d agree with the good advice already given, first check out for physical problems like a sore mouth and that the saddle fits. Then groundwork to establish the trust in the relationship, both ways. Poor Morgan will need to feel in control of the horse and that starts on the ground up. And Patriot has to learn that he is the follower, not the leader. I rode all the time as a child until I was bolted with at the age of 10. Took me 20 years before I was ready to get back on a horse! Learning to conquer my fears and finally work my way up to a riding holiday in the mountains in Spain has been a tough but worthwhile journey, horses are big strong and sometimes wilful, but they pay back all the effort you put in. I recommend Bill Dorrence as a basis for natural horsemanship philosophy, he kept me sane when being out on a lead rein still made me shake with fear!
On April 10, 2012 at 7:10 am
woolylamb says:
I have ridden ALOT. Hit the ground alot too. Not being there, I won’t offer advice, just encouragement… it’s okay (glad Morgan is okay) and life goes on. Any history on Patriot would help you though….
On April 10, 2012 at 8:41 am
Sheryl says:
Morgan, did you ever fall off your bike, and skin up your knees? I bet you got on the bike again, pretty quick after that, because it was fun riding a bike! You’ve had some wonderful advice from quite a few experienced riders on this thread, so you aren’t alone being thrown off a horse. I think Patriot got a little spoiled-he got groomed, petted and loved on, and oh, all that beautiful green grass! You have to show him-you’re the boss =) I have a feeling that time-outs will work with this little boy =)
On April 10, 2012 at 8:45 am
tenderfootfarmgirl says:
Ditto on the groundwork. In the herd, the “herd boss” gains and maintains respect from the others because she decides when, where and how fast the other horses move. With human herd bosses, this is established through groundwork.
Take heart, Morgan! You’re going to do fine.
“Skill to do comes of doing”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
On April 10, 2012 at 8:51 am
stacey3940 says:
Sorry that happened to Morgan. She just has to get back up there (when she is ready of course). I’d recommend having someone with more experience ride and evaluate Patriot to make sure he doesn’t have any bad habbits because unfortunately he may have done this in the past… realizing if I buck, rear, or do something of that nature I can get this person off my back. Before anyone gets on him I would suggest getting him checked for mouth sores first of all and secondly do lots and lots of ground work to establish respect. You can do some research online about horse training and ground work but in my opinion, you can never have too much ground work.
Also you may want to add a night latch (sometimes called a bucking strap) which can be made from an old belt and attached to the saddle for a better place to hold on until Morgan gain her balance and more experience. Only riding in an enclosed area and with a lead rope is always a good idea on a new horse and a green rider. Good luck!
On April 10, 2012 at 10:33 am
ibnsgirl says:
I know you don’t need a lot of conflicting advice from a bunch of different sources, but there is some good information here. Take everything one step at a time. Horse-ownership is hard. I really hope that you can get some on-farm help from a trainer for both Patriot and Morgan. Horses are smart and very sensitive, so they pick up on any sort of nervousness incredibly quickly — even if you are nervous, Suzanne and you’re not on him. At any rate, please persevere and be prepared that Morgan will have problems the next time she tries to work with Patriot — whether he thinks he won or he anticipates pain or whatever it was that led to all this.
I hope and pray that things work out, but please get things worked out before Zip comes into the picture. Any problems will be magnified with the herd-mate and no one wants to see either of you hurt!
On April 10, 2012 at 11:08 am
FujiQ says:
I guess once you’ve been a nuke submarine a tractor isn’t so bad. Maybe that’s what you need to get over your tractor fear, Suzanne!
It sounds like there is a lot of mental work to do behind the scenes to get Patriot where you are comfortable with him. But you galls are tough enough for it.
STOLEN REFRIGERATOR? NO PROBLEMO!
NO HEAT, ELECTRICITY, OR WATER? MEH!
HORSE? ????
ALL CAPITALIZED LETTERS? INTENSITY!?
On April 10, 2012 at 8:03 pm
FujiQ says:
I meant to say “on” a nuke submarine. If Ross WAS in fact a nuke submarine that would make your loan officers a little nervous.
On April 10, 2012 at 8:04 pm
whaledancer says:
Wow, watching your son on a tractor and your daughter get thrown off a horse; it must have been a tough day for you. Hugs all around.
I like Sheryl’s analogy of falling off when you’re learning to ride a bike.
You’ve got plenty of good advise from your trainer, from Heart of Phoenix, and from the horse folks here. I would just echo those urging Morgan not to give up, and to get back on Patriot as soon as it’s safe. Don’t let the fear win. I’ve been thrown a few times, gotten back on, and continued to enjoy riding. But when I was in training to climb telephone poles I fell off. I wanted to climb back up, but had to go to the hospital and get patched up, and then wasn’t allowed to climb again. I ended up with a fear of climbing up heights that has stuck with me. Getting back on a horse that’s thrown you can teach you lessons about conquering fear that can help you in lots of situations.
But that doesn’t necessarily make it easier for a mom to watch it.
On April 10, 2012 at 9:43 pm