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Date Posted: 12:02:50 08/27/08 Wed
Author: Cathy
Subject: Spooky Friesian Update
In reply to: Malinda 's message, "Spooky Friesian" on 15:54:11 03/27/08 Thu

Hi all:

Success story! We moved our Friesian back in April to a new barn after having alot of adjustment problems with him after his arrival in November. You can see my different posts. It was difficult at first but now 9 months later, I have the horse of my dreams, and just did not realize it! If only they could talk.

One goal of mine was to have him on the trails by this summer which I said would never happen. Never say never. I was very concerned it wasn't going to happen due to excessive spookiness. We are talking birds, wind, cavaletti shadows etc. It was worrisome and even happening indoors.

All I can say is the best thing I ever did was to put my worries aside and just go outside. My barn colleagues are the best and they have helped me so much. We first started with perimeter walking then went longer. Always in pairs though as he cannot go alone and probably will not be able to for awhile. Little steps.

When/if my boy freaks (and he still does), I talk to him, pat and rub him and give him the reins. It works wonders. Oh, and don't forget to breathe. :)

We just went with a barn buddy on a 1 1/2 hour trail ride out in the middle of nowhere. It was great and not planned.

Work on building your relationship with your Friesian and everything will fall into place. My boy learns so fast when I am patient and let him really think/process what I am asking for. It is amazing! They really are the best horses ever.

Happy riding.

Cat






>>Where are you located? I know a really good trainer
>>in virginia. You can email me for more details.
>>>Does anyone have any advice on de-spooking a mature
>>>Friesian? I know some horses are naturally spooky,
>but
>>>I am hoping that is not the case with my Friesian.
>We
>>>have been doing lots of groundwork and working on
>>>spooking in place, but I am afraid to get back on him
>>>since he spooked and bolted.
>
>I'm in the middle of the country. I've got a really
>good natural horsemanship trainer, so he is being
>ridden and worked 5 days a week. I'm also going to
>work more consistanly with him on his "despook"
>exercises. I've got him standing still while we play
>horseball, and he doesn't mind if I bounce it off him.
>
>I know it's difficult when we have to adjust our hopes
>and dreams to reality, especially after spending so
>much time and money to get our dream horse. He was a
>different horse when my trainer and I tried him out.
>Its so sad to think that some Friesian dealers are so
>dishonest and sedate horses they are trying to sell.
>Funny thing is, he does not spook at things you would
>expect him to - like a big semi skid loader driving
>and unloading by his pen. I think you really have to
>work hard and consistenly to gain their trust.

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