Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
Professional support for you and your horse!
Gelding that has been pushed too hard.
Hi Franklin,
I've been looking at your website and have seen a lot of great tips for helping my horse. Thanks so much for that. Just thought I'd make sure I've covered all the bases. Buddy is a 12 yr old Morgan/QH. He's levelheaded, great on the ground and intelligent, a been there, done that kinda fella. He has a lot of drive, a great work ethic. He also has a kind, soft eye.
I bought him from a fellow who used to race him all over the place (good thing he's sure-footed, we live in the foothills of the Rockies!). This fellow's wife used to rein him in really tight all the time until he pranced and danced in circles.
When I bought him, he moved like a whirlwind under saddle, not dangerous, not bolting, but unbelievably fast at the walk, obviously very anxious and expecting to have to run. In order to try and help him, I've kept it really simple, nothing but a walk out on trail, a loose rein except when I want a stop, enforcing standing when waiting for others, being really calm myself. I barely need to use my leg on him, he's like driving a Ferrari! He has improved greatly over the year I've had him (my farrier, who I bought him through and who knew the previous owners, has commented that he isn't the same horse).
Because of your site, I've recently started ground work and now use your hindquarter yield technique when he gets rushing/jigging. He is particularly bad on the way home. Is just so interesting, he will be trying to race (walk/jig) for home, with moose or elk crashing out of the bush and he will just look at them, probably the least spooky horse I've ever seen.
Is there anything else I could be doing? I really like this horse a lot and think he will be the best mountain horse I've ever had, so want to make sure I'm doing everything I can for him. I want him to have as much fun out there as I do!
Thanks so much, Darlene
Hi Darlene,
I am delighted my website has helped. Thanks for your kind email. The more you can do on the ground (playing, dancing, being creative and innovative with action and interaction, even trick training), the bigger and better your relationship with your horse will become. You will be totally surprised at where your relationship with him will go when you bring in a lot of on the ground interaction. Thats is just the way a horse is wired. Usually we only think of the fun we have riding the horse. However, when you discover more about the horse itself by interaction on the ground as opposed to mostly riding, you'll really get the connection and bond that you read about or see in the movies. On the ground interaction allows you to be more aware of the horse's mental and emotional involvment with you. Riding is a big physical distraction for the human and the horse as well. Interaction on the ground does not have this huge distraction. After more ground play for a while, when you do ride, it will be totally at a higher level.
Consider the possibilities....
Sincerely, Franklin