Took Alma out for a hack - 1st time in 2.5 years

[LouiseB]

Had to share this. I retired my warmblood mare in March 2003 when she was just 8 y/o as she just wasn't happy and was unpredictable. She could have had a very good job as a rodeo horse from time to time - my instructor actually managed to stay on for 23 bucks around the arena - I was always off well before that! However she would then go for long periods of time without any issues. After a break of 18 months the behaviour reoccurred so the paddock beckoned as I would never sell Alma and I was in a position where I could buy another horse - Mervin who is a great enthusiastic cob.

After nearly 2 years in the field Alma started showing interest in what was going on around the yard and she was also showing much more energy in the field.

So I decided to restart her with pole and stretching exercises, walking out in hand and some long lining and free schooling and took it slowly. I also used some clicker training as well.

I rebacked her a few weeks ago and she has come along nicely so I took her out for a 45 minute hack around the lanes with 2 of my friends this morning and she went happily wheher in front or behind and really stepped out and showed a real interet ion her surroundings

I'm so chuffed with her progress as I thought in 2003 that I would never ride Alma again so this is a real bonus. Light work will keep her fit and active into her old age as she is a very good doer and exercise will help keep her trim.

As I bought her when I was a novice I am especially chuffed that I have restarted her and in a way that makes her comfortable. I'm looking forward to some lovely hacks with Alma and when she is fitter maybe even the odd simple dressage test - who knows :0))

[hay]

WOW, thts is realy good news, you must be so happy!
keep us up to date on how things go:D

[Flic]

What an inspiration! It just goes to show that all is not always lost with "problem" horses. Please do keep us updated on your and her progress.

[Lucymj]

Oh wow! Well done you! That is such a huge acheivement, and you should be so proud of yourself for having the courage to bite the bullet after all that time! Keep us all posted!

[Lydia00]

Wow!! That is ispiration!! Its wonderful how she started to take an interest again, which shows she puts her trust in you to make her comfprtable in work again! Thats lovely and i hope you enjoy many more hacks with her!!

[Liz]

What a nice, positive story. I wish you and Alma all the best, LouiseB. ;D

[nikki]

Brilliant! Um...does this mean I can have Mervin now??

[Anna*]

Well done, you !

[LouiseB]

Sorry Nikki Mervin is not available.

I might consider you coming out for a hack on him with myself and Alma :0))

Thanks for all the lovely comments

[beki]

What a positive story, hope all continues to go well.

[speedy]

Well done Louise - give Alma a big hug from me and mine - not forgetting a hug for Merv too!!! So nice to ehar that you're back riding her

[bhpride]

that's brilliant, keep us updated on her progress

[chunky monkey]

Well done you! Maybe all she needed was a bit of 'chill out' time, with no pressure!


Good luck, and may you have many happy hacks with Alma! x

[erarab]

Thats a sweet story

Well done

[LouiseB]

Hi Guys Took Alma for a hack with just one of my friends today and she was more relaxed and about 1/2 way round was happy to walk and trot long and low and use her hind quarters more.

Our physio was on the yard this morning seeing to Mervin ( another story ! ) and she hadn't seen Alma for about 3 months. Anne asked me to bring Alma in as she had a student with her and wanted to show him how you improve a remedial horse. Anne was so pleased with our progress that she gave me and Alma a big hug :0))

Alma still has lots of muscles to develop and correct but we will get there if we take it slow and steady and keep to the program I have devised. Alma and I are having a short lesson tomorrow with my Centered Riding instructor so looking forward to this.