[drivingpairs] Re: Time to give up? - long

> So get started be willing to do lots of controlled
> environment work on the ground with very quite
> disciplined fun drives ( Fun = Horse likes the drive
> not people)
> .........................  Al


Al makes some very good points, and while I agree with his method of
teaching a horse to put his trust in his handler, I would just like to add
that some horses are better at that than others.  In deciding whether to
give up on an individual animal, you have to take into consideration the
amount of time you have (when Al says do lots of controlled environment
work - you may have to do LOTS of work with your horse), the disposition of
the horse as you know him, your temperament (are you that patient?), your
physical abilities, and how you want to spend your time (Do you want to
spend days, months, years, despooking a horse or do you want to drive a
pair?).

When I was younger (not all that long ago) I believed any horse could do
anything you wanted if you just knew how to ask it.  Over the years I have
come to realize that, just like not every child will become a brain surgeon
or the president of the United States, not every horse is destined for
greatness, some not even for competence.  Yes, the best home environments,
the best nutrition, and the best schools will help a child reach his
potential, for some that potential is just not that great.  Horses are the
same, some, given even the best training and life environment will just not
do what you are looking for.

Over the last several years I purchased 9 wild Welsh ponies, from those I've
selected 5 to keep for my four-in-hand.  The ponies that I've decided to
sell are not bad ponies, but they need extra work, more attention than I
want to give them.  I just don't want to do all the extra tutoring required
so that they can get a C in their course work.  I want the ponies that love
their lessons and get A's without all the extra effort.  I've already sold
two of the ponies and their new owners absolutely love them, and one,
Hershey (for those of you who know him), is performing really well in CDEs
and driven dressage.  I hope to find the other two owners that will also
enjoy them and turn them in to good working ponies - I can do it, I just
don't want to do it.

So be honest with yourself about your abilities, your expectations, and the
quality and personality of your horse, make a decision and don't let anybody
second guess you.

Good luck,
Merrie Morgan Stevens



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