Malda
Jul. 5, 2009, 04:47 PM
Hello! Normally I just lurk, but I have question.
Hope I can explain this. I have a SSH that's extremely difficult to get going faster than a very slow walk. If I get after him to gait he'll go forward a few strides then quits. He's on his second trainer, both have had problems getting him to move out. The current trainer is very good; I've seen other horses at the barn that she's trained. One of the boarders just told me that the trainer looks more tired than my horse after a lesson because she has to work so hard to get him going. He's been in training for two months and still only gets about half-way around the arena at a canter before he quits. When he is done, he walks very, very slowly as if he's exhausted.
I got him when he was 4 1/1, he's now six and has always been this way. I assumed he was spoiled by the previous owners, but I've seen no improvement in his energy or behavior in the year and a half that I've owned him. Both trainers felt that he is just lazy and knows how to take advantage of a rider. Which is quite possible. But this is a six year old horse, shouldn't he have more energy? Is there anything physical I should check? Supplements? Blood work? He looks healthy, has a good coat and appetite. He just seems really lethargic and doesn't feel like a normal horse. I'd rather rule out any physical problems before trying another trainer.
Sorry that was so long! Thanks in advance.
Erin
Hope I can explain this. I have a SSH that's extremely difficult to get going faster than a very slow walk. If I get after him to gait he'll go forward a few strides then quits. He's on his second trainer, both have had problems getting him to move out. The current trainer is very good; I've seen other horses at the barn that she's trained. One of the boarders just told me that the trainer looks more tired than my horse after a lesson because she has to work so hard to get him going. He's been in training for two months and still only gets about half-way around the arena at a canter before he quits. When he is done, he walks very, very slowly as if he's exhausted.
I got him when he was 4 1/1, he's now six and has always been this way. I assumed he was spoiled by the previous owners, but I've seen no improvement in his energy or behavior in the year and a half that I've owned him. Both trainers felt that he is just lazy and knows how to take advantage of a rider. Which is quite possible. But this is a six year old horse, shouldn't he have more energy? Is there anything physical I should check? Supplements? Blood work? He looks healthy, has a good coat and appetite. He just seems really lethargic and doesn't feel like a normal horse. I'd rather rule out any physical problems before trying another trainer.
Sorry that was so long! Thanks in advance.
Erin