I was in the right place at the wrong time for this rider. What do you think is going on here. Leave me a comment.
The Latest From The Old Gray Mare
03
Mar
Dear Ms. Mare,
I have to tell you that I’ve been pretty lucky. I’m young and I have not been sick a day in my life. Now my cowboy has decided that it is time to trailer me to a vet and have him give me all the shots and things that humans like to do to us horses. Nobody but my cowboy has ever laid a hand on me and I can tell you that I am a nervous Nellie. I hate to show the vet my cantankerous side, but I believe he is up for trouble. How can I keep from embarrassing everyone?
Nervous About Going…
.
Dear NAG,
A vet’s job does not include training a horse. It is your cowboy’s job to train you before you get sick or need a vet. It is unfair to all three of you to head out to the vet where you will experience being loaded, trailered, unloaded, walked into a place where you have never been and getting a stranger’s hands put on you.
Unless your cowboy prepares you in advance, there is the chance you will be running around, throwing your head when they pull on the halter you have just learned to abide, and so on.
Before the trip to your vet, your cowboy needs to have you be at ease with him rubbing your head, face and ears, picking up your hooves, etc. Next he will add a bridle to the mix rather than a halter and lead rope because the bridle will give him more control when he begins to saddle and ride you.
If you are the first horse for your cowboy, he will need to learn ahead of you in how to direct you in a circle, tapping your rear with a light whip. When you are moving as directed, he will stop the tapping and you will have learned something new. Your cowboy will work with you on turning, going and stopping. And of course being loaded and unloaded into a trailer is something he should have taught you before now.
It’s the human’s responsibility to ready you for your first trip to the vet. Your vet will appreciate that you are moving easily and letting him do the job that will keep you healthy and happier.
Good luck.
OGM
(This “advice” column is more fun than serious. and any attempts to try the recommendations given should be done under supervision of a skilled horseman.)
© 2010, Barbara McGowan, Freelance Writer
Hoofbeatexpress.com