AboutJennifer Bulger Expertise I can answer questions about training and showing, both western and english. From Groundwork to show ring. My speciality is reining horses and I especially enjoy teaching people how to work with their horse without a bridle. I enjoy teaching people how to communicate with their horses using non-agressive methods, yet still reaching rewards and generating sucess in a timely manner.
Experience I've trained horses for over 20 years. I've showing horses to multiple levels and awards, from leading the nation, to world championships, with special emphasis on reining horses.
Publications NRHA, AQHA, PCJ and Horsetrader
Education/Credentials College, and the school of "wet saddle blankets". I have been fortunate to ride with many of the top trainers over my lifetime and believe in continued education by attending as many clinics and workshops as possible.
I am a new rider, and have always loved horses. Only 6 months ago I started riding a lot, almost everyday. My husband (who has had horses in the past) and I bought 2 horses for my daughter and I. My daughters horse is a well trained 10 year old mare. My horse is a 6 year old guelding, who is broke but still green. He was only rode by one other girl. He has made great progress, and has learned a lot in the last few months. He listens very well, and is really gentle for the most part. A few days ago, I was in the stall with him grooming him and my 9 year old daughter came in to pet him. He walked over to her with his ears pinned. She immediately put her hand up and yelled "No". He started to walk away and then tuned back to her and pinned his ears again. So I yelled at him and gave him a shove on his shoulder. He stopped and went to his food. Of the 2 horses, the mare is the dominant one, he is submissive to her. Was this his attempt to be dominant? Why would he do this? I am leary of letting my daughter around him now, and I am even nervous a bit around him and I am sure he can sense this. What should I do to overcome my nervousness and trust him and vise versa. He has never been mean or aggressive before. Any advise would be great,, thanks Christine
Answer Hi Christine,
It does sound like he was showing his alpha ranking to your daughter, that said some horses just are not kids horses and don't like them. Which is one reason that true kids horses (and ponies) are so hard to come by. I would suggest getting the advice of a professional trainer. Depending on your daughters experience, she might be best working him in round pen type setting and earning his respect there, but it all depends on her experience and confidence.
