Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training/Questions Answered by Expert Emma Dickinson-Gater

Subject	Date Asked
11 yr old spooky arabian	10/3/2011
Q: I have just been offered an 11 yr old arabian gelding because someone doesnt want it and it is going ... A: first off, no, you aren't mad! My older Arab mare was 9 when I bought her, totally unbroken, and ...
Re-starting a 13 year old welsh D	9/17/2011
Q: So i have my Welsh D gelding who has had 2 months off work due to injury, i would like to re-start ... A: .. Wow he sounds like a project for you. I'd be sectioning off his field and getting him used to ...
Controlling Bouncy Yearling	9/5/2011
Q: I have a sweet-natured 15 month old WB filly who is well-handled, quiet and respectful most of the ... A: Ohhh..she sounds lovely! I bet she is a sweetie really and just wants to play with you, ...
Introducing new horse	6/28/2011
Q: I just purchased a 5 year old Arab mare. I have her separated right now. I have two gelding one is ... A: Firstly let me say congratulations, and you will have a LOT of fun with her. Can you rope off some ...
Bitting Controversy	5/12/2011
Q: I have a 7 yr old rescue OTTB who I have been schooling in english and hunter hack for 2 years. He ... A: Allie.. I am not saying tie his mouth shut, but a flash is useful in stopping a horse opening his ...
Bitting Controversy	5/11/2011
Q: I have a 7 yr old rescue OTTB who I have been schooling in english and hunter hack for 2 years. He ... A: Try a flash noseband....quite tight, and my friends OTTB does EXACTLY the same thing. She ...
horse	4/30/2011
Q: i bought a horse about 6 month's ago to do SJ, xc, hunting, dressage, PC. My horse is a 16.2 ... A: Well, sounds like this guy has a mind of his own! As you have only had him 6 months, I would ...
Proud cut gelding	4/24/2011
Q: I recently came into possession of a 17 yr old gelding. I noticed all of the neighbors mares, ... A: I would say possibly a hormone regulator from your vet to control the hormones he still has, and ...
When is the right time to break an Arab gelding	4/12/2011
Q: I am taking on an arab gelding rescue who is two years, two months old. I've broken thoroughbreds, ... A: First off congratulations....Arabs are wonderful companions and very intelligent. If this lad has ...
spooky horse	4/9/2011
Q: my horse is afraid of everything outside. i don't know what to do to help her from being afraid and ... A: She sounds like a bit of a scaredy cat.... If you are out hacking, then try riding out with a ...
really bad Arabian	4/6/2011
Q: My name is Robin and I recently inherited 4 Arabs ! 1 Stud who is 34 and 1 mare that is 36 ( yes ... A: First off, has he had a full physical, to find out if there is a physical reason for this behaviour, ...
worried pony	4/4/2011
Q: our pony recently has been reluctant to enter an area of our property that she has been doing quite ... A: .. I wouldn't think the pony would be worried about a Tom cat scentmarking...or at least I have ...
Problem with my TB	2/10/2011
Q: I have an 11 year old TB gelding named Romeo. When I got first got him he was pretty thin and ... A: I would suggest that you get your vet to do a physical on him and rule out pain in his back, get a ...
Horse problem	1/18/2011
Q: I have owned my horse for nearly 2 years now and he is a very clever horse who has tried a few ... A: Not a problem Kodee, honestly it's better to get advice than struggle through. To solve the contact ...
Horse problem	1/17/2011
Q: I have owned my horse for nearly 2 years now and he is a very clever horse who has tried a few ... A: .. Always better to ask for points to be clarified if you are not certain. If you are on a circle ...
my horses bad behaviour	1/10/2011
Q: i recently bought a 15h coloured gelding who was born in 2006 He was supposedly backed but when we ... A: I would get your vet to do a thorough physical on him and rule out a pain cause for his behaviour, ...
Rearing when leading from the field	12/29/2010
Q: My 17.2 20 yr old gelding has starting rearing and pulling away from me when i lead him in from the ... A: You'd think they would get quieter with age, wouldn't you!!! Sounds like he's just eager to come in ...
Tennesse Walking Horse,	11/23/2010
Q: I have a Walking Horse and he is over 16 hands and I am only 5 foot, I have been told that I may be ... A: Though I am not familiar with the American TWH show circuit, I would suggest NOT teaching your horse ...
Our horse	11/21/2010
Q: We have recently bought our daughter a Connemara. He is absolutely lovely in all ways very gentle ... A: I would say do the usual checks, ask your vet to check his back, teeth, and general health, and a ...
bolting and spooking	11/4/2010
Q: Iam 49 years old. Three years ago I bought a half Arabian gelding. He is now 16 years old. He is a ... A: You need to stay cool, calm and collected with this guy. He's scared of his own shadow (an arabian ...
stud colt	9/2/2010
Q: I have a weanling I want to keep as my stud. But he is onry. When you lead him he wants to slap you ... A: What is this young man doing away from his mum at just 4 months old?? He's bolshy because his ...
pony wont take his bit	8/7/2010
Q: it has taken me almost a year to get my confidence riding again and i am finally much better, my 16 ... A: As you say you have light hands, try going bitless. He may still be a wee bit sensitive after ...
shetland biting and chewing.	7/5/2010
Q: i have a 1 year old shetland who keeps nipping me and chewing any thing he can. he's only recently ... A: I would suggest a yearling shetland is not the best first horse you can get! Has he been gelded, as ...
Bit type	6/21/2010
Q: I bought and 11 yr old TW gelding and he has been ridden on a high port snaffle, but it seems like ... A: Try a hackamore (bitless) no pressure on his mouth and still have control. ONLY try this option if ...
help please	6/8/2010
Q: "hi i brought a 14yr 16h t/b 18 days ago i let him settle in his field for a while in till the mare ... A: I've given you the short answer on facebook, but I would think he's just a little insecure right ...
cant tocuh my horse	5/24/2010
Q: hi i have bought a 10month old Irish draught filly but since i have put her out in the field i cant ... A: If you can stable her, please do. A lot of patience will be required to get close to this little ...
ex race horse mare	5/14/2010
Q: emma i have a 9yr old exracehorse mare. she is very gentle and you can do anything with her on the ... A: I can sympathise entirely, my 24 yr old arab mare (who really should know better) does EXACTLY the ...
ottb bit training	5/10/2010
Q: "i have a 6 year old ottb. when we rescued him, he hadnt been ridden in a year. he had only been ... A: Well done for rescuing this boy. You are never going to get anywhere matching him pound-for-pound, ...
New Forest Mare	5/4/2010
Q: , I Have Recently Bought A Mare 2 Weeks Ago She Is A New Forest Approximate. 13.2h.h And 2 Years ... A: First off, let me say congratulations on your new girl, she sounds like a really good pony in the ...
mare gone mad	4/15/2010
Q: my mare i bought last year has not been ridden all winter, she has now established herself as lead ... A: You don't say how old you are, what your riding experience is, or anything else. She is probably in ...
Shetland Pony Biting	4/12/2010
Q: We have recently bought a Minature Shetland Filly, just turning 3years. She is very well handled, ... A: Keep doing what you are doing! Saying NO or DON'T YOU DARE in a firm, low, growly tone should do ...
3 year old Arab Gelding	3/16/2010
Q: I have a 3 Year old Arabian/ Pinto mix i am trying to figure out what age i should start breaking ... A: You can start LIGHT work with him now, long reining, bitting, leading out in hand, being sat on and ...
Arab/Paso mama's boy	2/26/2010
Q: Ive been around horses all my life, i was breast fed on horse back. But i got a big, strong, ... A: First, let me say well done on getting back in the saddle after such a bad fall. For all the ...
riding a newly broken mare	2/7/2010
Q: I've looked at a 3 yr old connemara horse that was backed approximately 2 mths ago. The present ... A: I would be inclined to just ride her once or twice per week, nothing too strenuous, just gentle ...
is it necessay to bring her to the vet?	1/26/2010
Q: i have a two year old mare . i am worried that she is mentaly slow. for examle when another horse ... A: I would say she's just a very laid back youngster and you are very lucky. She obviously trusts you, ...
horse phobia	1/1/2010
Q: i have a 3yr old qh mare that has developed a fear of leaving the trees or barn area. she will not ... A: I think she may be agoraphobic. There is no quick fix, only time and patience, you'll have to teach ...
how can i get my TB to work on the bit	12/30/2009
Q: hey there, I own a gorgeous Tb gelding whos recently turned 8, i had him since he was 6 and he ... A: Only thing is work, work and more work! No shortcuts, and a lot of time and patience! Do a lot of ...
rescue ottb help!!!	12/29/2009
Q: I recently purchased an ottb. He had only been ridden once or twice at the rescue i got him from in ... A: He could be cold backed, and when the girth goes on, he feels the saddle on his back, and is trying ...
ride and drive dales mare 10yrs old	12/11/2009
Q: the mare is a dominant mare but i have no problem riding driving tacking up or anything but when i ... A: She's ticklish! And she is trying to tell you she is sensitive, and all you are doing is punishing ...
anglo arab bucking!	12/10/2009
Q: i have an Anglo Arab mare 19 in may, only had her 6.5weeks, bucked once when went into trot, sat ... A: She is taking the mickey out of you! She is trying you out, and you need to do some schooling with ...
former champion nervous under saddle at shows	12/9/2009
Q: I have purchased a 9 yr old purebred Arab gelding that was shown as a 4 year old to several ... A: My advice would be to have a full physical done on him (though I assume you did have him vetted ...
riding problem	11/16/2009
Q: In march of this year I was on a jumping lesson with my clydesdale horse, we have just started to ... A: I can sympathise entirely. If this is a summer problem, it could be her seasons making her a bit ...
yearling	11/11/2009
Q: i was wondering if you could give me a list of things an 18 month old should be doing? A: If you give me an idea of breed, and height, then I could give you a better idea of what you should ...
horse re-schooling	11/2/2009
Q: in your opinion do you think that i shouold start from the begginning re-training him completely and ... A: Thats good to hear. For the respiratory problems, try a Horslyx in the Green tub, they have Menthol ...
horse re-schooling	10/28/2009
Q: in your opinion do you think that i shouold start from the begginning re-training him completely and ... A: Well, first let me say good luck with this boy....and yes, do go right back to the beginning with ...
6 week old arabian foal	10/21/2009
Q: I have a 6 week old Arabian filly at just a few day's old started kicking but now has gone to ... A: Simple solution would be to have her in a different stall while her stall is being cleaned. ...
rearing horse	10/16/2009
Q: i have recently bought a new horse, she is a thoroughbred ex race horse madam moshcatta, war admiral ... A: Well done on giving this lady a second chance. I would suggest getting a qualified instructor to ...
horse reared	10/1/2009
Q: I just bought a horse couple days ago, supposedly well broke, doesn't spook etc.... Well, the day ... A: I know you weren't on her.....but you would jump if you got zapped..it hurts! Ignore the peole who ...
horse reared	10/1/2009
Q: I just bought a horse couple days ago, supposedly well broke, doesn't spook etc.... Well, the day ... A: Your horse would have had a shock, and I think you are being a little unfair on her, wouldn't you ...
Naughty 2 yr old miniature pony stallion	9/30/2009
Q: Rearing kicking and biting, we stoped the rearing for a while but every time he is being launged or ... A: I am guessing he's being a little boy.........a boisterous, playful little boy, and you have to get ...
Please help with my rearing	9/16/2009
Q: I have owned my 16.2 sports horsextb gelding for one month. When I first got him he was bucking alot ... A: This is a new partnership, and I would think he's seeing how much you will let him get away with. ...
training my 3 year old Welsh pony	9/12/2009
Q: I bought a 3 year old Welsh pony 4 months ago, and when I got him he could only walk and trot and ... A: STOP NOW!!!!!! Please............he should just about be being lunged and longreined in preparation ...
separation anxiety!	9/12/2009
Q: I have a 17 year old quarter horse Arabian mare.. and recently we got a miniature horse. When we put ... A: One solution is to ask someone to walk the mini out with you, that way your mare can see her friend, ...
rearing	9/10/2009
Q: I have had my horse for about a month and a half now and every time i want to work with him and he ... A: I would recommend that you get in an approved trainer who can work with both of you to establish a ...
kicking ponies	9/7/2009
Q: We recently got another ponie it is a wonderful 2 year old shetland. She is great doesn't buck etc. ... A: Sounds to me like she is being your typical shetland pony! I have known many, many shetlands, and ...
showing	8/24/2009
Q: My pony will jump anything anywhere however I am having difficulties in entering the ring. She will ... A: There really isn't any remedy for this.....if she really is talented at jumping, then surely it is ...
Young show pony	8/5/2009
Q: I have recently purchased a beautiful 14.1hh riding pony for my daughter Jemma. He is 3 rising 4 and ... A: Well, this seems to be fairly straightforward case. Firstly I would check if he is still entire or ...
Horse troubles	7/27/2009
Q: I own a seven year old Arabian mare and for the most part, she is a sweet and friendly horse. She is ... A: I would suggest that when she trots and canters, her saddle is pinching her. Get a qualified saddle ...
refusing to go forward	7/26/2009
Q: i am a novice rider with a 7 year old connemara.We are being schooled together.He is a lively but ... A: My feeling is that your pony is taking advantage of you being a novice, and knows you haven't got ...
nervous 13yr old mare	7/12/2009
Q: she is 14'2 and 13yrs old. when i hack her out she gets very nervous, she jogs the whole time ... A: You have only had her 2 weeks.....give her time to get to know you. This is a classic reaction to a ...
rescued Arab Mare Saddle breaking	7/4/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old Arabian mare that I rescued 2 months ago. The little bit of information I have ... A: I would think this is either physical pain, or remembered physical pain. She is displaying the ...
rearing horse	6/28/2009
Q: I've had my mare for four months now, i had her when she was a four year old and she was great was ... A: ... Right..for this little lady, I would ignore the instructor, blinkers would just scare her. I ...
rearing horse	6/27/2009
Q: I've had my mare for four months now, i had her when she was a four year old and she was great was ... A: This is a case of her stamping her feet and chucking a tantrum, and the people who you have bought ...
My 5yr old loan pony	6/22/2009
Q: I have had this pony for 6 weeks now, I was given the impression that this pony had been backed and ... A: Oh Megan.....I know the feeling, cos I have EXACTLY the same situation on my hands right now, with ...
long reigning	6/18/2009
Q: have a four yearold mare and was wondering what would be the general length of time from taking the ... A: You are doing the right thing by asking for help and advice.....so many people don't and then pay ...
What to do with a yearling?	6/15/2009
Q: I have bought a welsh D filly and want some ideas on what to do with her in the mean time before she ... A: First of all, let me congratulate you on your new horse, and I hope you have a lot of fun together. ...
Horse	6/1/2009
Q: I have been around horses for about six years now. I understand that horses have a pecking order ... A: I would say that your youngster is pushing his luck and challenging for herd leadership. To stop ...
bitless bridles vs. traditional bits	5/30/2009
Q: I have a 1/2 Arab(a NSH actually),12yr. old gelding,a little spooky but no aggression,etc..How ... A: Bitless bridles work on Poll and nose pressure, and in the wrong hands, can be more severe than a ...
Is my horse ring sour or just not well trained	5/26/2009
Q: I am having trouble with my TB gelding, I hope you can give me some clue on what to do about it. ... A: He sounds like a lovely horse, so I would persist with him, but, give him 18 months not showing! I ...
bits	5/23/2009
Q: A woman I know has a mare that desperatly needs a stronger bit. This woman is VERY opposed to harsh ... A: I hope that I can help here, having had the same situation with my friends horse. I suggest that ...
Rearing horse when asked to move forward.	5/19/2009
Q: I was given a horse this summer who has a reputation for being a stubborn trakehner who usually gets ... A: Sorry to hear about your leg, I know the feeling, I am currently on crutches as well, though my leg ...
Trouble Tacking up Arabian mare	5/14/2009
Q: Hey, I have a problem with my 6year old Arabian mare. We've had her for just over a year now, and ... A: I would suggest that you get your vet to come out and give her a full examination, as it seems to me ...
Mare Kicked Foal	4/30/2009
Q: I am leasing a mare for breeding and she successfully had a healthy colt. This is this mare first ... A: I would suspect that she is just confused, being a new mum, and her first foal. To solve this ...
Hot Headed Horse	4/20/2009
Q: I have a 9 yr old Paint mare that I purchased 5 months ago...my problem with her is she is need to ... A: Well, this little mare has certainly found a friend in you. It is still a 'new' partnership for ...
training a young horse	4/19/2009
Q: i've recently aquired a 3yo thoroughbred mare who was broken to race but showed no interest and has ... A: Firstly, let me say well done for giving this mare a second chance, so many people would not have ...
Bucking	3/26/2009
Q: I have recently bought, an 8yr old ex-racehorse, who has had about 6 months rehabilitation. Hes is ... A: Firstly let me congratulate you on taking on an ex racer, and giving him a second chance.....so many ...
Re-breaking	3/19/2009
Q: I recently sent you a question with regards to my mare being brought back into work. I've attached ... A: .. Sounds like she is a) in pain, b) genuinely can't remember or c) is pushing her luck! To rule ...
Mare developing bad behavior after foaling	3/15/2009
Q: I bought a 13 yr. old mare in Oct.08 who was supposed to be safe, gentle and a "confidence-builder" ... A: You have my sympathy! She may just be a new mum who is very 'foal proud', which basically means ...
Bits	3/14/2009
Q: I have a young arab who iam going to break this summer not sure what type of bit to use on him.Any ... A: I am currently breaking in my young arab mare, and I am using a loose ring plain snaffle as it is a ...
ex race horse	2/22/2009
Q: I live in the UK and I have a 7 year old ex flat racer, English Thoroughbred, which I got from the ... A: I really feel for you! Firstly let me congratulate you on doing a tough job in reschooling this boy, ...
Breaking in	2/2/2009
Q: I have a 2 year old new forest pony hes currently standing at 13hh and is to make 13.2! Ive been ... A: I wouldn't back him yet, he's only 2, and his bones and muscles just will not be ready for it. By ...
my horse	1/28/2009
Q: Can someone tell me why my horse snickers a 7 year old quarter horse keeps acting strange when a ... A: Ashley, Your horse is reacting normally to a higher ranking horse in the herd. The dropped head ...
hore breaking the pasture fence	1/13/2009
Q: I have a horse that no matter what I do she keeps going through the fence. I fix it and she goes ... A: There's two reasons for this, she is lonely and wants some companionship, or she's just being ...
Questions about my one month old filly?	1/8/2009
Q: Pearl(my filly) and me are pretty close,her mother and me also.In the last week,three days apart,as ... A: By all means put a halter on her...she should be used to being handled and led as soon as possible. ...
Bucking at canter	12/24/2008
Q: I am a 26 yr old trainer. I am working with a 5 yr old large pony who was purchased at a auction ... A: I would just make her work through it, also, when you notice she is having a bad bucking day, mark ...
Bucking at canter	12/23/2008
Q: I am a 26 yr old trainer. I am working with a 5 yr old large pony who was purchased at a auction ... A: I know the feeling! My 22yo bucks in canter, often from sheer joy, and the only thing to do is ride ...
MY HORSES FEET	12/7/2008
Q: I GOT MY PONY TRIMMED A WEEK AGO TODAY AND I NOTICED YESTERDAY THAT HE WOULD NOT PUT ANY WEIGHT ON ... A: Probably your pony has just got sensitive feet....and having no shoes on means his sole is in direct ...
Extreme excess of smegma	12/2/2008
Q: I apologize for the indelicate nature of my e-mail. I have searched this site and find you are the ... A: Hmmm..could be worth asking your vet to do a blood test to rule out Cushings, but that is normally ...
Extreme excess of smegma	12/2/2008
Q: I apologize for the indelicate nature of my e-mail. I have searched this site and find you are the ... A: In all my experience, I have come across this only once..that was my first pony, and he had such a ...
horse aggression in an aging horse	11/29/2008
Q: I have a 27 year old quarter horse who is becoming increasingly difficult to handle. He has always ... A: I would get your vet to do a full physical on him, blood tests, the whole works, to rule out tumor ...
Nervous Horse	11/19/2008
Q: I have been training my friends Appaloosa gelding, but I am having a very hard time getting anywhere ... A: Sounds like you arte having a tough time with this boy! Appaloosas, as a breed, have a reputation ...
horse behavior and weight loss diet	11/13/2008
Q: I recently bought a 10 year old halflinger paint cross. He was slightly overweight but a real easy ... A: Possibly it could be pain, ask your vet to do a full physical examination on him, and also, as he's ...
horse behavior and weight loss diet	11/13/2008
Q: I recently bought a 10 year old halflinger paint cross. He was slightly overweight but a real easy ... A: Now it makes sense. He's getting fitter, so is being more challenging. Change his feed to one ...
Show Trouble	11/12/2008
Q: I recently entered my horse in a fun show and the local stable for practice before I entered ... A: Sounds like he's been used to going at jumps flat out, and is a speed merchant. Gridwork, lessons, ...
horse behavior and weight loss diet	11/12/2008
Q: I recently bought a 10 year old halflinger paint cross. He was slightly overweight but a real easy ... A: Your boy is new to you, and is possibly reacting to the change in situation and to the feeding ...
problem with youngster	10/30/2008
Q: 5yr anglo-arab. he was very very head shy when i had him but is doing really well now excepts full ... A: The problem is not that he is head shy, he can see the movement, and being a 'flight' animal, he's ...
Show Jumping	10/29/2008
Q: I have a 12 year old thoroughbred that i don;t really no much about his background. I have had him ... A: Ah, this makes more sense.........sounds like he's had a bad experience at a show when he was ...
Show Jumping	10/29/2008
Q: I have a 12 year old thoroughbred that i don;t really no much about his background. I have had him ... A: I have the same problem with my 22 yr old pure bred arabian mare....she will jump fine at home, but ...
round pen/stall walking/trailering	10/22/2008
Q: I purchased a 5 yr old 1/2 arab 1/2 standard bred gelding approx 3-4 wks ago. I have him boarded in ... A: Your boy is still settling in to a new home. He's been taken away from his friends and all he's ...
horse acting out.	9/20/2008
Q: I rescued a 3 year old thoroughbred from a slauter house in south florida 5 months ago. he was in ... A: He's a young and frustrated little boy, and you are trying to discipline him....he doesn't like it, ...
barn sour horse	9/19/2008
Q: i have a palomeno with one blue eye.ican ride her out in the field and turn around she goes nuts to ... A: .. This is quite a simple matter of separation anxiety....she wants company, so find another rider ...
Arab gelding	9/12/2008
Q: I have a 4yr old egyptian arab who i backed last yr. He has always been as good as gold and never a ... A: Firstly...DITCH THE SIDE REINS! I have reschooled loads of horses, and broken in loads of them as ...
Trouble loading on the trailer	9/5/2008
Q: I have a 13-year-old TB, she was a rescue. She was born/raised where she was rescued from but has ... A: This is going to take time. You cannot hurry this up, and there is no 'quick fix'. No shortcuts, ...
lunging problems	8/29/2008
Q: I have a horse on loan (Toby) who is a Welsh Section D/Connemara and is 15 years old. I have only ... A: In short hun, I don't think that anything is going wrong...I think that it's the troubles we all get ...
"Ring Sour"	8/25/2008
Q: I have an awesome 14 year old QH gelding. When I got him, he was a retired rope horse, reining ... A: I know this is a hard problem, I have had the same thing with my arab mare. One solution is to ...
my horse	8/25/2008
Q: i have a 3 year old quarter horse that i would like to take hunting this year but when i am in my ... A: Your horse is obviously scared, and is exhibiting 'flight' behaviour. The only way you will get her ...
Rearing	7/31/2008
Q: When my horse gets excited he starts to get a little light on his front end. What should i do when ... A: You say you have tried 'kicking him hard, but he's not listenng'...I am not surprised! Would you ...
rearing, walking forward into me	7/20/2008
Q: I have a 1 year old 1/2 arab colt, (quarter) I work with him alot, and hes pretty good, HOWEVER.. it ... A: Right, this little man needs a reality check, he's growing up, and trying to assert his authority ...
rearing, walking forward into me	7/20/2008
Q: I have a 1 year old 1/2 arab colt, (quarter) I work with him alot, and hes pretty good, HOWEVER.. it ... A: .. Does sound like this little guy has herd rank issues and is getting a little above himself. One ...
sudden biting	7/13/2008
Q: i mean really bite, ears flat back and snapping, i went to get him from the field today got his ... A: You are certainly having a rough time with this boy! He's probably trying it on with you...If he ...
difficult pony	7/9/2008
Q: i have a new forest pony he is cob size and likes his owon way, i cant ride him as i havent ridden ... A: It sounds to me like this boy is taking the mickey out of you. He knows you are scared/nervous, and ...
Extending and Collecting	7/8/2008
Q: I was looking at some books about dressage and some of it mentioned extended and collected walks and ... A: Firstly, I presume that you have a horse who is working in an established outline, and in self ...
advice	7/1/2008
Q: i have a 2year old arabxwelsh i have walked her out on a bridle with a snaffle bit,and lunged her is ... A: I would be tempted to try the Parelli games with her, it will teach her to respect your personal ...
catching my pony with others chasing him	6/19/2008
Q: my pony is in a smaller field for a while to lose some weight, but there is another horse in their ... A: It's perfectly normal Carol...my mare has a bit of a runny nose at this time of year. It's nothing ...
catching my pony with others chasing him	6/19/2008
Q: my pony is in a smaller field for a while to lose some weight, but there is another horse in their ... A: There are three ways to do this. One is to move your pony, something you don't want to do. The ...
Restraining a horse in a pasture	6/18/2008
Q: I have a 9 year old gelding that keeps getting into the cornfields that surround the pasture. I ... A: Personally, I would move fields...this removes the temptation to escape, and would be the easiest ...
spooky arab mare	6/15/2008
Q: I have a rescued 17yr old Arab mare who seems to be spooking at everything even when there does not ... A: Firstly, I hope she had a full vet check up before you got her....but get a vet check to just rule ...
New mare- 17 year old arabian	6/10/2008
Q: I just bought a 17 year old arabian mare for a family horse. She is fabulous, rock-solid, wonderful ... A: ... Try a Waterford hanging cheek snaffle....I have used these with very fussy horses in the past, ...
New mare- 17 year old arabian	6/10/2008
Q: I just bought a 17 year old arabian mare for a family horse. She is fabulous, rock-solid, wonderful ... A: I hope I can help. At 17, she is going to be rather set in her ways, and it might be difficult, but ...
re-schooling	6/9/2008
Q: my neice was given a 5 year old new forest pony , at first he had really bad ground manners but we ... A: This is not a problem. You say you've had him just over a month, so he's still adjusting to new ...
Horse problems with jumping	5/28/2008
Q: "My horse is a 16 hand, 15 year old quarter horse gelding, named Buggs. Within the last six months, ... A: A bubble bit or continental gag is not a harsh bit..I do all my pre show schooling/hacking/jumping ...
Horse problems with jumping	5/26/2008
Q: "My horse is a 16 hand, 15 year old quarter horse gelding, named Buggs. Within the last six months, ... A: I would suggest that your boy is getting excited about jumping....and is just wanting to get to the ...
how to start my 3 yo	5/13/2008
Q: When i brought her home she settled really well the first 2 days. on the 3rd day she has started to ... A: Firstly, I would suggest sectioning off a small area of field in front of the stable so she can come ...
Which Bit?	5/13/2008
Q: I e mailed you last week about my Arab gelding, he is doing really well but at times he seems to ... A: I don't mind in the slightest, better you ask and have a bit of help to get it right, than struggle ...
Which Bit?	5/8/2008
Q: I e mailed you last week about my Arab gelding, he is doing really well but at times he seems to ... A: My arab mare has 3 bits. One is a jointed Eggbut snaffle for dressage work, one is a 3 ring jointed ...
seperation anxiety	4/30/2008
Q: my question is in reguard to my 6yr old arab x welsh mare, Annie. at 5 weeks old her mother died. ... A: I think that Annie may be a natural 'Alpha' mare, in the wild she would be herd leader. She sounds ...
Backing	4/29/2008
Q: I have rencently started to back my Arab gelding he is 4 in May,I would like to show him in the ... A: I hope I can help. As he is not quite 4, I'd just ride occasionally until possibly late this year, ...
horses rearing	4/15/2008
Q: I am a horse trainer and i have just had a horse come to me from the isle of wight last month.she is ... A: If this was me with this horse, I'd get a full vetting done, check her back, teeth, and tack, and ...
dominant/aggressive arabian	4/7/2008
Q: He has always been a strong character but I have trained him to have good ground manners - he's a ... A: I would suggest that he's trying your patience. Ask if he can be moved to a smaller herd, possibly ...
facing the other way!	4/4/2008
Q: our horse is 4 years old (5 this summer) we had him at two, and broke him ourselves. he is as good ... A: There's two or three possible causes. One is that he's teething, and the bit is clanking against ...
Arab Muzzled	3/30/2008
Q: iam 34yrs old I have pretty good horse experince I board so to fix it they muzzled him ... A: Arabs are higly inquisitive by nature..I learnt this the hard way, as my mare used to regularly ...
Odd Behavior to Me	3/27/2008
Q: I have a coming 2 year old 1/2 Arabian 1/2 Quarter horse Filly. We lunge her in a round pen without ... A: Sounds like your fillies are both pretty accepting of anything you do with them. Please don't ride ...

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Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training

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Emma Dickinson-Gater

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Expertise

Anything about Showing, english style, dress, ringcraft. Difficulties with Arabians, rearing, schooling issues.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience in the showring, and have broken and schooled on all my own horses. I have schooled on many horses that have been classed as difficult to handle, or dangerous to ride. These horses havre gone on to be calm, well mannered, and are successful in showing homes, and as happy hackers.

Education/Credentials
BHS stage 1 and 2. Experienced in breaking and schooling young horses.

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