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Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training/Questions Answered by Expert Sarah Lothmann
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Horse not wanting to go into her stable | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I'm hoping you can give me some advise. four months ago I got a thoroughbred mare that is turning ... A: Simply put, yes this could be due to boredom. Sounds as if she challenging whomever in order to ... | |
| picking out my horse's feet | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I have recently bought a fell mare aged 16 and she seems to have a real issue over allowing me to ... A: Your mare is probably not ready for the farrier just yet. If you can, postpone the appointment for ... | |
| behaviour | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: my gelding of nearly two years old keeps on mounting another gelding when in the field together! is ... A: This is not exactly "abnormal". Sometimes this behavior can be an expression of dominance. ... | |
| Training Saddlebred for Huntseat | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Lothmann, I have been working to train my 11 yr old Saddlebred gelding, Yoda, so that we may ... A: This is something that does require a certain feel in the rider. To develop this feel I urge you to ... | |
| Bucking draft horse out of nowhere, how to fix the relationship. | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I'm turning to you for advice. I asked R. Gore some questions because his advice to me half a year ... A: A horse can buck under saddle for a variety of reasons. In general a horse bucks out of ... | |
| horse taking a bit | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I have an 18 year old mare that I just got 2 weeks ago and she will not take a bit in her mouth ... A: I had a question similar to this once before. Please refer to the link below. Read a few ... | |
| Loading in a trailer | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I have pony who has a tricky little habbit of refusing to load at events. She will always load at ... A: Your pony is not displaying insecurity while trying to assert her authority on the others in the ... | |
| TRAINING FOR WESTERN PLEASURE | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to train for western pleasure it seems like all my life. I just wanted to do one ... A: Keep in mind I've hardly the first clue about western riding as my background is in hunter/jumpers. ... | |
| TRAINING FOR WESTERN PLEASURE | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to train for western pleasure it seems like all my life. I just wanted to do one ... A: Each horse is different thus the process can vary from horse to horse. When first starting a horse ... | |
| Abused Horse Rushes into Stall | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I have recently started training an abused stardardbred. I have finally gotten her to trust me in ... A: If possible, try giving her the option to freely walk out of her stall at her will. She needs to ... | |
| Experienced horse over-jumping | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: He was successfully shown up to level 2 jumpers. I am a fairly novice rider and just starting to ... A: It sounds like a combination of both you and your horse creating the random over jumping. From the ... | |
| over weight pony wont leave company | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: i have 8 years riding experience and have been given the responsibility of regaining the fitness of ... A: If I were in your situation, here is what I would do to try to correct this unwanted behavior. The ... | |
| horses | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: my brother and his wife tie there horses up to the hitching post for hours at a time they have tied ... A: I'm not so sure I agree with your brother and his wife about this teaching the horses discipline. I ... | |
| saddle breaking 8 yr old | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: trying to saddle break an 8 yr old mare. trainer has now been able to put saddle on her, when she is ... A: 8 years old is more of a challenge than 2 or 3 yr old. She will be more stubborn with certain ... | |
| Left rein problem | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: I find I cannot canter properly when using the left rein. My transition isn't as clear as with my ... A: Everyone has a stronger side. Try correcting your legs by riding without stirrups. As for your ... | |
| colts | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: ive just bought a colt welsh cob sec c 7 months old. 5 days ago hes not been handled.hes scared when ... A: That's difficult to say Stacey. You haven't mentioned your past experience with horses, nor your ... | |
| Stumbling, fore leg tremors, toe dragging | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: My 5 yr. old quarter cross gelding has been stumbling and had fore leg tremors since he was 2 yrs. ... A: HYPP certainly does seem like a possibility. It is easy to test for HYPP. All you need to do is ... | |
| herd bound&pacing | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: Maybe you can help. I have a 9 year old tb cross who has become very herd bound when i moved him to ... A: Sorry for the delay in a response, I've been recovering from an injury that makes it hard for me to ... | |
| Won't bend to right | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I am currently riding a 5 yr old American Sport Pony. I started her about 2 months ago and she is ... A: Sorry for the delay, I've been recovering from an injury that has made it difficult to type. So I ... | |
| nervous pony | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am breaking a 12.2 pony about a month ago he had an accident when working in menage he badly cut ... A: For the moment, disregard his previous head shy behavior from when you first got him. Focus on the ... | |
| not wanting to move forward off the bit(stops) | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: i have a 4 year old standarbred very tall and lazy horse about 17 hands thats why he did not race ... A: You can try switching bits, however, I don't think this is the problem. To be absolutely honest ... | |
| My Mare | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to ask you a question concerning my mare. The previous summer, I barrel raced my mare, and ... A: Sounds to me like a combination of things are creating this undesirable behavior. She is in the ... | |
| housing of a horse | 1/27/2009 |
| Q: I just want to ask if I should leave on the night lights for my horses in the stalls at night in the ... A: They will be perfectly fine in the dark. So long as they are familiar with there setup and they can ... | |
| Abused colt | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I've had my stud colt for 12 months, I bought him when he was 8months now he is 20months. When I had ... A: These are some loaded questions! I appreciate the thorough background information! 1.) Is he ... | |
| horses fighting | 1/17/2009 |
| Q: Recently my friend has asked to keep her mare on the farm two I thought this a lovely idea as apple ... A: Well, you are on the right track. Keep gradually exposing them to each other. Unfortunately, just ... | |
| Problem Pony | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: I am in need of some major free advice. Some others I have talked to, who seem very wise, said my ... A: Wow! You do certainly have your hands full! I must say that your pony does seem to be a threat to ... | |
| English Horse | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: I need your help on this english horse I have. He is a six year old paint/standerbred gelding. The ... A: Some horses are just more lazy than others. The bucking and bolting leads me to a few questions for ... | |
| the proper age to break quarter horses | 12/27/2008 |
| Q: When is a good age to saddle break/ride a large structured quarter horses? Should I get my vet to ... A: The mares that are 3 & 4 should be ready to start breaking. The one mare that is turning 2 is a bit ... | |
| behavior | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: I purchased a 7 yr old App gelding a few months ago. When we first got him he was well behaved ... A: Kim, the trick is finding a healthy balance between love and leadership. If you let your horse ... | |
| Standardbred | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I am looking a buying a 5 year old Standardbred but he was been trained for racing, He is a great ... A: Absolutely! You may have a bit of a handful with the racing background, however, nearly every horse ... | |
| Standardbred but no Canter | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: G'day my name is miranda and i bought a standardbred about 6 months ago. Im not sure if you could ... A: Well perhaps start by spinning him around on the lunge line. If he is having troubles there take a ... | |
| 2 horses, 2 attitudes | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I am 13 and I have very little experience. About 8 months ago I got my first horse. He is a Palomino ... A: "Could you please help me on getting him to move faster." Be sure you are not sending conflicting ... | |
| 2 horses, 2 attitudes | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I am 13 and I have very little experience. About 8 months ago I got my first horse. He is a Palomino ... A: Wow! This is quite an endeavor for anyone, especially a novice horseman, and one at your age! ... | |
| arena jumping | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I've had my mare for about a year and a half now. She has been an amazing, and difficult ... A: Jenny try setting up at first a cross rail with a ground pole off to the side so that if she tries ... | |
| breaking our 2 1/2 gelding? | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I have 4 horses. He grew up with horses. His mom has trained many horses, but the ... A: Victoria your horse sounds ready to be broke! I would not wait until he is six! By then you will ... | |
| no respect at all | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I just bought a horse. She is three and not broke and I didn't get a chance to handle her much ... A: Yes, you definitely have a lot of work a head of you. First thing I highly recommend is that you ... | |
| horse problems, stabling, anxiety disorder? | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: I am currently loaning a 15.3hh 3/4 tb mare who is 13 years old. She is put out in the field in the ... A: Helen it sounds to me that she is not getting along with who she is stabled next to. I would try ... | |
| horse kicking | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a mare Quarter Horse about 5 yrs old that has kicked me several times. I am not afraid of ... A: My first suggestion is to contact a trainer who specializes in natural horsemanship. They can help ... | |
| Breaking My Horse | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: my name is Sabrina and I got a five year old American Quarter Horse in April. When we got her she ... A: Breaking and initial training of a five year old is very difficult as you may be first noticing. ... | |
| breaking my first horse | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: i am 14 years old and i have been riding for about year. i am getting a pony for my birthday. The ... A: I STRONGLY urge you, for your safety and for your pony's, find a professional trainer to assist you! ... | |
| Haltering a 3 month old colt | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm 13 and have only been around and riding horses for about a year and a half. I bought a mare in ... A: I highly recommend reading the articles I have links for below. These articles are thorough and can ... | |
| Zues. | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: He has been ridden about 5 times by 3 different people.First by 2 guys and then by myself,my mother ... A: A three year old stud is a lot of horse for anyone to handle! I strongly advise you find a trainer ... | |
| horse is not trusting of people | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: I came upon your website after doing a search for answers and I thought I would send you an email ... A: Your situation is actually fairly common. Many times I have had clients come to me for answers as ... | |
| behavior issues | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: my name is Kristina and I needed some advice. My 14 year old quarter horse tends to act up every ... A: I have had many people ask me what to do in this situation. You are correct in that you have ... | |
| Breaking techniques | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 horses in question. A 2 1/2 yr old QH gelding ( had for about 8 months)with ground work ... A: It is really hard for me to know without watching you whether your are doing something wrong. You ... | |
| very spooky nervous horse | 7/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a beautiful paint mare. She is 8 years old and has foaled once. She is so spooky and head ... A: Kristy you seem to be a genuine loving horseman! I respect that! When I read your question I am ... | |
| AQHA Show Horse | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: My daughther has been showing horses for eight years in 4-H and open shows and has owned her on ... A: Without knowing what you have tried to do to correct the matter, I can only provide you with a ... | |
| horse will no go | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a new quarter horse paint mix. She is a 10 yr old mare. She is very sweet natured but does ... A: As for the walking while mounting - have someone else hold the horse still while getting on. ... | |
| problems in field | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: my horse is 11 and iv had her for 10 1/2 years. since moving to a busier yard where she is kept in a ... A: This requires a slightly different approach, although not too different. The end part is still the ... | |
| problems in field | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: my horse is 11 and iv had her for 10 1/2 years. since moving to a busier yard where she is kept in a ... A: What it is happening is your mare is becoming herd bound. This is very natural. Think back to the ... | |
| shoeing | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a 7year old thoroughbred. We bought him off the local race track when he was 3yrs. old. He ... A: Yes, the horse can be retrained! I have yet to come across a horse that couldn't be retrained. ... | |
| Cross cantering | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: Hey. One of my horses who I've owned for a while has a cross cantering problem. He used to race, so ... A: It's good to hear from you again! Because the horse came from the track I am going to assume you ... | |
| Behavior | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: I have an off the track TB mare that I purchased one year ago. Lunging her has been a problem ... A: Yes! She definitely is looking at you as a herd member she can dominate and control! It is ... | |
| 2-point | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: Hey there. I gotta quick question maybe you can help me out. I have been showing in jumpers for over ... A: I have a few things you can try. As dedicated as you are, I am sure you'll give these tips all your ... | |
| training | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: 5 year old and i have been lounging him and i think he is doing well hes a very calm horse and has ... A: Keep saddling him again and again. After several sessions of this, if he is still calm, you can go ... | |
| How much riding is ok? | 5/30/2008 |
| Q: I have had two horses for about 8 years. The past few years I have not been able to ride as much ... A: I definitely think you should gradually increase the rides. You don't want to strain your animals ... | |
| Training a Pony | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: We recently purchased a POA that is 6 yrs old. My Daughter is riding her and we have had her for 4 ... A: Your pony is known as "barn sour", more specifically, "gate sour". You will have to be persistent ... | |
| My horse Holly | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a beautiful palomino paint QH. I have been slowly working with her to build trust ... A: If I were in your shoes there would be quite a few things I would try. However, I strongly urge you ... | |
| acting out | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: I purchased a 13yo TB hunter 2 weeks ago with the help of my trainer (I'm back in the saddle after ... A: When he gets in the ring during the riding lessons, he might be feeling a bit of a herd instinct, ... | |
Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training
Answers by Expert:
Sarah Lothmann
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience
I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensuring the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Organizations
ASPCA, Desert Valley Equestrians, Arizona Equestrian Network, The Equestrian Paddock, & Equine Photographers Network
Publications
The Equestrian Paddock & Soon I will be announce another online publication featuring my monthly articles.
Education/Credentials
AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Awards and Honors
Graduated High School with High Honors, College GPA 4.0, OHJA & KHJA Year End Equitation Championships as a junior rider, & ASPCA Maclay Class & USET Class wins.
Past/Present Clients
In the past I have worked for and with Laurie Story, Mindy Darst & Lochmoor Stables, Chris & Matt Payne, Scott Taylor, Camargo Stables, Marianne Murphy, the Lindner family, Brigette Carlson, Bobbi Theis, Cincinnati Theraputic Riding, Sweetwater Stables, Lucy Alibaster, Los Cedros, and Leslie Stohlgren. Currently I am working with private clients.
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