First we (husband and I)have never owned a horse or even really been around them. That said, I have always wanted a horse (I'm 52) and just decided one day to adopt two PMU horses, there will never be the "right time", so I just did it. We have a 2.5 acre fenced pasture, no barn yet, and no round pen. The 2yr old is friendly, sometimes too friendly as she is so big and really doesn't know what is okay and what isn't. The 8 yr old mare is another story.
She is impossible to catch. She will now come up and take food out of our hands, but she really reaches as far as she can and any movement sends her away. Her keeps her ears back and any movement or attempt to touch send her flying, it is so frustrating. She constantly watches us over the fence, appears really interested in what we are doing. She watches the other horse get petted, groomed, talked to, etc. It seems like she wants attention and perhaps is jealous of the other horse. (She is definately the dominate horse.)
The vet came out and he had to run her down, hang onto her halter, pull her head down and tie her to a tree while he gave her shots and wormer. He told me to send her to a trainer.
Since they have arrived I spend time with them, I have a lawn chair in the pasture, I walk around and talk to them, just try to be around them so the mare will realize I won't hurt her.
This has been going on for 7 weeks and I don't know what to do. I've read about the ruond pen work, but we don't have a round pen and a barn must come first because of finances. I don't want to send her away to a trainer, one we can't afford it now and two I really want her to trust me. Any help would be appreciated.

I can give you some training advice, but I'm really concerned if you haven't been around horses much because they can be downright deadly, without even meaning to be, just because of their instincts... that said, my #1 advice would be to try to find a trainer. Although they are expensive, the amount of money you could end up spending in doctor bills (not to mention possibly your life!) can far exceed the amount that you will pay a trainer. Please be careful no matter what you do. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. It's just not worth it.

If you do not have a round pen, the alternative would be using a lounge line. The problem with this is that you will be using your strength to hold onto this horse, while it is trying to flee, and that could spell disaster. The trick is using your body language to communicate with the horse. If you can use a round pen, it's much easier because you don't have a long line that you're holding onto which can pull your shoulder out if the horse decides to act goofy.

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I've been around horses enough to see the types of injuries they can inflict on people without even meaning to do so.

With finances, you could try to build a round pen out of oak planks; just be sure to use plywood for the bottom 4 feet or so. This will make the round pen a little safer for the horse because she will not be able to catch a hoof in between the boards. There are books that can teach you about the dimensions of round pens and correct material for the footing.

Good luck to you. My Mom is in the same situation as you right now---she is 52, has very little horse experience, and just bought her first horse (a 3 month old filly) and is starting from scratch. She's wanted a horse her entire life and finally has one. It's a wonderful thing to own a horse- you just have to put your safety 1st always!

Some good training books to check out---
Monty Roberts
John Lyons
Parelli

Razza, my Belgian/paint started out the same way. We got her in October 2005. What saved her, and me was the Parelli Nateral Horsemanship approach. I watched the beginning videos and then had a Parelli instructor show me some things, work with her and then I actually took her to a clinic and we're doing great! We've now done the clinic 2 times and she was so cuddly this time, I actually had to make her back off from me at times and give me space.

I'm attaching a photo of us at the clinic, I hope it works.

Jeannette Wright
972-345-2718

Looks like my attempt to attach the photo did not work. I'll try once more.

Thereallalong,

My first suggestion would be to try to corner off a corner of your pasture, just to give you a place to work her. I definately agree with Rainbow about your safety. They just don't realized how much bigger they are than us. Just know that time will earn her trust as well. We have two mustangs straight off the range at our stables. They have been there since October and are in stalls with small paddocks. You still can't get near either one of them easily. They are just now at the stage of taking food from you.

It kind of concerns me with the way you said the vet handled her. That doesn't help your mares confidence in people. I know it would sure scare the daylights out of me.

Just be consistant and persistant and she will come around. To quote a clinician I watched work at the Western States Horse Expo last year, "It takes as long as it takes". Good Luck

Let's see if this worked now. If so this is Razza and me at the Parelli clinic.

Jeannette - you're so close! The Internet address you used is a Web page - you need the actual address of the photo. A photo address will end in the image file name, usually .jpg. Here is the URL of the photo you're trying to post:

http://www.menaredogsbook.com//images/horses/IMG_5507.JPG

And here is the photo:


A totally stunning photo, and breathtaking horse, by the way!

What a beautiful mare Jeannette!

Jeannette, your horse is beautiful! Where did you get her?

I finally saw a t.v. show this past week on Parelli and loved watching him work with the horses. He's a really funny and entertaining guy and does amazing things with horses!

You said you really can't afford training right now....I know the organization that we purchased our mares from said that we could call anytime with questions or if we need help and they would consult. I would suggest asking them for some advise as they are around these mares all the time and would be familiar with yours.

In addition, purchase some training books and general horse information books or check some out from the library to help you get started. If you can, try to swing at least 1 or 2 lessons for your mare. I know it's hard to be patient, but don't force the issue and she will eventually come around.

Depending on the horse and it's confidence and trust level, it could take a really long time to actually gain it's trust. Spend as much time as possible with her without trying to touch her. Just talk to her. We had one that was really flighty and scared and with constant attention, she has come around in about 1 week. She now lets us touch her and pet her and will eat out of our hands. I think your mare has less confidence and trust than this one did for us, though.

Hi Rainbow,
I got her from Hope for Horses in Texas, near McKinney, Texas. Before that, Razza came from Canada along with many other horses. Anastasia, from Hope for Horses was wonderful to work with. Her website is www.hopeforhorses.com
I'm glad you like Razza, she is my joy.
Jeannette

Thanks to all of you for your replies. We also got our horses from Anastasia with Hope for Horses in Texas. Anastasia and a friend delivered them to us. I did e-mail Anastasia but never received a reply. I have bought several books and am still trying to get Bertha to trust me.

I would call Anastasia...she doesn't respond to e-mails as quickly. When I've called her and left a message, she has always returned my calls.