I spoke with the horse's owner today and gained some more information to some questions that have been asked a long the way.

- The horse sees a farrier regularly. She also has shoes.
- In the last 5 years, she has not been ridden. She is still pretty green, but has been ridden before being auctioned. We just don't know how broken in she is.


The woman offered me a partnership with the horse since she is not able to get out often to see her horse. She wants me to meet the owner of the farm so that I'll be able to go up by myself with no questions asked. She told me she would love it if I could give Gypsy, the paint, the love and care that she needs. I'm thrilled and honored somehow all at once. I'm meeting Gypsy tomorrow!

Someone also gave me the following:

- Brand new saddle pads (the white comfy ones used for english riding)
- Used pads (western)
- 2 used halters, one with a lead rope (one halter is leather which needs to be cleaned well as it is dusty but really nice)
- Used grooming equipment such as all kinds of brushes, hoof picks, combs, etc
- Those green bandages used for showing (I took them cause you never know)
- Leg bandages (?) for transporting.
- two tack carry containers

Neither one of us are able to get a hold of a saddle and bridle yet, but that can wait.

Here's the plan. Get to know the horse. Walk her around, spend time with her and feed her snacks.

The owner asked if I knew anything about training. I don't but I can bs a little, right? I told her I didn't know a lot, but I know if she's that green, you can't just throw a saddle on her. I believe you have to start light. Suggestions? I'm okay with the saddle training, but how do you train for a bridle and bit?

I know this is going to take a while and that's fine by me. Part to of my plan once she knows me well (I'm talking months from now) is to try bareback but only if I have a bridle at least.

Suggestions, pointers, advice? All are welcome. And for all of those who have been so motherly, don't worry ... I WILL be careful and smart about this.

I trained mules for riding.....write awfulwreck...he's on M2...up in Montana. Great horseperson...ask him what you need to know!
Good luck!

Thanks, Vivian!

Also, I'm about to wash the saddle pads now. It says to wash them in cool water. Cold, cold then? I don't want to mess anything up.

P.S. It tells me awfulwreck is not a user.

as a kid my dad got me and my brother shetland ponies (he wanted us to be cowboy..hahahahaha)....I liked mine but couldn't ride it without my brother's evil white shetland biting me and running me out of the field when no one was around......got no practical advice...I just know that I still don't trust horses and they know it.

Aw, krupa, that is so cute

...If you're like me, you have A.D.D., and only read this part, that would just sound so dirty minded!

Ha ha. Of course it has to be a guy that points that out

Hey hey, I'm a sweetheart. Not just some average guy... but yes, I will admit... I have a dirty mind, but it only makes it's appearance when someone mentions the word bridle!

I know you must be. I just read your entire profile. I'll let ya slide just this once

I'll email you his address if you'd like...he won't mind...Just tell him I said it was ok

Sorry, it's the A.D.D. again, but he was good in Purple Rain.

Sure, as long as he really won't mind

I just called him and told him to be expecting your email...he said it was fine.

I'll take your word for it

alright. cool.

if you're not experienced with breaking a horse, don't attempt it alone. work with a trainer as you can do a lot of harm to the horse and yourself. i don't know how you are with horses so if i'm telling you what you already know then accept my apologies. :-D

the saddle has to fit correctly or you'll REALLY damage the horse's back which affects other parts of the body (equine chiropractors are expensive). the bit has to be the right one and the right size or you'll REALLY damage the mouth and teach bad habits as a horse will learn to evade the bit that hurts them. you can only 'fudge it' so much with a green horse before doing damage that can be difficult to undo later. sometimes impossible.

i've retrained retired harness horses who have a bit of a head on their shoulders cuz they've seen a bit of the world so its different than a truly green horse. watching my friend with her 2 year old filly, i can tell you that its a whole different world. the way they're broken as a true beginner sets them up for how they'll be later on in attitude. the equipment you use and your own experience with riding can injure them which sets them up for physical problems later on...very expensive vet bills.

so be careful for the horse and for you. trainers are expensive too but working with one will be safer for you both.

I never have understood why people put kids on Shetland ponies. They were bred to pull coal carts up from underground. Not for kids.

Krupa, if you ever want to get over your fear of horses I'd be happy to help. No cowboying allowed, and I can't promise Chance won't try and drool on you (its some oddball game with him) but he's good about teaching others.

Wolf, I agree with a trainer if you can swing it. If not, grab some books. It'll help you avoid the worst mistakes. Also there's a reAlly excellent book called The Tao of Equus that is a more holistic/spiritual approach with horses and self. I enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend it and the sequel. There's also a website too.

Hey Engraven! Bareback...

Lmao!

A couple of words of advice here. Don't let the horse intimidate you. If you are at all frightened while trying to train it, the horse will use it to its advantage.

Also, until you are sure the horse is broken, NEVER try to ride it when you are there alone. I was thrown off a horse and dislocated my elbow. Right after I hit the ground, I jumped up and ran. I came to about half a mile from where I fell. If there was no one there, I probably would still be wondering around in the woods.