[Missy M]

When I was 10 years old, I half owned (not half leased) a 3yr old Paint Gelding, named: Red. I've been looking for him for the last 3+ years. I've finally found him. But...the last 3+ years, unsure of his where-abouts... his previous (more then one) have abused him. And probably almost went to slaughter. The person who has him now, is keeping him forever. But from what she's telling me, he has extremly bad trust issues, gets really tense when someone new is on his back (even though I'm NOT new, but it's been LONG TIME SINCE WE'VE SEEN EACH OTHER). And gets worried about his mouth. Now when she said some of his new....personalites that have grown on him since he's been abused...The trusting, the tense'ness, and the worried about his mouth.... how is this recorrected? She won't let me ride him, due to liability and stuff, but I would like to know how this can be fixed. I know he'll never been the same horse again, but he deserves a second chance. It's not fair..thank youI don't own him. I can't pay for him, I'm 15. Parents won't help either. I just want to help him as well. Even though I'll only see him...about once a month. if that.

[K F]

Good for you for not abandoning him after you found out his past was painful. What does it take to reclaim an abused horse? In a word, time. Lots of time handling, slow ground work, round pen work & in - hand work. Hours grooming and hand grazing, time in or next his stall, just reading and talking to him. Get him to realize you're not going to hurt him. This will tranfer to under saddle work, to a degree, but don't expect miracles. Read up on the theories taught by John Lyons & Monty Roberts. It's always about pressure, yield, release pressure. And 'pressure' doesn't always mean physical pressure. Body language speaks loudest to the abused horse. Touch isn't always necessary. Voice is. Might be that he needs to be started again, from scratch, always working on trust. Also, since his mouth is a major issue, I'd keep a bit out of it for now. I'd ride in a hackamore until he realizes that the rest of the riding experience won't hurt him otherwise. Lastly, is it possible his teeth need floating? Have his wolf teeth been removed? That would make *any* well behaved horse hyper sensitive about his mouth. Good luck.

[CowGirl22]

Do the t-touch by Linda Tellington!It works. As for the mouth you must be patiant.Reach your hand by him and slowly drop fodd by him,but slowly like sand. Keep doing this intill he won't run away.why he is being saddled use you index and middle finger to rub circles around his forehead itntill hr relax's enough to rest his head in your arms thhen whisper to him very quietly say there's a boy,and very softly "relax,easy" it is more how you say it than what you say. After he get's used to this noise start singing qiuetly to him,it worked for me!

[horsecrazy]

It will take time, handling and patience. He needs daily attention. Nice and slow. Never reach straight out to Red but slowly with your arm lowered reach to his shoulder and pet softly then work your way up. Do not make eye contact with him while walking towards him. Speak softly but confident and do not ever let him sense fear on you. Anytime you see progress being made reward him with saying good boy with a nice rub. Slowly work your hand down his face just an inch or two at a time. Stretch this exercise out about 3 days. By the end of the third day you should be able to touch his mouth. Good luck..............

[Horse crazy]

A passive approach is definitely what to do. The new owner shud do some bonding exercises like t-touch, groundwork etc. Mark Rashid's books are brilliant for problems in horses so read some of his books. I found Horses Never Lie, Considering The Horse and A Good Horse Is Never A Bad Colour extremely helpful. Never force the horse to do anything he's had enough of that.God Bless you for taking the initiative and love to look after an old friend-even if it's in the form of a horse.