What should I do?

[Horseaholic]

Soooo.... today is the day...Prado got turned out. I was so excited and nervous at the same time! Bay and I thought it was going to be a lot of fun. But Prado didn't think so. We walked out fine and I was expecting him to shoot off the moment I took his halter off but he only kinda moved his head quickly out of the halter then stood there and started grazing. I was really impressed. So after about 5 minutes of grazing we decided he was going to be just fine. My mom and I started cleaning the barn I went in to get a drink of water and my mom started calling me to come take a look at Prado finally letting off some steam. Well...that steam lasted a full hour. He started screaming almost frantically and running full blast around the pasture. I walked out there started talking to him and he would not calm down. I thought he had calmed down a bit and when I turned to walk away he lost it again. Just totally freaked. He was lathered in sweat and it was literally pouring down his face and off his body. I sat on the ground outside the gate for nearly an hour wondering what I should do. He started to somewhat calm down kept coming up to me but would have burst of panic and I was wondering how I was going to get him back to the barn with out him bolting back with me hanging onto the lead. So after he was only pacing and not running like a maniac I stepped in. He came up to me immediately and I haltered him after he nearly knocked me over. So we walked around the pasture a bit...for every 4 steps we took we took 2 back and made it to the barn doing that the entire way. I surprised it went so well (leading him back) but now I'm wondering what to do the next time I turn him out.

Do I let him have his freak out? I really can NOT purchase another horse so unless someone is willing to let their horse stay here for a bit idk what to do about a buddy if that's the problem. There is a much larger pasture that butts up to two mares in foal but I'd hate to put him in there and have him and the mares going crazy. :o

[CaddoCinnamon]

It is hard to say what the problem might be. I wished that I could help you out but am unsure of what you need to do in this situation.

[WashingtonBay]

He's been cooped up a long time and it's a new place. I bet the next time is only a fraction of the amount of excitement of today.

Is he doin' alright tonight? If so, don't worry... (easy for me to say, right?) he's just bein' a horse. Did you at least take some pictures?

[gaited07]

Is there anything to harm him in the pasture area? What about the fences, are they strong and tall enough to with stand him?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then I would let him have his fits of ?? He will calm down on his terms. Just make sure he is cooled down before giving him water.

As for a buddy, no! It sounds like Prado has esteem issues and will use the buddy as a crutch which in turn will give you more of a headache than good. JMO:)

[JackieB]

Gosh, I'm really sorry. I'm sure the experts will have some ideas.

I sure don't want to insult you Michelle, but do you think that maybe Prado is a lot more horse than what you should take on at this stage in your horse life? Maybe find him a home where he can be with someone who has a lot of experience with energetic thoroughbreds, take a deep breath for some months, and then look around for a 20-something quarter horse, appy, or similar?

Of course we'll all support you no matter what, but I have to admit that Prado is a lot more horse than I could handle/care for. I just don't want you to get too discouraged. He's a good boy, but it doesn't seem like he's very comfortable, and he sure puts you through the wringer. Hugs.

[3equines]

What she ^ (WB) says. Give it time, and consistency, and see what happens.

[JackieB]

I bet the next time is only a fraction of the amount of excitement of today.


That would sure be nice. But from her description, it seemed like he was maybe more distressed than excited. Video would help, I'm sure.

Michelle, was he constantly looking left right, here, there, everywhere? Looking off into the distance as he calls? That seems to be more a sign of distress from my experience. When the horses at our farm are just burning off steam, they don't necessarily seem to concerned with what's going on elsewhere.

[JackieB]

Please (anyone) let me know if my post is too harsh and I should take it down. The last thing I want to do is discourage Horseaholic. It just seems to me like Prado is a major handful (but I love him, I love all of the horses) for a newbie horse owner.

I just want to see Horseaholic really enjoy her experience as a horse owner, and Prado enjoy himself too, of course.

[WashingtonBay]

I think it sounds like a thoroughbred who hasn't gotten to do more than walk for how many months now? And this is the first time in a big new pasture.

My ole Bay could make at least a half hour of excitement out of that. And he's 3-4 times Prado's age.

[JackieB]

As for a buddy, no! It sounds like Prado has esteem issues and will use the buddy as a crutch which in turn will give you more of a headache than good. JMO:)

That's good advice. I've seen horses like this get so bonded to the other horse that they have no use for the people anymore. Seeing the horses on the other side of the fence should be enough for him.

[JackieB]

I think it sounds like a thoroughbred who hasn't gotten to do more than walk for how many months now?

That makes sense. They are just more horse in general than I'm used to, I guess.

[WashingtonBay]

Please (anyone) let me know if my post is too harsh and I should take it down. The last thing I want to do is discourage Horseaholic. It just seems to me like Prado is a major handful (but I love him, I love all of the horses) for a newbie horse owner.

I just want to see Horseaholic really enjoy her experience as a horse owner, and Prado enjoy himself too, of course.

You can have an opinion.... she's pretty capable of arguing with it if she disagrees. I just didn't see it as a skill issue. It was just a running horse and a nervous momma. I'd have been just as nervous. She's got a lot invested in that horse, both heart and money. And the first time I turn a horse out in a new place I'm always nervous.... Just wait till I move in a few weeks! You'll see!

[Horseaholic]

Honestly, I don't think he's too much horse for me. I think with the surgery and rest he's become VERY high strung and I honestly can not wait to start working with him regularly and get back into our groove. He's a perfect fit for me...he takes such good care of me and I can not think of not having him.

He's doing well tonight. I did wait to give him water. :) he's completely normal and is basically acting like turn out never happened.

I did get pics :) I'll post when I get a chance. (That comps upstairs)

[vicklynn]

Please (anyone) let me know if my post is too harsh and I should take it down. The last thing I want to do is discourage Horseaholic. It just seems to me like Prado is a major handful (but I love him, I love all of the horses) for a newbie horse owner.

I just want to see Horseaholic really enjoy her experience as a horse owner, and Prado enjoy himself too, of course.
I didnt see anything harsh. You were kind in your explanation of how you felt.
Hey, even after riding City for a couple yrs, knowing him, he became to much for me.
It happens, and we have to do what is right for us and our horse.
In my case it was to sell him to someone more experienced and keep Myst, my more docile horse(just dont tell her shes more docile, she thinks shes sassy..lol).

[JackieB]

Honestly, I don't think he's too much horse for me. I think with the surgery and rest he's become VERY high strung and I honestly can not wait to start working with him regularly and get back into our groove. He's a perfect fit for me...he takes such good care of me and I can not think of not having him.


Wonderful. That's the spirit! I'll look forward to seeing the two of you at the Rolex in Lexington someday!!!

[Horseaholic]

JackieB you aren't discouraging me! :). I didn't think your post was harsh either. You brought up a legit question.

[Fork]

I'm going to say that I think he was just super excited to be outside again. If he's not distressed, let him burn off the steam. Was he in the paddock alone or with new horses?

It happens. Tiara was in for 8 weeks straight during the middle of the winter. She did the same thing as soon as I let her go. She blew off steam for an hour, running around with her pals and making a huge screaming mess. :) As long as they don't injure themselves, there's nothing you can do. I think his reaction will be the same as long as you continue to keep him in. He's not necessarily going to be like this after you work with him for a while.

[JackieB]

JackieB you aren't discouraging me! :). I didn't think your post was harsh either. You brought up a legit question.

Thanks. One of the worst things a person can do, in my opinion, is discourage the dreams of another. We've all had it done to us plenty, we know how much it hurts, and I'd never in a million years do it intentionally. I just want you and Prado to both be happy and it sounds like you've got a great plan.

Well, I guess the ticket is channeling that energy! WB can certainly help. I remember one time I was complaining that Buster was such a difficult handful with his excitement on trail rides. She said something like "Channel that energy into a nice, collected trot." And boy did we the next time. I felt like we were under the lights in Vienna, Austria! Just floating down the trail. :)

[Horseaholic]

He was looking around when he would stop running. He kept looking over to the right at a horse he could see but wasn't responding to his calls. When cars drove by he'd go for another run.

The pasture is safe for sure and he always puts on the breaks before he gets too close to the fence.

You know it started out as a frisky feeling good spunk and then turned into a bit of a freak out.

Hrm interesting theory on the buddy. Thanks :) I want him to be independent!

You know he's gotten verrryy needy of me in this last month verryy needy of me and I think it tipped him over his anxious edge with me walking away after about 5-10 minutes.

[WashingtonBay]

:)



Horseaholic... if you're not going to be quick with the pics I'll have to check 'em out later... I got a TV date with hubby comin' up... it's south park night :)

[Horseaholic]

Ahh lol I'll post them tomorrow :)

[Equine_Woman]

Late to the party but I think he'll be fine too. He just had a LOT of pint up energy to let go. Sometimes they freak themselves out the more adrenaline they get going while they are running. Sounds like he had a bit of a hissy fit but come back to himself. Tomorrow he'll be more interested in eating faster (hopefully, he is a TB so it could take a few days to get it all out!)!

[zoel_222]

I agree with the others about him just letting off some steam. When we moved to our new place here on 11 acres after the horses were on like 2 subdivided acres for several years, they all went basaltic like that for a couple hours. They were just excited and nervous about getting out in a wide open space and checking out their new territory.

[Horseaholic]

I expected him to blow of steam but I wasn't expecting the frantic aspect lol.

So I'm just going to let him blow it all off when I turn him out tomorrow. (That's what I'm gathering is alright , right? ) I'll work with him a bit in hand before I turn him out.

BTW, Peyton, I'm really sorry I've been so busy. You were so nice to offer your help and I'd still love to take you up on the offer! And gas and dinner are still one me :)

[XshadowfoxX]

We have a horse at our barn who is like that. He goes on stall rest every other week because he lames himself. He is a MUCH for sane horse when we give him the Total Calm and Focus supplement. He acts normal. So I dont know if that is a route you want to go but it works for our resident psycho. =]

[jeezitsjacki]

I think this turnout will be great for him. Ben was on stall rest for two weeks, hasnt been ridden in 3 months and is a TB so I know a fraction of what you are going through, its hard. When we turned Ben out after 2 weeks in the pasture he was definately high strung. I would just give it time, he should calm down if you turn him out every day from now on until his energy calms down. I definately wouldnt recommend turning him out just today and then stopping for a while, or only doing it once a week. That will just make him more high strung. (not saying that is what you are doing, just offering advice) I would become a little more worried if he doesnt calm down within 3-4 days then it may be a anxiety problem. If he gets too out of hand you can always make a call to your vet and get some meds to calm him down

I can definately relate to cooping a TB up in a stall, I just got done with that (obviously have not been through as much as you though) but if you have any questions or want to talk about it just PM me!

[natisha]

:)



Horseaholic... if you're not going to be quick with the pics I'll have to check 'em out later... I got a TV date with hubby comin' up... it's south park night :)Uh huh :innocent:

[grandmadeb]

When Al got into the large turnout after the month of stall rest followed by another month of small private turnout, he was announcing his return for sure. He got everyone riled up and running. He has just the worst kind of prehistoric scream and he was using it! It was spring and he was back and he was celebrating.

[MyMia]

Think of how boring life would be if he just went out and ate grass quietly! You'd have nothing to post about, except "Prado went out today and ate grass, perfectly calm." Boooorrrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg! He knows that so he's giving you stuff to write about. ;)

BTW, did he go out today? How did he do?

[Horseaholic]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I didn't get to turn Prado out yesterday because I had to take Astro to the vet and then run too many errands :( Buttt he did go out today and it went MUCH better! :D I'll post pictures shortly!

[CaddoCinnamon]

Great that he is settling down now.

[Horseaholic]

thanks Cado :) I pmed you back but for some reason it seems like it disappeared into the interwebs did you ever get it?

[CaddoCinnamon]

Its not showing it.

[Horseaholic]

soo something wrong with my digital camera and it isn't holding a charge :( I didn't get many pictures but I did get some video before it died. I'm going to try to upload that too so ya'll can see my boy go :)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_3499.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_3474.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_3498.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_3472.jpg

[CaddoCinnamon]

Michelle why does he have the boots on? I am curious does it have to do with his surgery?

[Horseaholic]

Nope :) He's got them on because he's got fancy shoes on lol. Egg bars on the front with wedges and stuff so it's easier for him to pull them off (the egg bars) because they are a full "egg" so there is a lot of room for him to catch up on them. I'm glad he had them on too because I would have been calling the farrier yesterday with a pulled shoe! He kept hitting them with his back feet. :)

eta- For the surgery he had them padded all up duck taped

[Horseaholic]

Its not showing it.


hrm :headscratch:

[CaddoCinnamon]

That makes since. Never had egg bar shoes on mine so maybe you could show me what an egg bar hoe looks like. I have never seen one.

[Horseaholic]

suree let me see if I can find ones of his particular set up if not I'll find a generic one. :) BRB

[Horseaholic]

these are reallyyy old when his feet were still in terrible condition but you'll get the idea of the shoe.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_2786.jpg

and he has a pour on his soles as well

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/lostncantbfound/100_2791.jpg

[CaddoCinnamon]

Cool looking shoe but what is its benefit? I have just always used your ordinary horse shoe.

[Horseaholic]

hrmm now you're getting a little out of my league ;) I'm not super savvy on feet. It's small miracles when I know something about shoeing :p The fancy wedge stuff is because his angles were wayy off...his knees weren't even close to even. I want to say that the eggbars were chosen to help support his heal (which had been hanging out in the middle of nowhere for a very long time) and the pour helps support the sole.

Am I right?? lol farriers?? haha

[CaddoCinnamon]

I am glad that they are helping his feet. When do you get to ride him again?

[Horseaholic]

In 3 weeks 4 days :)

[CaddoCinnamon]

Great can't wait to see the first ride back pics.

[Horseaholic]

But I'm gonna have someone else get on him first. I need to start riding another horse regularly as well (to get back in shape) but to find the time is nearly impossible :/

[zoel_222]

Man he looks good compared to when you first got him. I'm glad he mellowed out with his turnout. :)

[JackieB]

Glad things are going so well for him!

[Horseaholic]

Thanks Zoel! I saw some pics of him from when I started riding him and WOW is it a difference!

[Horseaholic]

Thanks JackieB :) and I must say today was MUCH better in hand as well. He stopped when I stopped backed when I asked him too and didn't stomp a foot once. So overall I'm thrilled with today :)

Peytons coming out to work with us Thursday too so I can't wait! :)

[outriding01]

Me either, haha! Omg Michelle, he looks AMAZING! Hard keeper my butt, lol. He just needed someone who actually cared enough to take the time and money to feed him properly. He is looking fat and sassy!

[Horseaholic]

Hahahaha thankss I was just saying the same thing! He just needed someone to take time and money lol. And that's on 1 scoop am and pm. I'm thinking about cutting it down a bit. But we'll see once we start working again if he'll need the full scoop. Oh and that's free choice hay too.

[mandisue]

Horses are awesome when left by themselves, this will do him good eventally, he's just going to have to work through it. Mine do the same when not used to being alone, so it's normal, especially with his lack of turnout lately.

ETA He looks great !!! Hardkeeper????? He looks quite fat and sassy.

[Horseaholic]

Here is a short clip of Prado on the second day of turn out. :) Youtube killed the quality but you get the idea. ;)
YouTube- Prado Turn out

[Horseaholic]

Horses are awesome when left by themselves, this will do him good eventally, he's just going to have to work through it. Mine do the same when not used to being alone, so it's normal, especially with his lack of turnout lately.

ETA He looks great !!! Hardkeeper????? He looks quite fat and sassy.



thanksss

[zoel_222]

Yay! He looks so happy getting out there! :clap:

[Tiz]

Thoroughbreds love their running, don't they? He looks good, H, portly even. I wonder if the sand in his belly contributed to his "hard keeper" status? 'Cause he's sure over it!

[Horseaholic]

I'm so happy to see him happy!

lol tell me about it! I wonder if it was too Tiz.

What do ya'll think? cut back on the grain?

[CaddoCinnamon]

I love to see him running. He looks very well indeed. I am glad to see him doing so well. You are taking very good care of him. A job well done Michelle keep up the great work on Prado.

[Horseaholic]

thanks caddo! :D

[WashingtonBay]

He looks good. Glad to see him out being a healthy happy horse :)

[lovesfortune]

he's looking good! i'm so happy for you that he's done so well since the surgery!

[~*Domino*~]

Wow, what a difference! Very handsome boy you have there also! :)

[Horseaholic]

Thank you thank you! :D

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

I can understand the "freak out" My horses do this too...when they think they are being left out of "getting to go to the small pasture" (it had more grass in it during the winter)....They can get pretty "big and scary" when they are acting that way...and you are afraid they are going to hurt themselves...there is just no calming them down.

Glad he is settling down.

[doc_western]

He looks great! You're doing a fantastic job with him. :)