This post really made me think [click this]. It explains everything! For the past year Ava has not been her old self which was sweet, calm, and not bucky. I always thought it was because something was wrong with her feet, she was in pain, or because we tried endurance one summer (which was not a good choice.) But after reading that article it makes complete sense. I haven't been letting her be a horse! When we moved to our new barn in August of 2011 she and her pasture mate Poco were confined to a smaller paddock. All of early summer they had been kept on a large piece of pasture all to themselves. I never would have thought it would affect her mood that much. Although, I never would have thought a lot of things... Anyways, yes, I finally figured out the problem. Ava is stressed from her paddock size. At the moment I can't do anything about it, all of the larger spots are taken for winter but as soon as horses start to leave again for the summer I'm going to have them moved to a larger pen, which will make them much happier. Until then I'm going to be turning them out in the arena as much as possible to keep them sane.At first they were snorty and easily spooked but that soon wore and were actually happy with their little excursion. So, first new year's resolution (kind of late but oh well,) keep my horse sane!
Hi Emmi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by my blog! Ava looks adorable.
Do keep your horse sane. I think I am able to ride in all weather and my boys are sane with me because I strive to keep their down time sane too. It isn't always easy - like you are finding out with pasture situations. You have to supplement with hand walking. I ride one horse every day, but then the left out boys need me too and I run out of time. It takes lots of time to do the horse thing right. Sounds like you are taking the time to help Ava be happy! Good for you!