The Green Horseman

Stanley is in many ways a toddler….much to my chagrin. I certainly don’t help the cause but I’ve begun to get serious with him.

Over the summer last year while I was laid up I wasn’t able to keep up on his groundwork so his manners took a backslide. I prefer my horses to walk with me at my speed and stop when I stop. Since being back he’s gotten much, much better but I still sometimes have to tell him twice. Many trainers would tell me I’m being too nice and nagging. I admit it. I’m a nagger…and it doesn’t help Stanley AT ALL. It’s a bad habit of mine that I’m very aware of.

Stanley doesn’t always listen to social cues and in mid-March he learned a valuable lesson and I nearly had a heart attack.

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While finishing up my workday on a Thursday afternoon I got a text that Tiger kicked Stanley in the hock. THE HOCK.

Tiger wears hind shoes.

Stanley was crowding the gate, and Tiger made a face at him to back off…. Stanley didn’t listen.

Stanley learned that when he doesn’t listen to Tiger’s social cues there will be consequences. But Tiger, seriously, can’t you aim for the meaty parts?

Stanley took a few ouchy steps and we looked him over. He walked soundly minutes after and seemed to walk soundly the next day. There was an abrasion that seemed superficial and minimal swelling. Since this is a join to be safe I called my vet and sent a photo.

They agreed it would ok to wait the weekend as we had a vet coming Monday for routine shots. She would evaluate then.

Over the weekend I used compression ice boots and we allowed him turnout since he seemed to be no worse for wear. We applied silver honey to the wound. I received reports from other boarders that they seemed no worse for wear and continued to run and play.

On Sunday the minor swelling had succumbed to gravity and the swelling had built up in his lower leg. I continued to apply cold compression and we hand walked. Sunday was St Patrick’s day so we dressed Stanley up in green. Human socks with the toes cut off on the legs, beads, a green bowtie, green “bangs” in his forelock.

I didn’t take photos of his swollen lower leg, but if you look at the socks you can see his hind right was quite swollen in the back.

When Monday came he still had swelling and a trot showed some mild lameness, which our vet suspected was due to the swelling. We took X-rays which luckily showed no fractures. We were instructed to continue our current program and once the swelling is gone if he remains sound he can return to work.

Just over a week later we were able to take a dressage lesson (last week). We kept our work to walk/trot and he was sound and well-focused. I’m in no rush but he’s back to work and happy.

Also, unrelated, but he LOVES fresh shavings. After we ride if he has fresh shaving’s he’s guaranteed to roll.

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While we watch the two boys in the field, I have to admit this ordeal was a wake-up call to myself. All of a sudden Stanley pays attention to Tiger’s cues, and when Tiger pins his ears, he immediately turns and jumps out of the way. He respects him.

We all want to be gentle with our horses, but sometimes gentle turns to nagging. Having to nag is annoying; annoying to you, to others, and to your horse. There are kind ways to amplify your energy to effectively convey your message and get your horse’s respect. Stanley now respects Tiger’s subtle cues because he had a severe consequence. I hope he never forgets that lesson because I can’t handle that (flashbacks to Blade with a snapped cannon bone).

I realize I need to be clearer in my messaging. My body messaging. I need to expect more from him instead of allowing half-assed responses. I want a partnership and I want his willing cooperation, but I realize I can still have that be being a GOOD LEADER. A leader that he respects like he does Tiger….just I won’t kick him to do it.

There are plenty of people who will probably argue and debate this until we are dead and buried, but I’m not here to debate. This is not the point of this article and there are plenty of keyboard warriors on Facebook to battle with. I respect your methods provided they aren’t abusive.