Fair play to you for sticking with her. I know how you feel as I have a horse who used to slam on the breaks and rear at random when I was riding her. Two years later and I have a happy horse who competes at 1m20. What really stood out was when you said that when the work gets harder, she acts up, this was the same with my mare and it just took time to allow us to do more and more work. Unfortunately there was no quick fix as the vet couldn’t find anything wrong so it was just a matter of retraining and always giving her positive experiences. (I have a video called “Fiona’s 1 year progress” that will show you how she used to be, maybe it’ll give you some hope!) best of luck!
Holly, I’ve watched a lot of your videos, and there is some resemblance in the way that your horse and this horse move. I know that their breeding is not similar, but what strikes me when I have watched them both go around is that they both seem to be a bit weak in the hind end. It is very subtle. But when I watch both of them, especially Fiona when she was just coming off being a broodmare, there was just the tiniest thing “off “in the synchronicity between her front end and her hind end. Not enough to be called a lameness. Just some kind of a lack of “push“ with the back end. I know that you will soon be a vet, and I’m sure you’ve thought about this far more than I have, but when you look at Kenco, don’t you see something similar going on? Both horses have good ground personalities. But in some indefinable way, they are uncomfortable in their bodies when being ridden. As Fiona got more and more fit, there was a bit more push, but there was still something off. You’re both excellent riders, so I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the way you ride them. Whatever it is is organic to their physicalities. It makes both of your accomplishments with these horses extremely special.
So very glad to find a really humane person standing by their animals with the same intensity that I had for my animals and the guts it took to agree to some major surgery for some of them and making some sickening decisions and the sick feeling that "Have I done the right thing"....Take care of yourself and I really appreciate your superb care and sensible approach to life and general concern to do your best Best wishes.
I'm no expert and who is really with horses, people spend their whole lives learning about these amazing animals. However you mentioned something that stood out to me. Tension/not being able to ride loose rein (or the feeling you can't). If tension builds where does it go then? Seeing that physically you feel you have explored those options and things have checkes out normal. Perhaps learning to trust her will be the fruit of the labour you have poured into her. Try and ride loose rein.. you are in an arena. Trust it. Trust her. Allow her to trot and canter loose rein. Where will she go. Just help with direction. Some big name trainers use this technique with horses that bolt/suddenly nap. If a physical cause can't be found then it would have to be training. Horses learn what you teach them after all. Loved this video thoroughly!!!! There is always a horse that comes along that challenges what you thought you knew or what you did know. It is growth. Embrace it ♡♡
Naybella B Thankyou for your very thoughtful comment, I agree this is definitely something I want to do more, I seem to manage far better when I have company in the aren. We both take comfort in it. I am working so hard on myself to be better at the trust part, as you can imagine it’s hard as the fear is pretty real. Xx
There is truth to this... i have a mare that tore my confidence apart because she would unsuspectedly throw her head and buck and try to bolt. I became aftaid to ride her on a loose rein and i was tense when i would ride her. A coach told me i needed to give her a loose rein and when she did that to give with my hands and put my leg on and when i finally got the nerve to do it she calmed right down... after a couple more times of handling it like that we started having entire rides with no upset and i started riding her on a loose rein... i had the same thought... "we are in an arena, where can she go, and even if she runs off i just got to stay on she will stop evenually lol... now the possibility of her bolting doesnt cross my mind when i ride.
I also for the longest preferred to have someone in the arena while i rode... she still behaved the same but for some reason i had more confidence but now i have no fear of riding alone
You are the best owner she could have. You are so dedicated to deliver the best health support for her it's admirable. Every owner should be such an excellent care giver. Take notes, everybody... we all can learn a lot from this young lady.
Thank you for how honest you are about "the ugly" along with "the good", Miri. I know you have taken a decision not to ride Kenco and give yourselves both a break, quiet possibly a permanent break. And, I of course, respect that. I got to wondering though, watching your Kenco video after watching your vid about making a decision to not ride a horse who clearly seems to hate riding (good unless you bring her tack out), and I've been watching a whole bunch of Warwick Schiller videos lately. Probably you already know of him, but in case not, he is Australian guy, who has been helping people with problem horses for decades. He's run clinics all over the world, been invited to some very fancy stables and he seems to be able to bring the calm and the basics to problem horses that in the end seem to sort out all of their larger problems. I'm linking the first and the one that I think might interest you most vis a vis Kenco. (th-cam.com/video/OnI4Nez4ShU/w-d-xo.html - Stop Crying Or I'll Give You Something to Cry About) What I love about Warwick Schiller's work with horses is how he has evolved it to the point where I would call in Zen Horsemanship. He has found that if he pays attention to the very little things and lays in a solid ground work/basics program, then that usually takes care of the big things. Like you have done in your work with horses, Warwick Schiller puts his own ego aside to delve deep into the relationship to the horse and communicating with the horse. (Not in a woo woo way, though it might look like that to some people - lol). He's like a Monty Roberts 2.0 Anyway, I hope you don't mind me sending you this referral. It is in no way a criticism of your work with horses. I think you're marvelous.
Several years ago I had a horse that couldn’t turn to the left. She was very stiff and resistant. When something bad happened it was always going to the left. Like you we tried to I’d the problem but without success. Then one of vets suggest it might be related to her teeth. Since I just had her teeth floated it seem unlikely. I was wrong. We brought in a equine dental expert who worked with the vet. The mare had a hook that bothered her only when she turned to the left. The dentist fix the problem and the mare could turn left without pain. Once the physical problem was removed I began to realize how willing the mare was. She always tried but was rewarded with pain. Without the pain she quickly learned that going left was not a big deal. I hope my story may help you. Good luck.
I had some severe dental problems with a horse who did not wish to go left, either. He was an off the track thoroughbred, so he had multiple issues that I addressed over the years with Chiropractic and acupuncture. Not to mention having a good farrier. But after several years I got a dental specialist in a totally realigned his mouth, including clipping off a good quarter inch from his front teeth and changing his bite completely. It was then that we figured out that he had always had a form of TMJ In his job, which caused him a lot of pain. You can imagine how bad I felt because I myself have TMJ, yet it did not occur to me that a horse might have it. After getting his entire mouth re-done, and changing gets to a much thinner bit with a thin full-cheek French mouth snaffle, which did not hit him in the roof of the mouth, or they are down on the bars of his mouth, He became a different horse. Also, I must say that once I realized what his problem is I’ve been, I worked hard to transform myself into a seat rider and get out of his mouth except for the very lightest following contact I could manage. Please know that I am not suggesting that either Fiona or Kenco had the same problem as my horse did. I told you the story just to say that sometimes horses can be in uncomfortable in ways that is very hard to relate to as a two-legged biped. It’s not that we don’t love our horses and want the best for them, it’s just that it’s really difficult sometimes to get that flash of insight as to what’s going on with them because they cannot tell us directly. I really appreciate hearing your stories about Fiona and can’t go because it reminded me so much of the long process it took to make my horse happy in his body. I salute both of you for the effort you have made and continue to make in that regard.
I had a Welsh cob D gelding and I found him extremely difficult! You're doing an amazing job, don't be so hard on yourself focus on the positives and how far you've come 🤗 xx
We had once a horse in the stable that had the same wierd behavior. Later the owner found out that it had particles in its eyes that moved when he trotted or cantered (worser on left btw). That made the horse super jumpy - eventhough he had no issues bodywise. Hope you find out what the reason - love the pony
I know this is an old video, but have you ever looked into PSSM, EPSM, MFM or RER for her? I have a mare that was extremely reactive (bucking/bolting/rearing/etc.) She also had been off and on lame for years, very crooked and hard to steer, not able to canter except on a straight line only on the right lead (she literally had 0 left lead, not even in the field), and very touchy, hated being groomed or touched. She was always a super hard keeper, couldn't get muscle on her at all, and she would get extremely tight through the croup and almost park out in the back. Would get waaaayyy worse with more than 3 days in a row off work. All xrays I had done were completely clean, had frequent saddle fit/chiro done, teeth done, treated for ulcers, no change. Anyways, I had some serial bloodwork done on her last year due to an accident, and we noticed consistently high CKs and Lactates, even several months after when she was healed. There is a hair test you can send off for, I think Animal Genetics or Equiseq to check for the trait genetically in her, and then if you so choose, you can get a muscle biopsy done to check for abnormal cells. I just chose to change her diet, supplements and exercise based on the bloodwork, and it has completely turned her around. She is still difficult and reactive, but I don't feel like I am going to die every time I swing a leg over anymore. I also started clicker training with her to give her a little something to look forward to when we work together. Sorry for the novel, but it has been over 7 years of this for me, so I feel you.
I’m not one who normally comments on videos but I just wanted to thank you for sharing! I’ve had a similar problem with my gelding over the last 4 years and always find it interesting to find someone who is going through something similar
Hang in there. I'm from USA .I had a thorough breed gelding that was just like that. He would jump at everything. I tried everything. He finally came out of it. I think it's just persistence. I think you are great.:)
I totally understand!! My horse has starting using an evasion on the lunge line. I am 100% positive that I taught her how to do that. Unfortunately, Now that I've taught it to her, I have no idea how to unteach her.
hey i really feel for you my horse constantly swishes her tail and ive been though everything with the vet shes on oeastress and shes had her si injected as well as her hocks injected shes not lame but still swishing her tail its so fustrating as when i ride her people offten comment about it but ive had lodes of things checked and shes fine
First video of yours I've seen. Subscribed! I would like to give you a tip about this man called John Ricketts, british but live in sweden now. He works with overly responsive horses to get them to be calm and lessen their reactions. I've seen some of his work and how he has helped owners transform their horses from high strung to calm. It might be worth a try? He's on youtube and facebook.
My heart really breaks for you. I have a gelding I've had for eleven years, I know him inside and out. He was not only traumatized physically but emotionally too before I had the pleasure to meet him. I have followed a similar path with him, very similar right to left difference with no "real" explanation why. All the avenues I've followed have really made few differences. Today he eats a completely whole food diet and we keep track of his palmar angle. He's ridable, he's happy and he's sane. I can't say he's easy and there would be nobody else I'd entrust him with. I'm not saying somebody else could do it better but we did it drug free....historically hes had chronic ulcers...both gastro and throat. I really do feel for you, its hard!
I know this is an older vid, but I have had two horses in for training now with a similar issue. Turned out both had kissing spine. It’s now my first rule out for horses who are super reactive and bolt/bronc for no reason.
Rebecca Bawn kissing and EPM are so scary. My mom who had a horse who had epm and ended up having to be put down very young because of no feeling in back legs and dragging his back legs plus retired and this horse loved to work so for him this was (in his mind) the worst
I’ve watched several of your videos and you use a lot of really correct training techniques. It’s nice to see. Mares are not always easy... they are so sensitive. I’ve had three mares...I prefer them...but they are reactive.
Just putting this out here for another point of view. I have a Morgan pony that I competed in combined driving for many years. As a youngster he also did the scoot and run in a carriage.After many vet inspections we decided he was fine. Later I found out that his initial training to the carriage wasn't the best and the trainer had let a carriage run into his hindquarters. (not saying it is something you have done) He has never forgotten that experience even after 20 years. I did manage to work him through it for the most part but it took a lot of allowing him to run away and bringing him back and finally driving miles in the forest where he learned it was best to rest when asked.I still cannot touch his sides with the shafts without getting a reaction to sit and scoot. So maybe your horse's action is a reaction from a bad experience that you don't know about?
I have a QH who would bolt on the right rein even on the longe. In addition, certain types of noise can trigger him. The work of Dr. Andrew McLean really helped me get a handle on my horse's behavior and correct it. I believe you can still find McLean's book on Amazon. The title is "About Horses: A Guide to Understanding and Training Your Horse." My little QH is now a school horse for children. Good luck! I enjoy your vlogs.
i think the acupuncture and chiropractic treatments would be good, especially as she has tension.. i too have a welsh D who is... sensitive. if he correct too much he tenses, i do a good bit of long and low walk and trot- he likes to stretch himself and i get his back done just a few times a year xx
I've just become a subscriber and while I have no advice, just want to say you have my sympathy. I can see you have done everything possible for your horse so hang in there (easy for me to say). Your videos are so enjoyable. Just keep your big girl pants on.
gahh I feel for you, it's such a hard situation to be in. Sometimes in these instances, you almost wish there was something clinically wrong so you resolve the issue and move foward.
Someone mentioned about eye problems. It might be something to exam cause no one does and if one eye is worse she would be much more reluctant. It’s something most dismiss like horses can’t have bad eyesight unless we can physically see it. But maybe something to examine. A friend of my mom put small blinkers and it helped refocus her eyes and all the issues went away
Have you ever thought that Kenco's previous owner could have tried to break her and had a bad experience on the right rein that she has never gotten over? I do like that you've stuck with the vet route making sure it isn't a pain issue as there are so many people these days just blame it on bad behaviour when it's really saddle fit, back pain, etc. So just think no matter what you've done the right thing with her!
Acupuncture is excellent for horses. An equine chiropractor can also work wonders and possibly do a little muscle testing to see where she is unbalanced. It is so hard but when the medical community cant find the cause, reordering the electrical systems and retraining the muscles can help. Hang in there...
This is neurological. 100%. Had a gelding for over ten years who was treated and tested for head shaking by his prior owner. They did EVERYTHING and nothing came up. Scans, tack, dentist, and so on. Luckily they had deep pockets. Yet it was just a neurological issue and it came and went. Understanding and accepting. We couldn’t do eq classes due to it. Yet he jumped lovely for hunters somehow. He has had it all his life. Could be stress related. You can look into all the details yet end of day it has to do with her brain or muscles. Nothing you can fix but love.
No one can say you don't put your horse's care above everything! I've always wondered if horses can have mental diseases like people do (such as schizophrenia or something) and maybe they actually do see things that aren't there or there is some sort of neurotransmitter issue that makes certain horses react differently. I'm not sure if horses have the same neurotransmitters people do or if any of that is possible, but would be interesting to know more about that.
Have you tried an equine spirit medium? My friends horse has loads of psychological problems which the spirit medium was able to highlight to her causes and what he needed to correct these. Was worth a try!
Okay so this may seem very rare but I find it works very well; try some ground work but more of joining up. Someone trust issues could be her problem. I find it works I always buy trouble horses and train them into little angles. Yes it may not work but it also can work. I hope you take my advice and try it out and if it doesn’t work I hope for the best.
This might sound crazy but I have had some really interesting experiences over the years with animal psychics. One online via a photo (it was cheap and I thought it would be interesting, the message that came through from my horse was him to an absolute T, not just his personality but mentioning that I sit crooked and that his left front hoof was unbalanced, both true and both things you'd not be able to tell from the photo I sent which was just him cantering towards me in the field). Also when I was working in Surrey years ago we had a horse with some emotional issues who would explode when coming down from canter to trot, so had a psychic come in and read him. We were all ready to take it with a grain of salt but she knew things like where he had a scar on his opposite side of his body from where she was standing (he was also wearing a fleece sheet) and despite him being a snuggly type of horse, he was quite tense and anxious when she touched him, so something was definitely going on. She said he'd fallen as a young horse when he'd been unbalanced coming down to trot and his panicky reactions were due to that. She also said he had three riders, one who rode him a lot, one who rode him sometimes and one who'd only ridden him three times - 100% accurate - and said he felt nervous with the first (owner, incidentally), more confident but worried with the second because he didn't feel like he could please her (trainer), and very relaxed with the third (my coworker who had only hacked him on a loose rein around the common, and was very nervous herself but obviously faked it successfully!). Unfortunately I can't remember the woman's name but just thought I'd give my 2 cents - maybe a clue would come up? I also wondered about her vision, I see someone else mentioned that and you said it's been checked, but the only other horse I've known to tuck tail and scoot forward had vision problems in one eye so I just thought of it. Ok this is a really long message, sorry! Good luck with her, she's gorgeous and well worth all the effort you're putting in :)
if you do think it is something to do with the training you should have a look at some of warwick schillers recent training methods that focus on getting the horse being able to control its own emotions and come down from 'scary' things, it really cool stuff has helped my horse massively!
Did you ever try clips in her ears. It supposed to be good for mares who are mareish. One of the horses i used to ride had them and you could tell if she didnt have them in. Acupuncture type thing. my thourobred is spooky and nervous and hes 24.
I really hope you can help Kenco she is stunning, it could be psychological if she experienced something on the right rein that caused anxiety and that could be why, if you havn't maybe calmers could help or even CBD oil
Hi I’ve got a mare that takes of me with locks it neck and just goes and is really strong and we are putting her into foam to calm her down why don’t you try that with kenco.
Love your videos, great job, you’re such a wonderful rider. Most of all I love your dogs, would you mind telling me what breed they are Mary and what you look for in a puppy? So sweet how they wiggle their butts, such an endearing quality. Thanks so much!
Oh Mary, got a good look at the dogs, I believe your dogs are Cocker Spaniels, could that be right? They are the perfect size! By the way, you did a great job at the show today. Congratulations!
Hackett Equine Mary if you have time can you tell me about your dogs, breed, age maybe where you purchased them. Im thinking cocker spaniel but not sure. I’m crazy about them, lol! So enjoy your Chanel!
Just brainstorming, but if there is the slightest possibility that the problem is vision-related, you could try doing what the race track people do in order to diagnose it: ride her with blinders (a closed eye cup) on the problematic eye-even try it on both eyes one at a time, to see if it makes the least bit of difference. If she is having distorted vision or perhaps a cataract, like one of your other readers just suggested, so that she sees blurred or exaggerated light and dark or whatever, using a blinder on that eye might enable you to isolate the problem. Just thinking out loud. I feel so bad that you’ve gone through all this and still don’t know. Not knowing is always worse than knowing, even if the knowing is bad.
I'm no expert but the mare does look lame in canter. Looks similar to the movement of a cob of mine that had stifle issues. Of course I'm no professional, just looks similar.
Wow! I had no idea you’ve had so much trouble with her!! Just curious, but have you tested her hormone levels or had her ovaries ultrasoundEd? I have heard of makes behaving strangely when they have ovarian tumors
This is kinda a random thought, but I wonder what she would be like as a cutting horse? She would be totally thinking for herself and not following any instructions. And her fast reactions could be really good for it. Just a crazy idea, probably a silly one though 🤨
Sounds like you have checked off the physical problems, you didn't mention if she has had her teeth tended to by an equine dentist? I would recommend Clinton Anderson method for getting her relaxed and accepting of stimuli. He has a channel on TH-cam. There is lots to be done on the ground to get her relaxed so she doesn't start off with that stiff back. I was also thinking have you checked that your saddle isn't pinching her anywhere. She could just be one of those horses that is super sensitive in the back (like a person who is super ticklish) Lastly all horses have a side that is more difficult than the other. I think if you watched some of Clinton's videos you could work differently about getting her supple from the ground. My guess from watching your videos is a mix of back sensitivity and stiffness going left.
Trying to help by brainstorming. We've had a few injured horses over the years. What areas did you get bone scanned? And I saw you did a Bute trial which made her more comfortable so I would keep investigating if I were you. If she's happier on Bute then I don't think it's psychological 🙈 horses! Why do we do it to ourselves!
I think she is like Justine my mare pictured here-so long on the right side-so uncomfortable on her right side-even her butt cheek under her tail is so much smaller on right=my horse is so innately crooked-at first the right side even in ground training was so difficult!! Debra
I had a bat shit crazy thorobred. My instructor said if I could ride this horse there is no horse in the world I could not ride. She was right and my nerves were shot. No fun.
Sorry, just wondered about her vision, but I imagine you've looked into that too. Any possibility of abuse of any kind? Of course, before you got her. Possible trauma as a foal or filly? Just thinking out loud. But, I digress, you are the expert. Just brainstorming all by myself...Gorgeous foal, by the way.
I had the same thought to be honest, especially with the spooking at a stone hitting the board and the owner wanting her broken as quickly as possible, makes you wonder why. But then I was helping break a gelding, who the owners had tried to break but they had no clue what they were doing, who I'd actually known and worked with as a foal along with his twin who was the sweetest little filly and so easy to do anything with, yet as a foal the one I was breaking had been the complete opposite, he was always a nightmare to do anything with and we got him to the point where he was rideable but he was a danger to be around and ride, ground work was just as bad with him cos he was so aggressive, I know it's not the same as kenco as she's so sweet natured and seems genuinely honest, but miri joking about a foal made me think of this
Not gonna lie that bay horse in the first clip of her looks incredibly tight and uncomfortable under saddle, had audio off so I dunno the whole story but if my horse looked like that I'd be concerned.
Hi, Ive watched a couple of your videos . I think youre are a lovely person and I love your way with horses and your attitude to training. I don't like to comment but i thought with the trouble you are having here with Kenco I might be able to help. I am no horse expert but have been learning from Will Faerber from art2ride.com who trains horses the old classical method, in a deep stretch to bring the hind leg under and lift the back. Ive seen over the years many horses like yours or worse be transformed and Id love for you to check it out and see what you think. This is no new method, actually the oldest , it costs no money but just time and patience. Every horse is better for it, it promotes relaxation and physical comfort so the horse becomes a willing partner. My name is Lia by the way , this is my husbands account.....did'nt want you to think I was a guy.
Hi 💕 Love your video's. Just started watching you. I train problem horses, so i can highly recommend Parelli Natural Horsemanship. Been using this method now for 12 years with great success. 🥰🙏 Get them to explain about right and Left brained horses. Good Luck. 💕🥰 I will keep watching.
Kenco reminds me of Megan Elphick's horse Bear. Welsh pony, very talented but incredibly spooky. They seem to get along with it a bit better, but Meg decided to put her in foal this year, because competing is stressing Bear out to much.
@@NoThankUBeQuiet I know, just came back to rewatch some videos, and wanted to share a thought because she said her behavior could be just because Kenso is Welsh. And the comparison came to mind.
Fair play to you for sticking with her. I know how you feel as I have a horse who used to slam on the breaks and rear at random when I was riding her. Two years later and I have a happy horse who competes at 1m20. What really stood out was when you said that when the work gets harder, she acts up, this was the same with my mare and it just took time to allow us to do more and more work. Unfortunately there was no quick fix as the vet couldn’t find anything wrong so it was just a matter of retraining and always giving her positive experiences. (I have a video called “Fiona’s 1 year progress” that will show you how she used to be, maybe it’ll give you some hope!) best of luck!
Holly Lenahan I had the same thing with my horse
Holly, I’ve watched a lot of your videos, and there is some resemblance in the way that your horse and this horse move. I know that their breeding is not similar, but what strikes me when I have watched them both go around is that they both seem to be a bit weak in the hind end. It is very subtle. But when I watch both of them, especially Fiona when she was just coming off being a broodmare, there was just the tiniest thing “off “in the synchronicity between her front end and her hind end. Not enough to be called a lameness. Just some kind of a lack of “push“ with the back end. I know that you will soon be a vet, and I’m sure you’ve thought about this far more than I have, but when you look at Kenco, don’t you see something similar going on? Both horses have good ground personalities. But in some indefinable way, they are uncomfortable in their bodies when being ridden. As Fiona got more and more fit, there was a bit more push, but there was still something off. You’re both excellent riders, so I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the way you ride them. Whatever it is is organic to their physicalities. It makes both of your accomplishments with these horses extremely special.
So very glad to find a really humane person standing by their animals with the same intensity that I had for my animals and the guts it took to agree to some major surgery for some of them and making some sickening decisions and the sick feeling that "Have I done the right thing"....Take care of yourself and I really appreciate your superb care and sensible approach to life and general concern to do your best Best wishes.
I'm no expert and who is really with horses, people spend their whole lives learning about these amazing animals. However you mentioned something that stood out to me. Tension/not being able to ride loose rein (or the feeling you can't). If tension builds where does it go then? Seeing that physically you feel you have explored those options and things have checkes out normal. Perhaps learning to trust her will be the fruit of the labour you have poured into her.
Try and ride loose rein.. you are in an arena. Trust it. Trust her. Allow her to trot and canter loose rein. Where will she go. Just help with direction.
Some big name trainers use this technique with horses that bolt/suddenly nap. If a physical cause can't be found then it would have to be training. Horses learn what you teach them after all.
Loved this video thoroughly!!!!
There is always a horse that comes along that challenges what you thought you knew or what you did know. It is growth. Embrace it ♡♡
Naybella B Thankyou for your very thoughtful comment, I agree this is definitely something I want to do more, I seem to manage far better when I have company in the aren. We both take comfort in it. I am working so hard on myself to be better at the trust part, as you can imagine it’s hard as the fear is pretty real. Xx
There is truth to this... i have a mare that tore my confidence apart because she would unsuspectedly throw her head and buck and try to bolt. I became aftaid to ride her on a loose rein and i was tense when i would ride her. A coach told me i needed to give her a loose rein and when she did that to give with my hands and put my leg on and when i finally got the nerve to do it she calmed right down... after a couple more times of handling it like that we started having entire rides with no upset and i started riding her on a loose rein... i had the same thought... "we are in an arena, where can she go, and even if she runs off i just got to stay on she will stop evenually lol... now the possibility of her bolting doesnt cross my mind when i ride.
I also for the longest preferred to have someone in the arena while i rode... she still behaved the same but for some reason i had more confidence but now i have no fear of riding alone
You are the best owner she could have. You are so dedicated to deliver the best health support for her it's admirable. Every owner should be such an excellent care giver. Take notes, everybody... we all can learn a lot from this young lady.
Thank you for how honest you are about "the ugly" along with "the good", Miri. I know you have taken a decision not to ride Kenco and give yourselves both a break, quiet possibly a permanent break. And, I of course, respect that. I got to wondering though, watching your Kenco video after watching your vid about making a decision to not ride a horse who clearly seems to hate riding (good unless you bring her tack out), and I've been watching a whole bunch of Warwick Schiller videos lately.
Probably you already know of him, but in case not, he is Australian guy, who has been helping people with problem horses for decades. He's run clinics all over the world, been invited to some very fancy stables and he seems to be able to bring the calm and the basics to problem horses that in the end seem to sort out all of their larger problems. I'm linking the first and the one that I think might interest you most vis a vis Kenco. (th-cam.com/video/OnI4Nez4ShU/w-d-xo.html - Stop Crying Or I'll Give You Something to Cry About) What I love about Warwick Schiller's work with horses is how he has evolved it to the point where I would call in Zen Horsemanship. He has found that if he pays attention to the very little things and lays in a solid ground work/basics program, then that usually takes care of the big things. Like you have done in your work with horses, Warwick Schiller puts his own ego aside to delve deep into the relationship to the horse and communicating with the horse. (Not in a woo woo way, though it might look like that to some people - lol).
He's like a Monty Roberts 2.0 Anyway, I hope you don't mind me sending you this referral. It is in no way a criticism of your work with horses. I think you're marvelous.
Several years ago I had a horse that couldn’t turn to the left. She was very stiff and resistant. When something bad happened it was always going to the left. Like you we tried to I’d the problem but without success. Then one of vets suggest it might be related to her teeth. Since I just had her teeth floated it seem unlikely. I was wrong. We brought in a equine dental expert who worked with the vet. The mare had a hook that bothered her only when she turned to the left. The dentist fix the problem and the mare could turn left without pain. Once the physical problem was removed I began to realize how willing the mare was. She always tried but was rewarded with pain. Without the pain she quickly learned that going left was not a big deal. I hope my story may help you. Good luck.
Marilyn Theesfeld I’m so glad you have had a success! Sadly I wish it was something simple. But all the basics have been checked and checked again 😣
I had some severe dental problems with a horse who did not wish to go left, either. He was an off the track thoroughbred, so he had multiple issues that I addressed over the years with Chiropractic and acupuncture. Not to mention having a good farrier. But after several years I got a dental specialist in a totally realigned his mouth, including clipping off a good quarter inch from his front teeth and changing his bite completely. It was then that we figured out that he had always had a form of TMJ In his job, which caused him a lot of pain. You can imagine how bad I felt because I myself have TMJ, yet it did not occur to me that a horse might have it. After getting his entire mouth re-done, and changing gets to a much thinner bit with a thin full-cheek French mouth snaffle, which did not hit him in the roof of the mouth, or they are down on the bars of his mouth, He became a different horse. Also, I must say that once I realized what his problem is I’ve been, I worked hard to transform myself into a seat rider and get out of his mouth except for the very lightest following contact I could manage.
Please know that I am not suggesting that either Fiona or Kenco had the same problem as my horse did. I told you the story just to say that sometimes horses can be in uncomfortable in ways that is very hard to relate to as a two-legged biped. It’s not that we don’t love our horses and want the best for them, it’s just that it’s really difficult sometimes to get that flash of insight as to what’s going on with them because they cannot tell us directly. I really appreciate hearing your stories about Fiona and can’t go because it reminded me so much of the long process it took to make my horse happy in his body. I salute both of you for the effort you have made and continue to make in that regard.
I really hate spellcheck. I meant to write Kenco, not “can’t go.”
I had a Welsh cob D gelding and I found him extremely difficult! You're doing an amazing job, don't be so hard on yourself focus on the positives and how far you've come 🤗 xx
We had once a horse in the stable that had the same wierd behavior. Later the owner found out that it had particles in its eyes that moved when he trotted or cantered (worser on left btw). That made the horse super jumpy - eventhough he had no issues bodywise. Hope you find out what the reason - love the pony
I know this is an old video, but have you ever looked into PSSM, EPSM, MFM or RER for her? I have a mare that was extremely reactive (bucking/bolting/rearing/etc.) She also had been off and on lame for years, very crooked and hard to steer, not able to canter except on a straight line only on the right lead (she literally had 0 left lead, not even in the field), and very touchy, hated being groomed or touched. She was always a super hard keeper, couldn't get muscle on her at all, and she would get extremely tight through the croup and almost park out in the back. Would get waaaayyy worse with more than 3 days in a row off work. All xrays I had done were completely clean, had frequent saddle fit/chiro done, teeth done, treated for ulcers, no change. Anyways, I had some serial bloodwork done on her last year due to an accident, and we noticed consistently high CKs and Lactates, even several months after when she was healed.
There is a hair test you can send off for, I think Animal Genetics or Equiseq to check for the trait genetically in her, and then if you so choose, you can get a muscle biopsy done to check for abnormal cells. I just chose to change her diet, supplements and exercise based on the bloodwork, and it has completely turned her around. She is still difficult and reactive, but I don't feel like I am going to die every time I swing a leg over anymore. I also started clicker training with her to give her a little something to look forward to when we work together. Sorry for the novel, but it has been over 7 years of this for me, so I feel you.
You make that standing at the mounting block look easy! Can u do a video of how you teach your horses to stand at the mounting block so well? Xx
poor little kenco. you are amazing for sticking with her - kenco is v lucky to have you :)
I’m not one who normally comments on videos but I just wanted to thank you for sharing! I’ve had a similar problem with my gelding over the last 4 years and always find it interesting to find someone who is going through something similar
This has made me so sad for you Miri!! I really hope you find a way to make Kenco better!! He is a stunning pony!! xxxx
Melissa Shanahan thanks Melissa.
Hang in there.
I'm from USA .I had a thorough breed gelding that was just like that. He would jump at everything. I tried everything. He finally came out of it. I think it's just persistence. I think you are great.:)
I totally understand!! My horse has starting using an evasion on the lunge line. I am 100% positive that I taught her how to do that. Unfortunately, Now that I've taught it to her, I have no idea how to unteach her.
Your wonderful for going to those lengths to help her x
It’s such a shame as Kenco has a very kind eye. Good luck with your special horse. Xx
Great videos, lovely for horse riders and fans! Big props to you!
Acupuncture can be very useful in some cases :) worth a shot, lovely pony! Good luck xx
hey i really feel for you my horse constantly swishes her tail and ive been though everything with the vet shes on oeastress and shes had her si injected as well as her hocks injected shes not lame but still swishing her tail its so fustrating as when i ride her people offten comment about it but ive had lodes of things checked and shes fine
First video of yours I've seen. Subscribed!
I would like to give you a tip about this man called John Ricketts, british but live in sweden now. He works with overly responsive horses to get them to be calm and lessen their reactions. I've seen some of his work and how he has helped owners transform their horses from high strung to calm. It might be worth a try? He's on youtube and facebook.
Thankyou I’ll look him up xx
My heart really breaks for you. I have a gelding I've had for eleven years, I know him inside and out. He was not only traumatized physically but emotionally too before I had the pleasure to meet him. I have followed a similar path with him, very similar right to left difference with no "real" explanation why. All the avenues I've followed have really made few differences. Today he eats a completely whole food diet and we keep track of his palmar angle. He's ridable, he's happy and he's sane. I can't say he's easy and there would be nobody else I'd entrust him with. I'm not saying somebody else could do it better but we did it drug free....historically hes had chronic ulcers...both gastro and throat. I really do feel for you, its hard!
I know this is an older vid, but I have had two horses in for training now with a similar issue. Turned out both had kissing spine. It’s now my first rule out for horses who are super reactive and bolt/bronc for no reason.
Rebecca Bawn kissing and EPM are so scary. My mom who had a horse who had epm and ended up having to be put down very young because of no feeling in back legs and dragging his back legs plus retired and this horse loved to work so for him this was (in his mind) the worst
Thank goodness she’s with you. I hate to think what might have happened to her under another owner who might not love her as much.
I’ve watched several of your videos and you use a lot of really correct training techniques. It’s nice to see. Mares are not always easy... they are so sensitive. I’ve had three mares...I prefer them...but they are reactive.
Just putting this out here for another point of view. I have a Morgan pony that I competed in combined driving for many years. As a youngster he also did the scoot and run in a carriage.After many vet inspections we decided he was fine. Later I found out that his initial training to the carriage wasn't the best and the trainer had let a carriage run into his hindquarters. (not saying it is something you have done) He has never forgotten that experience even after 20 years. I did manage to work him through it for the most part but it took a lot of allowing him to run away and bringing him back and finally driving miles in the forest where he learned it was best to rest when asked.I still cannot touch his sides with the shafts without getting a reaction to sit and scoot. So maybe your horse's action is a reaction from a bad experience that you don't know about?
I have a QH who would bolt on the right rein even on the longe. In addition, certain types of noise can trigger him. The work of Dr. Andrew McLean really helped me get a handle on my horse's behavior and correct it. I believe you can still find McLean's book on Amazon. The title is "About Horses: A Guide to Understanding and Training Your Horse." My little QH is now a school horse for children. Good luck! I enjoy your vlogs.
i think the acupuncture and chiropractic treatments would be good, especially as she has tension.. i too have a welsh D who is... sensitive. if he correct too much he tenses, i do a good bit of long and low walk and trot- he likes to stretch himself and i get his back done just a few times a year xx
I've just become a subscriber and while I have no advice, just want to say you have my sympathy. I can see you have done everything possible for your horse so hang in there (easy for me to say). Your videos are so enjoyable. Just keep your big girl pants on.
Julie Hanson thanks Julie. Xx
gahh I feel for you, it's such a hard situation to be in. Sometimes in these instances, you almost wish there was something clinically wrong so you resolve the issue and move foward.
Someone mentioned about eye problems. It might be something to exam cause no one does and if one eye is worse she would be much more reluctant. It’s something most dismiss like horses can’t have bad eyesight unless we can physically see it. But maybe something to examine. A friend of my mom put small blinkers and it helped refocus her eyes and all the issues went away
Had a Welsh section d very difficult but totally lovable too xx
Have you ever thought that Kenco's previous owner could have tried to break her and had a bad experience on the right rein that she has never gotten over? I do like that you've stuck with the vet route making sure it isn't a pain issue as there are so many people these days just blame it on bad behaviour when it's really saddle fit, back pain, etc. So just think no matter what you've done the right thing with her!
Acupuncture is excellent for horses. An equine chiropractor can also work wonders and possibly do a little muscle testing to see where she is unbalanced. It is so hard but when the medical community cant find the cause, reordering the electrical systems and retraining the muscles can help. Hang in there...
This is neurological. 100%. Had a gelding for over ten years who was treated and tested for head shaking by his prior owner. They did EVERYTHING and nothing came up. Scans, tack, dentist, and so on. Luckily they had deep pockets. Yet it was just a neurological issue and it came and went. Understanding and accepting. We couldn’t do eq classes due to it. Yet he jumped lovely for hunters somehow. He has had it all his life. Could be stress related. You can look into all the details yet end of day it has to do with her brain or muscles. Nothing you can fix but love.
No one can say you don't put your horse's care above everything! I've always wondered if horses can have mental diseases like people do (such as schizophrenia or something) and maybe they actually do see things that aren't there or there is some sort of neurotransmitter issue that makes certain horses react differently. I'm not sure if horses have the same neurotransmitters people do or if any of that is possible, but would be interesting to know more about that.
I have thought this before most definitely. I wonder if one day we will have a way to test this sort of thing 🤣
Have you tried an equine spirit medium? My friends horse has loads of psychological problems which the spirit medium was able to highlight to her causes and what he needed to correct these. Was worth a try!
Okay so this may seem very rare but I find it works very well; try some ground work but more of joining up. Someone trust issues could be her problem. I find it works I always buy trouble horses and train them into little angles. Yes it may not work but it also can work. I hope you take my advice and try it out and if it doesn’t work I hope for the best.
Skye Touchet sadly a huge part of our journey has involved ground work and to no avail
Well I’m very sorry she didn’t work out as you planned some horses just can’t be worked much.
I see a lot of people calling you Mary, but I thought it was Miri. Which is it?
Either way, thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.
I’m pretty sure her name is Miri short for Miriam. Not sure why people call her Mary? Maybe another nickname or a mistake?
This might sound crazy but I have had some really interesting experiences over the years with animal psychics. One online via a photo (it was cheap and I thought it would be interesting, the message that came through from my horse was him to an absolute T, not just his personality but mentioning that I sit crooked and that his left front hoof was unbalanced, both true and both things you'd not be able to tell from the photo I sent which was just him cantering towards me in the field). Also when I was working in Surrey years ago we had a horse with some emotional issues who would explode when coming down from canter to trot, so had a psychic come in and read him. We were all ready to take it with a grain of salt but she knew things like where he had a scar on his opposite side of his body from where she was standing (he was also wearing a fleece sheet) and despite him being a snuggly type of horse, he was quite tense and anxious when she touched him, so something was definitely going on. She said he'd fallen as a young horse when he'd been unbalanced coming down to trot and his panicky reactions were due to that. She also said he had three riders, one who rode him a lot, one who rode him sometimes and one who'd only ridden him three times - 100% accurate - and said he felt nervous with the first (owner, incidentally), more confident but worried with the second because he didn't feel like he could please her (trainer), and very relaxed with the third (my coworker who had only hacked him on a loose rein around the common, and was very nervous herself but obviously faked it successfully!). Unfortunately I can't remember the woman's name but just thought I'd give my 2 cents - maybe a clue would come up? I also wondered about her vision, I see someone else mentioned that and you said it's been checked, but the only other horse I've known to tuck tail and scoot forward had vision problems in one eye so I just thought of it. Ok this is a really long message, sorry! Good luck with her, she's gorgeous and well worth all the effort you're putting in :)
I think you said you retired her but sounds/looks possibly neurological. Wish you two the best ♡
if you do think it is something to do with the training you should have a look at some of warwick schillers recent training methods that focus on getting the horse being able to control its own emotions and come down from 'scary' things, it really cool stuff has helped my horse massively!
becky and jess that’s really interesting thankyou, I’ll look him up. ❤️
magnesium you can use the big crystals definitely magnesium
Debra Bish I tried every magnesium on the market. And other calmers too
Did you ever try clips in her ears. It supposed to be good for mares who are mareish. One of the horses i used to ride had them and you could tell if she didnt have them in. Acupuncture type thing. my thourobred is spooky and nervous and hes 24.
“I could just be her brain” 😂 Anyone who knows a Welshie will relate
I have a mare like this - doesn't bronc, but she runs off just like yours with tail down etc. How is she doing now?
I really hope you can help Kenco she is stunning, it could be psychological if she experienced something on the right rein that caused anxiety and that could be why, if you havn't maybe calmers could help or even CBD oil
PotatoQueen1989 I have been really keen to try cbd, do you know of any brands that you can recommend? Xx
@@hackettequine2059 i bought from these for myself for anxiety as well as my dogs, it works really well www.simply-cbd.co.uk/shop/
Hi I’ve got a mare that takes of me with locks it neck and just goes and is really strong and we are putting her into foam to calm her down why don’t you try that with kenco.
Love your videos, great job, you’re such a wonderful rider. Most of all I love your dogs, would you mind telling me what breed they are Mary and what you look for in a puppy? So sweet how they wiggle their butts, such an endearing quality. Thanks so much!
Oh Mary, got a good look at the dogs, I believe your dogs are Cocker Spaniels, could that be right? They are the perfect size! By the way, you did a great job at the show today. Congratulations!
Thanks @@gaelcrane8008
Hackett Equine Mary if you have time can you tell me about your dogs, breed, age maybe where you purchased them. Im thinking cocker spaniel but not sure. I’m crazy about them, lol! So enjoy your Chanel!
Gael Crane hi they are working cocker spaniels one is 4 and one is 5 not sure where we got them they were private breeders 😊
Which phone and headphones to you use? That looks so secure.
they are called apple airpods
I know it’s expensive but get a horse whisper chiropractor and physiotherapist! I love her tho! X
Could it be her vision?
Kimberly Biczis I have had her vision looked at by the vet in a basic way yes x
Just brainstorming, but if there is the slightest possibility that the problem is vision-related, you could try doing what the race track people do in order to diagnose it: ride her with blinders (a closed eye cup) on the problematic eye-even try it on both eyes one at a time, to see if it makes the least bit of difference. If she is having distorted vision or perhaps a cataract, like one of your other readers just suggested, so that she sees blurred or exaggerated light and dark or whatever, using a blinder on that eye might enable you to isolate the problem. Just thinking out loud. I feel so bad that you’ve gone through all this and still don’t know. Not knowing is always worse than knowing, even if the knowing is bad.
Mary where are you please and how do we get in touch with you??from an old lady with an I messed about 5year old
does obby have a main?
He's hogged..they clip off all his mane and forelock.
Were you at ware hill dressage on may the 12th helping a lady with her dressage??
Equine_ Blossom I sure was 😊
Hackett Equine I thought I recognised you and your voice 😂
I'm no expert but the mare does look lame in canter. Looks similar to the movement of a cob of mine that had stifle issues. Of course I'm no professional, just looks similar.
Wow! I had no idea you’ve had so much trouble with her!! Just curious, but have you tested her hormone levels or had her ovaries ultrasoundEd? I have heard of makes behaving strangely when they have ovarian tumors
she said something about her being on regiimite? something for hormones x
@@lucymorganeq6050 I have tried regumate but it made no difference sadly. vet never suggested scanning after that. 🤷♀️🤷♀️
This is kinda a random thought, but I wonder what she would be like as a cutting horse? She would be totally thinking for herself and not following any instructions. And her fast reactions could be really good for it. Just a crazy idea, probably a silly one though 🤨
Sounds like you have checked off the physical problems, you didn't mention if she has had her teeth tended to by an equine dentist? I would recommend Clinton Anderson method for getting her relaxed and accepting of stimuli. He has a channel on TH-cam. There is lots to be done on the ground to get her relaxed so she doesn't start off with that stiff back. I was also thinking have you checked that your saddle isn't pinching her anywhere. She could just be one of those horses that is super sensitive in the back (like a person who is super ticklish) Lastly all horses have a side that is more difficult than the other. I think if you watched some of Clinton's videos you could work differently about getting her supple from the ground. My guess from watching your videos is a mix of back sensitivity and stiffness going left.
Trying to help by brainstorming. We've had a few injured horses over the years. What areas did you get bone scanned? And I saw you did a Bute trial which made her more comfortable so I would keep investigating if I were you. If she's happier on Bute then I don't think it's psychological 🙈 horses! Why do we do it to ourselves!
Kick-On Cards yes possibly, I’m still trying different approaches so we will see how we get on xx 🥰
I like the twin theory. 😂
I think she is like Justine my mare pictured here-so long on the right side-so uncomfortable on her right side-even her butt cheek under her tail is so much smaller on right=my horse is so innately crooked-at first the right side even in ground training was so difficult!! Debra
Also everything in life is a lesson to make you grow and be stronger---Kenko is your greatest gift so far!!!!!!!Debra
I had a bat shit crazy thorobred. My instructor said if I could ride this horse there is no horse in the world I could not ride. She was right and my nerves were shot. No fun.
Have you attempted behavior modification drugs? There are natural ones that work as well. It sounds like anxiety to some degree.
check her tack fit!
i’m sure she’s not silly enough to not check her tack
Sorry, just wondered about her vision, but I imagine you've looked into that too. Any possibility of abuse of any kind? Of course, before you got her. Possible trauma as a foal or filly? Just thinking out loud. But, I digress, you are the expert. Just brainstorming all by myself...Gorgeous foal, by the way.
I had the same thought to be honest, especially with the spooking at a stone hitting the board and the owner wanting her broken as quickly as possible, makes you wonder why. But then I was helping break a gelding, who the owners had tried to break but they had no clue what they were doing, who I'd actually known and worked with as a foal along with his twin who was the sweetest little filly and so easy to do anything with, yet as a foal the one I was breaking had been the complete opposite, he was always a nightmare to do anything with and we got him to the point where he was rideable but he was a danger to be around and ride, ground work was just as bad with him cos he was so aggressive, I know it's not the same as kenco as she's so sweet natured and seems genuinely honest, but miri joking about a foal made me think of this
Not gonna lie that bay horse in the first clip of her looks incredibly tight and uncomfortable under saddle, had audio off so I dunno the whole story but if my horse looked like that I'd be concerned.
TheAssholeProphet have a listen... you will understand more 😊
Hi, Ive watched a couple of your videos . I think youre are a lovely person and I love your way with horses and your attitude to training. I don't like to comment but i thought with the trouble you are having here with Kenco I might be able to help. I am no horse expert but have been learning from Will Faerber from art2ride.com who trains horses the old classical method, in a deep stretch to bring the hind leg under and lift the back. Ive seen over the years many horses like yours or worse be transformed and Id love for you to check it out and see what you think. This is no new method, actually the oldest , it costs no money but just time and patience. Every horse is better for it, it promotes relaxation and physical comfort so the horse becomes a willing partner. My name is Lia by the way , this is my husbands account.....did'nt want you to think I was a guy.
Hi 💕
Love your video's. Just started watching you. I train problem horses, so i can highly recommend Parelli Natural Horsemanship. Been using this method now for 12 years with great success. 🥰🙏 Get them to explain about right and Left brained horses. Good Luck. 💕🥰 I will keep watching.
Kenco reminds me of Megan Elphick's horse Bear. Welsh pony, very talented but incredibly spooky. They seem to get along with it a bit better, but Meg decided to put her in foal this year, because competing is stressing Bear out to much.
Kenco was retired a while ago. And I Believe also put in foal.
@@NoThankUBeQuiet I know, just came back to rewatch some videos, and wanted to share a thought because she said her behavior could be just because Kenso is Welsh. And the comparison came to mind.
Is there a possibility that she has limited vision in her right eye?