Thursday, November 29, 2007

Libby

I've been doing lots of soul-searching lately, wondering what to do next with my filly, Libby.  Anyone who's followed this journal for the past year knows how much pleasure I've derived from training her.  She's affectionate, gentle, and has a strong desire to please.  She stands when I mount and dismount.  I've ridden her a few times, and she seems to be fine with that.

But (you knew there'd be a "but", didn't you?) I am not really fearless enough to do a good job of breaking a horse.  For instance, when something spooks Libby and she acts like she wants to run away, I don't have the courage to stay on her and ride it out.  I immediately dismount; that isn't how you go about breaking a  young horse.

I've mentioned several times to Cliff that perhaps I'd be better off selling Libby and buying another horse that's already broke to ride.  Horses are so cheap right now, you can get a sound, well-broke horse for under $400.  Sometimes even as little as $200.  Which means I wouldn't get much for Libby if I sold her, but then I don't have a lot invested in her, either.

On the other hand, Libby is so gentle and willing to learn, I'll bet that if I paid a trainer $400 for a month of work, that would get her to the point where I wouldn't be afraid to ride her.

What's really funny is that when I mention possibly selling her, Cliff objects every time.  He's no horse-person, but he can't help loving Libby; she's that sweet.

So I guess I'll start checking around for a reliable, trustworthy person to make my sweet little filly a dependable, safe ride.

Wish me luck!



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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hiring a trainer sounds like a good idea. Then you would still have such a sweet horse and she would be a good young one. Plus you know how good you treat her and probably no one else would be that good to her. Helen

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the trainer! I hope you get to keep Libby.

Anonymous said...

I think you should keep her and perhaps get someone to train her.
She sounds like she would be a trainers dream horse to train.
They should pay you for the honor of training her.

Anonymous said...

That is so wonderful that you have horses.  I want some so badly but of course in our situation it isn't possible.  I hope things work out with Libby whatever you decide to do.  I don't blame you for wanting to get one all ready broken in.  Sounds like an overwhelming job.  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

That sounds like the best thing to do.  If you sold her you would surely miss her & probably wish that you hadn't.  
Hollie

Anonymous said...

I think you should.  She sounds very trainable, and I don't think it would take much.  If you lived nearby, I'd recommend one of my sisters who has gentled at least a dozen horses.  She's patient and seems to know just how to do it.  I don't think you'll have trouble finding someone, and it sounds like ishe's worth it.
Lori

Anonymous said...

I think a trainer is what you need. I can tell you that yuou will regret selling her. we regret getting rid of Belle and will take her back in a heartbeat.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear that you are going to keep Libby. After training, as sweet as she is, she will be the perfect horse.

Anonymous said...

I can't help thinking that you might feel differently after your knee is better.  When you are in pain, it is hard to think of the hard work of training a horse! But hiring someone to finish her is a good idea.  You already have a safe ride in Blue.

Anonymous said...

I think hiring a trainer is a great idea!  They may work with both of you to get you two working as a team.  Linda

Anonymous said...

I think hiring a trainer is a great idea!  They may work with both of you to get you two working as a team.  Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi There~
Libby is so sweet and I know how fond of her you are. You would be lost without her. In the past, I usually stayed on when a horse spooked. The exception is a horse I rode named Hank. He was young and not broke real well and one day he spooked and a split decision I decided to stay on and ride it out. WRONG. I got bucked off and got myself a nice concussion for it. It was my fault and I should have got some training for him.
Good for you Donna on looking for training. Smart, smart :))

Huggers,
Gayla