-
The vets can still come but they have to take 'biosecurity' measures and a lot of vets are only attending cases if they have to.
On the other topic, racers can be a hassle to re-educate but it is very rewarding to do so. The old walking off while mounted trick is pretty standard for OTTBs. I like Hoobley's method but as another suggestion, I do the 'hassle them back to where they were originally standing' trick. Basically, if they go to walk off, I don't get on, I either back them up back to where they were standing or if they have moved sideways, I make them sidestep back to where they were. I do this by jabbing (gentling) with my thumb. It takes some persistence but it's worth it to have a horse that stands still when you went to get on!
-
Oh my SamanthaP, Rega (the stallion) would have tried to do a murder if i'd gotten into a confrontation like that with him! I only used the hassling when it came to personal space (i.e. i'm allowed in his but he's not allowed in mine unless invited) and even then it could be pretty risky.
Does anyone else use join-up as a technique? I found that VERY effective.
Bx
-
That's the way i have been doing it samanthap and has worked pretty well so far, all his previous owners didn't give him any time or love so he just laps up our time together and he actually enjoys (most of the time) learning.
We can only get the vet in an emergency, we just happen to be lucky that one of the guys can put shoes on so if it goes on for a while he will come in handy.
