Horse and Country TV

Horse and Country TV Vichy sent a heart-wrenching question to H&C's experts to help her make a decision about her ex-racehorse, Sparky. Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replied. Read her advice and see if you agree:

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"Hi, I’m a huge fan of Horse & Country TV and I really need help with my thoroughbred Sparky. Sparky is 10-years-old, an ex-racehorse and stands at about 16.3hh. I’ve owned him for a year now. On the ...
November 24, 2009 at 2:44am
Lucy Osborne
Lucy Osborne
There's a lovely update on this horse - he's now going to a new owner who has worked with him on the ground and ridden him with success, so will hopefully have a happy ending!
November 24, 2009 at 3:12am
Helen
Helen
natural horsemanship,either pat parelli or monty roberts,you can get in touch with kelly marks she's great,this is the way forward,as we need to communicate in their language not ours as we are predators they are flight animals.......
November 24, 2009 at 4:32am
Lucy Osborne
Lucy Osborne
Yes he's chestnut. Why?
November 24, 2009 at 4:39am
Danielle Lyons
Danielle Lyons
y wuld you have him shot, he can still be a companion
November 24, 2009 at 4:51am
Erryn Emma
Erryn Emma
bonding with it =]
November 24, 2009 at 6:19am
Caroline
Caroline
I was asking myself the same question Danielle
November 24, 2009 at 8:58am
Vichy Bevan
Vichy Bevan
As Lucy says, Sparky will be going to a lovely new home with someone who has connected with him straight away and developed an instant friendship, I am so happy that he has found a new start as it was something I know I couldn't give him, its worked out best all round. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have been able to keep him as a companion, as ... See Morefinancially it would've been a strain and I would never try to sell a 'problem' horse, luckily, he will be living not far from me and I know he's in excellent hands.
November 24, 2009 at 12:26pm
Vichy Bevan
Vichy Bevan
I also need to point out that his reaction wasn't just a small rear but a violent reaction which would take him about 20 mins from to recover. I restarted him and worked him on the ground which he responded well to but obviously as I know his reaction to being mounted was extreme, the loss of confidence really played a part in my being able to ... See Morecontinue with Sparky, hence the decision to have him pts, as I could not give him away to someone without the necessary experience, time and patience needed to help him. It wasn't a decision taken lightly and happily it hasn't come to that.
November 24, 2009 at 12:33pm
Laura Hopkins Harbinson
Laura Hopkins Harbinson
Hi Vichy, It sounds to me that this is psychological and a pattern. I have an ex racehorse that has issues and Parelli has new Levels DVD's and it is the best one yet it shows you exactly what to do with your situation before you get on his back. But Since your confidence is broken I would reccommend getting in touch with James Roberts who is a 3 ... See Morestar Parelli Professional in Wiltshire. He has an amazing farm and is an expert with problem horses. He will also be able to help you with your confidence. This horse can deffinately be helped, but with his mind. I wouldn't lunge him, its mindless circles and its only going to get him fitter and he still won't trust you. I also would even think about getting on him until you have your confidence back and you won't get that back with him until you are able to build his confidence and his trust with you. Best of Luck.
Links: JR-Foundationstation,or Parelli.com, or Shareparelli
November 24, 2009 at 10:37pm
Lucy
Lucy
I can second the comments re James Roberts, he is an excellent horseman with much integrity.
November 30, 2009 at 4:06am