Training of MSE Mahi- 8 year old Kathiawari mare COMPLETED
This exotic mare is dealing with a few issues at once. She has always been a tad lazy and has become so slow that her trainer was wondering if she was even awake or just sleep walking. She will perform everything you ask of her only at slow pace. Even though she steps under properly her gaits seem flat and she shows little expression. The stable she is at mostly works with sensitive and lively Peruvian Pasos and Paso Finos. Dealing with an lethargic animal is an entirely different challenge, but one they were willing to work on if it had not been for another incident a few weeks ago. A stray cat wandered onto the pasture, jumped on the poor mare and persistently tried to stay there while Mahi bucked wildly. The cat dug it's claws in so deep the wounds had to be treated by a vet. Ever since the mare has been shying at the sight of any little creature from a small dog to squirrels. One would think this might help with her laziness problem, but the mare has two settings between sleep walk and uncontrollable panic.
She was sent to us because Neal is an expert in behavioral modification of problematic horses (and we have very chill cats). Since her issue is psychological and has nothing to do with her training Neal decided to give her a break and do nothing with her for two months. She will live in the herd, and will have to deal with the occasional panic attack when one of our cats comes strolling by, but the security of the herd should help her through it.
She was sent to us because Neal is an expert in behavioral modification of problematic horses (and we have very chill cats). Since her issue is psychological and has nothing to do with her training Neal decided to give her a break and do nothing with her for two months. She will live in the herd, and will have to deal with the occasional panic attack when one of our cats comes strolling by, but the security of the herd should help her through it.
During her break we had her checked by our vet who at first glance couldn't find anything. The mare looked healthy but Neal had a bad feeling after watching the mare for multiple days. In agreement with the owner we had a full check up, with blood test and all, done. The tests were all negative. She seemed as healthy as... well, a horse. So Anna contacted a friend of hers, who is an alternative medical practitioner.
After a few sessions with our medical practitioner she discovered the mare was suffering from chronic depression. It was explained to us that Serotonin was still being produced, the neurotransmitter was however "derailed" and not being sent where it should go. This is a difficult matter because her serotonin level does not have to be increased, but merely redirected. This can be done with the help of Psychotropic Medications.
As expected the problem with the cats resolved itself being casually exposed to our own cats on a daily, non-threatening, basis. The mare has been sent back home, where she will rest until the medication starts doing it's work. Then hopefully she will be back to her cheerful self real soon.
As expected the problem with the cats resolved itself being casually exposed to our own cats on a daily, non-threatening, basis. The mare has been sent back home, where she will rest until the medication starts doing it's work. Then hopefully she will be back to her cheerful self real soon.