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Lisa
Platinum Member
 United Kingdom
2611 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Nov 2003 : 11:24:04 PM
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I started this on the thread about type v conformation but what views do you all have on temperament and its importance and who has some outstanding individuals in the good temperament department? I have a lovely pure bred gelding who is kind, gentle, loyal, loving and trustworthy.
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pat ww
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3459 Posts |
Posted - 05 Nov 2003 : 11:44:40 PM
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It should be number one in the breed standard! For an animal bred in the desert and sleeping in their masters tents is was essential, and I believe only the bad tempered horses were ever gelded.
I think most of us Arab owners are a bunch of softies, and our horses respond to that with kindness in return. In any breed of horse quite often a bad temperament has been man made. ( there are exceptions) and I've seen some foals become aggressive little b....'s following their mothers behaviour.
Personally I would not breed from a horse male or female if it could not be cuddled! Some of the stunning geldings around today were 'unhappy' stallions, and similarly should they be kept as stallions if they cannot lead a 'normal' horse-life.
I can go into the field with 6 in it, with a feed bucket, and they all stand in a circle and share. (but I am top mare!) |
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Lisa
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2611 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 12:07:17 AM
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| With AI becoming more common is there a place for gelding these unhappy stallions or is this not allowed? If it is possible is this a good idea or will it just result in the offspring being unhappy and bad tempered? If so then surely you would not breed from horses like that? |
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Acorn Arabians
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2052 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 06:44:19 AM
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When visitors come here they are amazed when I open all the doors and say step inside, Mandy will vouch for this.
It is #number one consideration for me,followed by conformation/Type.
What use is a horse if you cant get near it, a crack pot could kill you.There are 4 entires here at present, (2 more soon !!!stop it must contain myself) each and everyone of them can be handled and stroked by my disabled daughter Lilybet.All the mares are soppy.Went to see a stallion once, and all I could see was him looming over the top of his stable dividing wall looking at me,never saw him move, not allowed to touch him, and I was expected to use him?I think not!!
Helen
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SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 08:17:59 AM
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I have to tell you all about my mares, this is happening right now and makes me quite emotional
I have not been well for a while, my balance has been affected to a degree that I am diagnosed with something, that has made a visit to hospital , this month, very vital indeed....... no, I'm not looking for sympathy here.......I bring my mares 'in' at night, and have done since September, they are all very in-foal, yet they normally are so hot to come in from their fields, I have always had a right 'game' ....they blow up and jog sideways, snorting blowing!..and being so naughty It is a joy to see, but does wear you down after a while!!
Since I have been poorly, I have had to hold the lead rope and a chunk of mane, in case I wobble! and fall over!!
My mares have never once jogged, or even shuffled quickly!..they each plod...even when a pheasent has flown up before us, my hottest mare seemed to shiver with tension, but never let me fall or loose my grip from her mane.
Now I am always the first to poo poo anything slighty extra terrestral! if you know what I mean..but this has proved to me, beyond doubht, that, especially Arabians, have a sixth sense we miss out on? and they do have the sweetest nature of all breeds...because they can be hot, does not mean to say they are bad tempered....this often gets mixed up.
When I get into my small yard, it used to be a case of diving into each stable for tea, now they just look at me, as if to say, alright mum, can I now wander in my stable....
sue...x |
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Acorn Arabians
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2052 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 08:27:05 AM
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Hi Sue,
hope you get the problem sorted, its sounds awful.(big hugz)
I agree about the nature of the arab, second to none!
Helen
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white bryony
Gold Member
United Kingdom
778 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 08:50:35 AM
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sue i hope you are sorted soon,
i have 3 mares [1 purebred],they all have the best temperements,can brush them when eating,even in season,to be honest if it wasnt for the fact they hold their tales to the geldings i wouldnt know they were in season as their temperaments do not change.
they are very loving and can sense when i am feeling upset as they tend to blow round my face,
i am lucky to have found 3 wonderful mares.
Temperament is so important,and most of the time bad tempered horses are made through bad tempered people,and would definately not breed from any bad tempered horse
Emma
 
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stella
Silver Member
United Kingdom
339 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 08:54:03 AM
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Sue - Your post made me quite emotional too! (I do cry at Lassie films though!!lol).
Your girls all sound lovely. My gang are much the same but I do feel I have the best bond with my stallion, who is the biggest old soppy boy you could ever wish to meet. My favourite time of the day is when I have tucked them all up in their stables for the night and then I just stand in Oz's stable and talk to him whilst he munches on his hay, occasionally putting his head close to me for a quick scratch and then back to his hay. Bliss. Just what you need after a hard day at the office!!
I hope your operation is a success and you are soon home with your horses - the best cure all.
All the best
Stella
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SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 09:49:57 AM
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I hesitated mentioning my op, .....thanks for your thoughts, please, no more talk of it....15 days and counting
I wanted to point out the possible mix up that some have with a horse being 'hot', as against being bad tempered..........my mares are quite hot, but are the sweetest lot ever, even my colt......who's name is 'Hot Eddy'!! is behaving well...I must get poorly more often
Sue..x |
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Woodlay
Gold Member
United Kingdom
566 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 11:12:31 AM
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Hi All,
Just had to say I agree with everything everybody has said re. temperament - I wouldn't have a horse on the yard, male or female, that wasn't 101% in the temperament department, and most certainly wouldn't breed with one.
My young niece learnt to plait using Ali Bey's tail, and just loves to go in with him for a long cuddle - no problem there! I have never seen him ever lay his ears back in anger, is lead everywhere on a headcollar and rope, no chains, he just adores people, just how he should be...... a very happy stallion. Not a Monty Roberts or Parelli book in sight - just plain common horse sense!
Annie |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 11:45:04 AM
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Hi Ann,
I totally agree with u my son has gone in with all my horses, stallions included, since he was three (with company)and I've always felt he was safe. Obviously I have to be more aware with visiting horses, but they soon adjust, actually I've got a horse you bred coming in soon for breaking, Guess who?
Fiona Grant-Chivers |
Edited by - Varaina on 06 Nov 2003 2:02:55 PM |
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Woodlay
Gold Member
United Kingdom
566 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 12:14:08 PM
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Hi Fiona,
"HARRY" posh name AH Kuda!!!! Sam keeps in touch. He was called "Happy Harry" as a foal as he was just so full of life and funny. Hope he's still the same, I am sure he will be.
I have a wonderful photo of him sleeping in my lap as a foal but don't know how to post it here. Perhaps I do the Parelli thing without knowing it!! Same old argument again - common sense.
He is such a lovely boy - he will drive you mad with his antics.
As soon he is up and running I have been promised a ride.....
Can't wait.
Let me know what you think of him - I love him to bits.
Good luck and give him a huge kiss from me.
Annie |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 12:23:44 PM
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Annie I must admit I'm really looking forward to him coming, everything Sams told me he sounds a real character. Now he's a horse in my mind that is full of type and quality, the first time I saw him he took my breath away , he has the wow factor. He will get plenty of tlc with us, we're not at all posh, we fight the mud and the stables could all do with an overhaul, but all our horses and incoming horses seem to be very happy, down the front yard they get to watch the dogs and up the back the chickens, so I'm sure that there wil be plenty to keep him amused!!!
Fiona Grant-Chivers
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Woodlay
Gold Member
United Kingdom
566 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 1:18:27 PM
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Fiona,
If you are really fond of your chickens for goodness sake don't let any roost in with Harry, or you will find him with feathers stuck all round his mouth in the morning and a missing chicken! He thinks anything in his stable is his "toy". You have been warned.........
He is a real clown. So glad you are having him - enjoy!
Annie |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 1:32:05 PM
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I think our chickens have become wise to the horses and jack russells (not forgetting the whippet), they tend to get their reeboks to the ready!!!!!! Chariots of fire springs to mind!!!! Kuda will have to be quick, they've been having sprinting lessons from our local Mr Foxy!!
Annie I do hope you don't think I'm totally bonkers, I can be quite sane sometimes, I have to be unfortunately,
Looking forward
Fiona
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 1:35:45 PM
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Dear all,
As you can probably tell, my horses have to have a good temperament to cope with me!!!!!!
Fiona
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DibDob
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
130 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 1:48:04 PM
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Hi everyone
I just had to add to this post about my Pixie. She has an awful attitude and flattens her ears all the time. She has NEVER actually bitten me, but she shows me how sharp her teeth are, if she gets too close with those teeth, she jumps back in alarm. Now to me, this means that the poor girl has been smacked for pulling faces. I got her when she was only just 4 and she didn't seem as green as she should have been, so I think she was broken early (raced?) and shown no affection. I was given all sorts of advice by more 'experienced' horse people, including smacking her 'to hurt' when she goes to bite, but I decided to just ignore it.
I have had Pixie for 18 months now and have thought about giving up and selling her a few times, but never again!
I can't say she is 'cuddly' but if she is in the mood, we can have a nice scratching session together with no face pulling. It isn't her fault, I'm sure of it, and in time I hope she continues to get better and more trusting of people. The one thing I am thankful for is that she is an angel to ride!
Debbie
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Lisa
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2611 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 1:48:46 PM
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Does anyone remember the advert for Hejaz with him standing in the field being held by the tiniest little girl. I don't know if his owners are on this forum but what a fantastic advert for him! 
I am not the most confident of people and I don't like taking risks as far as horses are concerned so I am glad temperament is so important in all your breeding plans! Obviously the way a horse is treated is a major factor in it's attitude towards people.
It is frightening to think of people doping horses when prospective purchasers come to look so you could end up buying a real nightmare!
I'm glad I have one of those nice types you can slide of his bum, bring him in by his mane, sit underneath him, take a shoe off out in the field without headcollar or rope etc. I know I said I don't take risks but I have just thought of a funny story, a friend and I decided to sit on our horses out in the field while they were grazing which was fine until they decided to play and took off accross the field! I had to tug pretty hard on Tom's mane to stop him so I could jump off!
Even a hot horse as Sue said is fine, obviously not a family plod but still safe to be around! |
Edited by - Lisa on 06 Nov 2003 1:52:12 PM |
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Wendy Allan
Silver Member
United Kingdom
310 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 2:13:33 PM
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Debbie,
When things get to the point that you wonder if it's all worth it with Pixie, just hang on in there. Mentioned elsewhere, I had the most horrendous 7 years with Tara before she would even allow me to groom her. She is still a horse to watch - currently she's sulking because she has not been handled by me for the past 3 weeks, and she took a bite at my long suffering pal last night - but she has an amazing personality and sense of humour. I wouldn't part with her for the world, and 8 years isn't really very long when you look backwards :-)
Hope you find out Pixie's identity soon.
Wendy |
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DibDob
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
130 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 2:22:55 PM
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Thank you so much Wendy, I do think that it will all be worth while in the end! I do love the girl and that's what counts! After all, I can get pretty grumpy myself at certain times of the month!
I have read that they are extending the passport deadline to June 2004, maybe a bit more time for me to trace who Pixie really is?
Debbie |
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SueB
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 3:16:59 PM
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Hi Debbie, I had a sullen mare...for no reason what so ever she would put her ears back...she had been looked after well, never hurt or even had a raised voice directed at her!..yet still she sulked around like a teenager......
After a few years with us, and obviously she developed a feeling of belonging somewhere in this world, she started putting her ears forward and became quite a friendly soul......I didn't breed this mare, and she had been to two homes before me, so I have put it down to her feeling a bit lost and angry with life?
I would suggest you ignore her sulks and don't 'push' her into being nice to you, and, more importantly, don't take it personally if she makes a face at you, I'm sure you are not being singled out!
Sue...x |
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DibDob
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
130 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 5:36:15 PM
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Thanks Sue
Pixie pulls faces at everyone, even the other horses, so I don't take it personally! Good to know that ignoring her is the right thing to do though.
Another worry is that all the other 3 clean each other but Pixie does not get involved in all that, bless her, maybe she just 'wants to be alone'!
Debbie |
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Bebely
Gold Member
United Kingdom
813 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 6:09:27 PM
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As the "end user" so to speak I think I value temperament above anything else at all and I must admit that is probably the BIGGEST (although not the only) reason why a favour Arabs above any other breed. I don't think I could get through a long day's work and then drag myself down to the yard to see a horse I didn't like very much.
I am only a one/two horse owner. I have had my gelding Jameel since he was a yearling and I think because I brought him up myself we "gel". He is on a really great livery yard which also is an RDA centre and is ajacent to a care home. Jameel is so good that the volunteers are allowed to practice leading, feet picking out etc with him. He is in the field in front of the home so people can see him from their windows and those that have some mobility can come and come out and pet him.
Brenda stuffs carrots down the side of her wheelchair and pretends she doesn't feed him! I'm just happy he gives other people so much pleasure.
This is Brenda and Jameel
I have just brought my new boy home (thank you Sally). When I chose him I was also looking for great temperament. I think he's going to be quite calm and steady too. When I got him home from his journey from North Wales he took an hour or two to settle in and then went to bed! He's mostly been there ever since! (I think he's growing)
 
Bev |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 7:11:23 PM
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Hi bev,
Glad to hear i'm not the only, person that takes an arab to a care home for the oldies to see. My sister runs a nursing home and when i'm out hacking, I sometimes call in and you should see what joy it brings to some of their faces, good ole arabs, they don't deserve the reputation they have!!!!!!!!
Fiona Grant-Chivers |
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Bebely
Gold Member
United Kingdom
813 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 8:07:34 PM
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Fiona
They're dotty about him. My long gone German Shepherd was a PAT dog and I think Jameel wants to be a PAT horse! We're doing an RDA fund raiser at Christmas and we're trying to get permission to take Jameel. We ran an event in the summer and people could pay for a photo holding his lead rein (digital camera & laptop - clever hey!!) and he raised loads of money.
Bev |
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Varaina
Gold Member
United Kingdom
606 Posts |
Posted - 06 Nov 2003 : 8:49:53 PM
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Brilliant idea bev hadn't thought of that, we're always trying to think of ways to raise money for the olds day trips out, so i'll mention that one to my sister,
Cheers
Fiona |
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