Recent content by Lottie9

Is anyone able to share their experiences with headshaking? I recently bought my first horse who is unfortunately showing signs of it. I tried him twice before purchase, once at 11am, including hacking through woods where he was fine, then I tried him again with my instructor at midday in sunny...

Hi, thank you very much for the advice, I did try the horse in question and it wasn't right on other aspects so was an easy decision at least.

I don't really have any more advice that what has already been said, but I just want to let you know that you are not alone at all. I grew up in the same way feeling like I was the only one without a horse but the only difference was that I changed my degree at the last minute and decided not...

Well I'm not so much a novice rider but as I say, I've not really done a lot of XC before and it would be my first horse after quite a few years sharing and exercising others. I think you've hit the nail on the head be positive, the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives, although as far as...

I have been around horses forever but have never had the opportunity to compete or train properly. Now it looks like that may be about to change and I am looking for a horse at the moment. I'm really keen to get a horse that is ready to go and enjoy without spending the next few years working...

Have you considered a full or part loan? Given her age she's probably ready to take on more of the horse management side of things that she would struggle to get to grips as much with a riding school. You'd have a lot more flexibility in terms of timing and use, and may avoid the issues...

Oh don't say that or I'll end up buying at this rate!

Yeah I agree, too many blurred lines either way.

Thanks very much all, I'm not sure it's for me as I'm not ready to commit to a purchase up front, hence the preference for a loan. That sounds more like a trial, I thought LWVTB was more like a loan but the option was there down the line. I'm really hoping some uni freshers decide to start...

Hello all, I'm new around here and on the look out for my first horse. Ideally I'd like a loan but I just can't seem to find the right horse. How exactly does a 'loan with view to buy' work? Thanks, Lottie

If she's your horse legally you should have the passport now. I wouldn't wait until you need to move to ask for it. You also really ought to give notice if she's still a school horse, as they'll no doubt have lessons booked based on using her and the school may have a case to come back at...

Mine just jumps out of her skin so I don't have anything special, it's just a case of being somewhat alert and getting used to it. She doesn't bolt so a stronger bit won't do anything and I try to hack her on a long rein so she can relax anyway.

I've been looking for a part or full loan recently and when really irks me and seems to happen more often than not, is that they put up photos of the horse competing to a nice level, but in reality the horse hasn't done that in years. One competition does not a competition horse make!

I had the same thing with a TB, he would do the spinny, bolty, jumping stuff as mentioned above! He did the same in the school but would only settle down and relax nicely if I kept him in an outline.

That rings alarm bells with me, don't avoid the hard bits. Even if it's just a 10 minute warm up before you hack expose her to the school and the gate as much as you can. The lesson is a fab idea and will give you lots of ideas to work on in your own time, but consistency is key. Don't expect...