A question for those who are/have been "over horsed"...long

[PorkChop]

I once had a 4 yo HannxTB who was very sharp. I used to lunge before I rode to take the tickle out of his feet, then ride with a neckstrap. I don't think I ever actually grabbed it, but it made me ride more assertively because I knew it was there.

He was a naughty, sharp little monkey til he was 7, whereupon he suddenly turned into a plod, so I got bored with him & sold him!

T x

Love this! Be careful what you wish for

 

[sportsmansB]

Would also just say that spend as much time with those who are doing the backing as you can- and not just riding, general handling and ground work too. It doesn't take a smart horse long to spot a weakness, and it is very important that you are in charge as much as possible.
Many sharp babies do become very sensible when ridden, some will always be hard to handle on the ground but easy and quiet to ride, but the best chance you can give yourself is to be as firm and consistent as possible and carry on what the pro's do as much as poss

 

[paddy]

Just to throw in an alternative viewpoint. I think the OP pointed out herself that discipline may be a little lacking. I've been overhorsed a couple of times, but each time I've been lucky to have a great back up team. The first time as a teenager, my parents paid for me to have nightly lessons for 6 months. The second time as an adult, my OH (formerly my trainer) was on hand for the hard parts and to make sure we were on the right track. I've lost my confidence numerous times and have various bits that don't work very well.

The downside of getting it wrong isn't just for the owner, but also for the horse. If you're not willing or able to put in the time and the discipline, even if it goes against the grain for you, you could end up with a horse that either goes off to the knackers or does the round of homes as a 'problem horse'.

If you're going to keep your potential problem, make sure you've got great back up, be prepared for lots of set backs and hand work, but lots of rewards too.

 

[khalswitz]

To the poster who mentioned Ludoctro - she's still around as Daytona these days, getting on well with her mare!!!!

I was over horsed by my current boy - he fractured my hip and my confidence totally and I cried every time I got on him for a while as he used to be super sharp and a proper rodeo horse.

9months of lessons from someone who has dealt with tricky exracers, and lots and lots of pushing my limits and working in my riding we are jumping 90cms at home and competing Novice dressage so proud of him and what a lovely horse he's become. Just come back from rc camp where everyone was gobsmacked at how much he has changed in a year I was a hairs breadth from selling and yet we made it through and I wouldn't swap him for Valegro now

 

[Bernster]

Thanks K - lovely to hear you've had a good outcome from all your blood sweat and tears. Didn't realise Ludoctro is now daytona, but does that mean things didn't work out in the end with Ludo :-(

 

[Goldenstar]

Thanks K - lovely to hear you've had a good outcome from all your blood sweat and tears. Didn't realise Ludoctro is now daytona, but does that mean things didn't work out in the end with Ludo :-(

Yes she sold him and bought a nice easy mare who she having great fun watching ( she's pregnant )
And she is really nice horse the new one , there's a lesson in that story she tired so so hard to get it work but when she knew it was not going to she got on and moved on .
Knowing when to jump ship is the knack .
OP I would not worry to much , young horses are often not easy and you may have to support for a long time but that's what the journey is about .
The important thing is to make sure when he comes home you have everything in place to give the right amount of work .
Have fun .

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Thanks for all of the replies...I'm feeling a little more positive about things. I think my biggest fear has been that I will screw things up for him due to a lack of competence/confidence.
As for discipline..I don't think I explained that too well. I have always insisted on "manners" ie: backing up when asked, moving over etc. I just have avoided doing certain things so I don't get it wrong and cause a problem. When I have my big girl pants on he is much better behaved but if I'm having a bad day (I suffer from depression and pain issues) he is less co-operative.
All that said..when I first got him we couldn't get near him, it was me he trusted enough to take food from and get his headcollar on though it took a few weeks. He will now stand for the farrier as good as gold tied up without me having to reassure him. He is a dream for the vets, dentist, to worm and vaccinate. He lets me touch him all over, literally any part of him. I can throw a rug on and tack him up without a fight or panic. He comes to me instead of me having to wait til I can catch him. He does seem genuinely fond of me
I haven't babied him, just allowed him to go at his pace xx


ETA: I cannot emphasise enough how committed I am to this boy and making things work. But I genuinely do love him enough to right by him, even if that does mean getting someone else to ride/loan him. I could never sell him and to the best of my ability he will be mine til the day he dies xx