Lizzie0682
Well-Known Member
Hiya,
Have had my new horse for about 4 weeks, we've had some ups and downs but generally felt we were getting on really well, went out hacking 3 times last week, new horse happily led the way despite obviously never having been ridden in our area before, could not have behaved better, despite seeing every hazard going!
Took him out on Sat with boyf jogging (v non horsey boyf I might add), went down road he had been down once before, its a v v steep hill and he did slip a couple of times when we went down it the week before. Man was in hedge with chainsaw, and new horse quite fairly spooked, but we got past. Then he flatly refused to go down hill, mini rears, backing into hedge / parked car the lot!! On this ride, put it down to first time being out alone, and also boyf choosing chainsaw spook moment to sprint off down hill out of sight (helpful!!). Turned to go other way (I know, I know, should never turn back), that also involved similar steep down hill and same thing occurred! Ended up turning round again and going shorter route as I was quite shook up at this point. Horse goes back to normal chilled out self.
As I say, put this down to experience. Rode out with another sensible horse the next day, horse happily goes out of yard, happy on roads, untill get to same point as yesterday. Same thing happens! Even with other horse in front, leading, or by the side, he just would not go down! Again, tried to go down other hill and same thing happened, eventually, after tears and patience of many drivers (thank god they were nice ones!) got him down there with him doing teeney tiny steps whole way down. Then settled into calm horse again. Half an hour later meet fork in road, one option big steep road up hill other option flat. Can you guess what happened? Rearing, backwards going for hill, angelic walk when pointed at flat option.
Now, as I say it's a new horse, and although I own another horse, she is retired so not been riding regularly for a couple of years. new horse was bought as confidence giver which after last weekend has been dented!!
I guess I'm thinking: -
1 - Has the slipping down big hill shook him up a little? Potentially injured himself without me noticing? Farrier is out this week for new shoes generally. Going to ask him for thoughts, and also possibly road studs, and maybe back shoes off for more grip??
2 - Is he just generally naughty and taking the p with new owner?! I have never ever know a horse nap when already 30mins into a ride, and also when with another horse? Plus he doesn't seem to be napping to get home, just not go a certain way? The girl I rode out with advised shouting at him, and giving him big whack with crop. I can see the sense in this, but when he's just gone backwards down a 4 foot bank and only saved himself by scrambling up at the last minute its easier said than done!!
I've invested in a new body protector, that will hopefully give me a bit more confidence to kick him on more, but when he goes backwards he's is completely uncaring as to what is behind him, it is quite frankly just dangerous.
If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance x
Have had my new horse for about 4 weeks, we've had some ups and downs but generally felt we were getting on really well, went out hacking 3 times last week, new horse happily led the way despite obviously never having been ridden in our area before, could not have behaved better, despite seeing every hazard going!
Took him out on Sat with boyf jogging (v non horsey boyf I might add), went down road he had been down once before, its a v v steep hill and he did slip a couple of times when we went down it the week before. Man was in hedge with chainsaw, and new horse quite fairly spooked, but we got past. Then he flatly refused to go down hill, mini rears, backing into hedge / parked car the lot!! On this ride, put it down to first time being out alone, and also boyf choosing chainsaw spook moment to sprint off down hill out of sight (helpful!!). Turned to go other way (I know, I know, should never turn back), that also involved similar steep down hill and same thing occurred! Ended up turning round again and going shorter route as I was quite shook up at this point. Horse goes back to normal chilled out self.
As I say, put this down to experience. Rode out with another sensible horse the next day, horse happily goes out of yard, happy on roads, untill get to same point as yesterday. Same thing happens! Even with other horse in front, leading, or by the side, he just would not go down! Again, tried to go down other hill and same thing happened, eventually, after tears and patience of many drivers (thank god they were nice ones!) got him down there with him doing teeney tiny steps whole way down. Then settled into calm horse again. Half an hour later meet fork in road, one option big steep road up hill other option flat. Can you guess what happened? Rearing, backwards going for hill, angelic walk when pointed at flat option.
Now, as I say it's a new horse, and although I own another horse, she is retired so not been riding regularly for a couple of years. new horse was bought as confidence giver which after last weekend has been dented!!
I guess I'm thinking: -
1 - Has the slipping down big hill shook him up a little? Potentially injured himself without me noticing? Farrier is out this week for new shoes generally. Going to ask him for thoughts, and also possibly road studs, and maybe back shoes off for more grip??
2 - Is he just generally naughty and taking the p with new owner?! I have never ever know a horse nap when already 30mins into a ride, and also when with another horse? Plus he doesn't seem to be napping to get home, just not go a certain way? The girl I rode out with advised shouting at him, and giving him big whack with crop. I can see the sense in this, but when he's just gone backwards down a 4 foot bank and only saved himself by scrambling up at the last minute its easier said than done!!
I've invested in a new body protector, that will hopefully give me a bit more confidence to kick him on more, but when he goes backwards he's is completely uncaring as to what is behind him, it is quite frankly just dangerous.
If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance x