Advice??

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amanda1788

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Ok, I'm basically looking for some advice or similar stories. I have been owning horses for 3 years. The first horse I bought was too much for me, she was nasty in the stable and would rear and rodeo in the school. It got to the point I couldnt ride her. As I bought her from a dealer I took her back after 6 months and basically swapped her for a 4 yr old welsh D X. I did want something more experienced but they wouldnt give me a refund and I had to choose something from there. He was really good when I rode him, not naughty or spooky.

I kept him on DIY livery where he was stabled at night, I had a lot of problems with him once he had settled in, he would chuck me off when hacking out, bolt in the school and throw me off. I think it was mainly my fault as i had lost confidence and being a young horse he needed someone to give him confidence. On the ground he is lovely, great for the farrier, vet and loves to be groomed.

I moved him to a field which I now rent, he calmed down a bit from living out 24/7. I have now had him 2 years we have progressed slightly but not as much as i think we should. I have managed to slowly build my confidence up with him by doing things I know we can do, like hacking out in company. I have started hacking him out with someone biking and its going good so far. However what I really want is to do some shows, I've always wanted to do some XC and maybe some prelim dressage. I just feel I've owned horses for 3 years and have not even been able to enjoy it by going out to a show.

I think my horse can get to do prelim and jumping but its going to take a lot of work and time, which I dont mind it just gets frustrating as the reason I wanted a horse was to do shows. I do feel bad as he has such a gorgeous personality and will be a lovely horse once he's ready, its just finding the patience to wait another year or so before I can do what I want.

Anyway I have rambled on enough now lol, has anyone got any advice on the best training to get him to ready for XC.
Thanks if you got this far x
 
When you got him he may have been just backed or had very little experience. All he knows may be what you have taught him. Maybe you could get some regular help to teach him and you what you want to learn? otherwise doing it on your own you will probably be in a similar situation in 2 more years time. Every horse needs work and time, unless you have several spare thousands of pounds to go and buy yourself a schoolmaster. Even then they need some effort
 
amanda1788 said:
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I think my horse can get to do prelim and jumping but its going to take a lot of work and time, which I dont mind it just gets frustrating as the reason I wanted a horse was to do shows. I do feel bad as he has such a gorgeous personality and will be a lovely horse once he's ready, its just finding the patience to wait another year or so before I can do what I want.

Anyway I have rambled on enough now lol, has anyone got any advice on the best training to get him to ready for XC.
Thanks if you got this far x
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You are doing really well and have come a long way, so don't lose heart now and rush off to do some xc before you are ready. You are quite right in that you need to be patient. I would suggest you enlist the help of a good instructor if you can afford it, and get some basic jumping lessons in first.

How much jumping have you done? He needs to be happy and confidently jumping small jumps at home in the school, where you are in control, before you venture out. He needs to understand what is required of him, and athough quite a few experienced riders would probably just pop logs and natural ditches on a hack, if you are not so confident I would not recommend that until you are more established in the school.

If he is already happy doing this, then you could look up a local xc course and see if they have some recommended instructors that would give you a lesson there or ask your own to give you a lesson, ideally with a friend so the other horse can give you a lead. Just keep it simple and fun the first few times.

Then when you are out on hacks, take the opportunity to jump small logs or ride up and down banks if you come across any (we live near some woods so that is easy but depends on your area). Always check the other side before you jump unknown things tho!

How about joining a local riding club - check first that they have xc clinics - as that can be a good way to learn and make some new friends. Or look up one of the horse camps, if you want some intensive instruction over a short period.
 
I would say you need to get a good instructor. if you don't have a school then you could hire one for your lessons or if the instructor has a school. To get ready for XC you will need to do lots of fittening work and get to some XC clinics. Do you have transport?
 
Why not get a more experienced jockey to come and have a sit on him even if it is just once a week to get him heading in the right direction? Once he know's what's required of him it'll make life a lot easier for both of you. Youngsters are hard work and you do have up's and downs but generally it's all worth it in the end and hard work pays off! :-) You seem to have made a good job of him so far.
 
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