Amazing pony/useless rider

[alexandraj]

I've been hit hard with a case of self doubt syndrome.
Ben, the beautiful unregistered dales pony that I share outdid himself recently at a local show. Both the owner and myself were praised about how beautiful he is, and how he could easily be competing at county level if he was registered/was on the bit. Now this news was like a red rag to a bull, and I am making it my sole mission over the winter to work on our schooling and to improve the "overall picture". However much I try, I cannot get him to come down onto the bit in trot and canter. In walk, he automatically looks for the contact. I find that in trot and canter, he leans on my outside hand and expects me to hold him up. Ben is ridden in a full cheek flexible straight bar mullen mouth at home and a simple eggbutt snaffle at shows.

Can anyone help me? It's making me feel like I'm incompetent and not able to work a pony correctly

 

[Meowy Catkin]

You need some lessons with a really good instructor. They will help both of you, plus lessons can be very enjoyable... honest!

 

[Abbeygale]

You need some lessons with a really good instructor. They will help both of you, plus lessons can be very enjoyable... honest!

^^^^^ what faracat said

 

[Lolo]

Good instructor, and you will be given the right tools and you'll be away

 

[Spotsrock]

Dentist and / or physio can fix this sometimes also it takes a horse not used to working that way time to get it.

 

[sheepdog]

Are you in to classical riding? Works really well on lightening/lifting the forehand. You can find a list of classical instructors on the Classical Riding Club website. Good luck.

 

[TandD]

Good lessons.....