anyone else ever backed really nervous horse

Rebels
Yes you could say Ive made most progress ,I know its all based on trust.The extra help kicks in next week ,I cant do the rest safely without additional help and Im not going to send him away unless there is real need.
Time will tell hopefully Ill come back on in few weeks/months and have good outcome to report:D.Its harder doing very little at moment:rolleyes:
 
Then good luck and hope he continues to improve. My super nervy boy did his second hunter trial today and flew round to come 8th. 2 years ago I couldn't even get on him!
 
If you watch from minute 6 of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-5FuKlhlg , this was my super nervous horse to back. I'd get bronched off at the slightest twitch, he would blind panic and run until he fell, it was frightening and I made so many mistakes it was unbelievable (never backed one before). I got to be a little nervous of him, especially after I slipped a disc. but I kept going back 10 steps every time I messed up, went even slower the next time and he forgave me each time. it helps that he was friendly even though such a sensitive horse. I never dreamt I would be riding him bareback and bridleless, so Im really proud of him.
 
You should be very proud of yourself , its lovely to see a good bond.Great looking horse too:D
Had good evening tonight although I had someone leading me they had no contact and he worked from my hand (mostly Voice as well).Little bit heavy on one rein but lightened on circle and we had more strides completely relaxed ,it was great to let him relax into bridle.Think his mouth is much more comfortable with different bit and after dentist had been.:D
Im feeling better about things every day :D
 
Thanks. I think key for me was not feeling like I 'should' be doing certain things just because he was 4, then 5, then 6. My horse hadn't read the book saying a young horse should walk trot and canter nicely under saddle when he's 4. Mine didn't canter in the school til he was 6, barely trotted a circle at 5 and only trotted on roads at 4 as he was less prone to bucking. He was weak and I was inexperienced at backing and bringing on. He is now 7 and has all the basic buttons, leg yield, shoulder in, walk piroettes, rein back, direct transitions and is beginning collection/extension work. I may be 3yrs behind most but I don't regret it one bit.
 
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