Asking a professional to ride your horse?

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LouiseG

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I have decided to get a professional to have a sit on my horse and do some schooling with him over the next few weeks, just basically to rubber stamp everything that I have taught him (I am sometimes a bit “grey” and he needs black and white!) and also to give him more confidence in his canter as he’s still a little unsure of the transition and unbalanced, as am I, so we don’t really help each other. I’m really the only person who has ridden him in the past year (he’s 5) and I am so over protective of him.

He is a sensitive boy, and even though he is as laid back as anything with me, he can get quite upset if he is pushed too soon. Another instructor got on him in November time and he was not at all happy but the girl who will be riding him is lovely and a fantastic rider so I’m quite excited, but I am really, really nervous as part of me feels like I am admitting defeat! Does anyone have any stories they can share to put my mind at ease that I am doing the right thing and this will be great for us in the long run? I will also be getting lessons from her afterwards. :)
 
Al had her youngster backed and ridden away by a pro, and then when she started being difficult this Jan., she went back to the pro for 2 weeks. It was the best decision, Bee had the nicest start and was very well educated, in a way that Al couldn't have done as she lacks experience in riding youngsters from the start.

Asking a pro to help your horse is a really good step to take. They have hours more experience than you'll ever have and therefore can offer your horse a really solid education for you which you can then build on.
 
Lolo said:
Al had her youngster backed and ridden away by a pro, and then when she started being difficult this Jan., she went back to the pro for 2 weeks. It was the best decision, Bee had the nicest start and was very well educated, in a way that Al couldn't have done as she lacks experience in riding youngsters from the start.

Asking a pro to help your horse is a really good step to take. They have hours more experience than you'll ever have and therefore can offer your horse a really solid education for you which you can then build on.
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^^^^^
This. IMO it is far better to admit areas where you might be less experienced and to ask the pro to clarify your "grey" areas for your horse. As long as you pick the right pro for your horse (which it sounds like you have) then I would agree with your decision 100%. I see too many horses that are the product of well meaning but inexperienced production which can (although not always) lead to a confused and unhappy horse. And it's not necessarily a pro vs amateur thing. There are many very very good amateurs out there that are producing nice horses - I think it is just about knowing yourself and your horse and asking for help when needed. And I am completely biased because I have my baby pony based with a pro because I KNOW I have neither the time (or frankly the talent) to do him justice at this stage in his training. :) Good Luck!
 
I think I could have written your post myself, just over a year ago, except that I was pregnant at the time and wanted him ridden for a couple of months starting from just before I had the baby. Chose the wrong person, who looked nice on him the first couple of times but I think ran out of ideas pretty quickly. I was working so didn't always manage to go and watch. Friends told me that sometimes she only did 10 mins. Don't think she did any harm but didn't do any good either, money wasted. It sounds as though you have someone rather better in mind but be cautious, ask for breakdowns of the work they have done, and try to watch as often as you can.

I found someone else after this and she did him so much good, and he had great fun with her.
 
Thanks guys, that has made me feel lots better! It's actually my regular instructor who has recommended her because he is far too big to ride my boy. She is firm but fair from what he has says, which is what my boy needs, and my grey areas are there because I am just not firm enough when he needs it and is being cheeky. I am SO super proud of what I've achieved with my boy, but I am the first to admit that we have kind of hit the same point where he's not experienced enough to help me out, and I'm not experienced enough to help him out!

She has done an amazing job with a friend's horse and I have seen her ride other horses too, I am just worried if he throws all his toys out of the pram (which he is likely to do!). I guess my question is, how do you know they are the right person for your horse?!
 
I think vanity is the enemy of training horses. It takes a healthy degree of humility to stand back and decide that input from someone else could increase your horse's chances of being a well trained and sane ride.
Even the best pro's will send a horse to another if they think it needs input from someone better skilled in a particular area.

The skill on the part of the owner is in choosing the right professional. Which is precisely your question.
Don't be swayed by reputation, you know your horse and you are your horse's voice. Watch the rider riding other horses, doesn't matter how impressive they look, it doesn't always follow that your horse will be equally impressed.
My horses can tell me very quickly if they click with a rider. Visual clues like expression, lack of tension, willingness and fluidity. Look for a rider who enjoys riding your horse. One who's negative is less likely to gain his generosity and confidence.
 
I hit a bit of a block a while ago with jumping , my confidence jumping whilst on the up isn't where I want it to be , then Numpty horse acted like a loon & I came off.
So for the past couple of weeks my fab instructor has been schooling her once a week to iron out issues which makes it easier for me to focus on myself & my position more.
Best decision Ive ever made, the difference with my Mare is unbelievable, and we are starting to jump in a CONTROLLED fashion.
Im glad I asked for help as otherwise we would be still careering into fences and battling each other.
 
:)Without the help, both riding/long reining, given by my excellent instructor both my previous New Forests would not have turned out such excellent boys. She knows exactly what "pushes my buttons" and when she needs to step in & put things right, without making me feel a prat!:D

She's even coming "horse hunting" with me to try & stop me making too many mistakes - at 55 I want to enjoy my riding & low level competition not end up in Casualty (or worse).

So, IMO provided you trust the person you are turning to for help this can only be a good thing!
 
I also have a 5 year old and up untill recently i had done everything with him myself but for the last couple of months i have had my YO riding him once a week schooling him and he is working really well working better and rounder in canter i think its good to get other peoples opinion on your horse sometimes i felt as though i was admitting defeat a bit with him but wish i had done it sooner as we are doing a lot better together having a go at out first dressage comp in a few weeks!
 
It's a fantastic thing to do and in no way admitting defeat. It's just a recognition that we all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Someone rides my horse for me and I love it. I get to watch my horse going beautifully and when I get back on, all the stuff I'd previously got stuck on has been magically improved!
 
I sent my 7yo away for schooling and ended up moving my other two to the pro's yard :o
I'd had lessons with Martin on my previous horse and two on Beau with good results so i knew he was the person to ask.
We asked for some help while we were up for a lesson and ended up arranging to drop the big man off a fortnight later.

Best thing I could have done - Beau has come on so much in the last few months.
Martin still schools him and I'm having weekly lessons to make sure I'm riding him properly.

It's important to find someone you and your horse both get on with and to agree on what needs to happen.
For example, we agreed that Beau would be worked on the flat for a month before jumping because his flat work was absolutely awful.
 
I've sent you a PM :) although not sure it went as my phone is playing up! Let me know if not.

Tonight was a huge success! Really really happy with how it went! Happy horse and happy me! Think it will do us the world of good! :)
 
No never worked I can't send pm from Phone

FB me :D

That's super news that all going well xx

Yes defo agree if you want a decent horse you need experienced people's input and help.
 
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