Bad fall...

[MrsA]

?? I’ve recently had a bad fall. I’m after a bit of advice on my horse.

To cut a long story short she is fantastic out hacking, maybe slightly nosey in gateways, driveways etc... but a typical mare in that respect.

Schooling... where do I start. She’s fantastic to lunge and listens really well. I’m learning to ride after a very long time out of riding (almost 20yrs)
and the last two times I’ve rode her she has gone into unexpected canter from trotting (in the corners or on the shirt straight of the school, almost the exact same spot) on both occasions I’ve come off. Not due to bucking but due to me losing my balance. The last time I ended up in hospital and I’m now out of action for a few months. I asked my trainer (I was having a lesson at the time) if it looked like if it was something I did, she seems to think everything I was doing looked fine, she just spontaneously went into canter.

I’ve totally lost my confidence now and I need to figure out why it’s happening, I’ve trotted on a hack with no issues, we’ve trotted on the lunge with no issues, we’ve trotted in the school with no issues, it’s just been these last two times.


She’s had a new saddle within the last few months and that’s been checked, she’s been vet checked. See’s the farrier every 8 weeks.

I’m running out of ideas on what’s suddenly changed.

If anyone can offer any advice I’d be extremely grateful. I feel like my plans with her have been crushed and the first time I could bounce back but this time I physically can’t due to injury. Im not even sure how I can regain my confidence when I’m able to again, I have no resentment towards her I just think I need to work out what’s going wrong. I can’t be the only one who wishes they could talk horse ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I am so sorry that you are inn this position. I know from experience that having an extended time to think about does affect your confidence. When you are ready to get back on, I suggest that you have some sessions on a mechanical horse to help you redevelop your muscles, then maybe some lunge lessons on a school horse before sitting on you own horse again. The new(ish) saddle raises a red flag for me, I wonder if your horse has changed shape a little since the saddle was fitted to her, cornering can mean a slight shift in the saddle and then, especially if the rider isn't very well balanced, the saddle can nip the horse. I would want to have the saddle fit checked when you are ready to ride again but not necessarily until then, unless you particularly want to know if the saddle caused the problems.

 

[paddi22]

some canter lessons on the lunge would really help you learn to sit the unexpected canters. if I was you I'd do a ton of canter lunge lessons (even if it's on a schoolmaster and not her) until I was confident balancing between trot and canter.

I've known some ponies that have learnt to canter when more weight was placed in one stirrup or if a hip twisted a certain way, so it could be something like she has a funny idea of aids and maybe your weight change in or something physically you are doing, is giving her a signal to canter.

is there a pattern to stuff she does before she canters unexpectedly? like does she feel fresh? has the trot sped up or changed before it happens? is the canter very fast when she does it?

it can be very confidence-knocking to have a fall, but you will come out of it a much stronger rider when you fix the issue, and it is easily fixable by improving your balance and trot/canter transitions.


did she do it before you got the saddle?

 

[eggs]

Sorry to hear about this but some good advice already given. Only other thing I can add is that it is worth using a balance strap - basically a short strap that attaches to the D's on the front of the saddle. You can ride with your fingers hooked through it and I find it far more useful than a neck strap.

 

[EllenJay]

I would get an experienced rider to school her for you - especially as you are currently out of action at the moment. It sounds like she is a little green and unsure of what you are asking.
it would probably help your confidence a lot if you see her going well, and will help her confidence to understand what is needed.
Hope you feel better soon

 

[AmyMay]

This definitely sounds like a rider issue rather than a medical horse issue.

Lunge lessons for you would be invaluable.

 

[Trouper]

I'm so sorry you are injured and out of action but I'm struggling to understand why you fell if it was a straight transition from trot to canter - even if unexpected. If she did not buck or shy it does seem as if it might be your strength or balance which was the issue? I speak as one who returned to riding after 30 years so I understand how you need to work on core strength!!! You can also work on balance through pilates or yoga so that maybe something to think about when your injuries allow and before getting back to riding.
I agree that lunge lessons are invaluable - particularly stirrup-less! - in learning to deepen your seat, improve your balance and strengthen your riding in general so that you stay connected!!
I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Lunge lessons and a few sessions on a mechanical horse would be my starting point. This will give you a chance to get your balance. I would bet that it is a position thing and you’re losing your balance when she strikes off.

when you get back on her, take your time to build up your confidence on her. Even if that means someone walking with you in the school, even with a lunge line attached so if she canters you can hold on and concentrate on your position.

 

[Winters100]

I'm so sorry you are injured and out of action but I'm struggling to understand why you fell if it was a straight transition from trot to canter - even if unexpected. If she did not buck or shy it does seem as if it might be your strength or balance which was the issue? I speak as one who returned to riding after 30 years so I understand how you need to work on core strength!!! You can also work on balance through pilates or yoga so that maybe something to think about when your injuries allow and before getting back to riding.
I agree that lunge lessons are invaluable - particularly stirrup-less! - in learning to deepen your seat, improve your balance and strengthen your riding in general so that you stay connected!!
I hope you feel better soon.

I agree - it sounds as if you are lacking in strength. Do you do any other sports / exercise? For me it is really important to be fit in order to ride, especially now I am older. While you are off with your injury maybe think if there are any sports or exercises which would be possible during you recovery. I find that a combination of running / cycling and some weight training for the upper body keeps me strong enough. Good luck and hope that you feel better soon.

 

[Maesto's Girl]

Definitely sounds like a balance issue to me. I agree with others RE some practice on the lunge when you are back in the saddle, but having someone more experienced do some schooling in the interim would be worthwhile as she does sound green in the schooling sense

 

[Spotherisk]

I wish you a speedy recovery, and going forwards consider back protector/air jacket?

are there problems on transitions when out hacking?