brave, mad or stupid?! What next?

[Bossdog]

Was lunging Katie yesterday and she was doing so well, really calm and chilled and so I thought I'd have a go on her. She's only been ridden twice since we had her when she was having her saddle fitted and she was a nightmare both times, even put in a little rear at one pont, she had to be led and just generally gave the impression she was very unhappy, everyone said she was unrideable.

Anyway, I tacked her up yesterday and got on her in the school and she was an absolute dream, she went forward really nicely and got the idea pretty quickly.The difference i think was that when the saddler was there she had loads of people around, my sharer was totally panicking that she was going to be a nightmare and all the bad vibes just made her upset. In hindisght it was a bit stupid to get on her when tehre was nobody around but it's such a breakthrough for her and we've bonded so well in the last few weeks, I really trust her and i know she trusts me not to make her do anything she 's scared of. She's very green and i'm definatly not the most experienced rider but it just goes to show what a bit of time and in hand work can do!!

So, now I'm wondering what to do next. She's ten years old but i'm treating her like a youngster and starting from the beginning. We only walked yesterday, do I carry on getting her responsive in walk or should I move up to trot straight away? I know this will sound really stupid to everyone here who breaks and trains youngsters but I'm just ahappy hacker so it's all a bit new to me!

Thanks

Jules x

 

[Cobland]

Congratulations!!! I didnt trot my youngster for a while, wanted to give her some schooling at a walk first. However only you will know if shes ready for a trot, you could always try a couple of strides and see how she goes.

Good luck and keep us up to date

 

[Kate_13]

Well done. It just goes to show what time and patience does for you and your horse.

If you feel you and your horse are ready for trot work, then progress. Do what you feel you are comfortable with.

There is no rush to do anything.

Just because she is older doesn't mean you have to do things quicker.

Just out of interest, has been just been backed? Or is this the first time that you have sat on her and she was backed already? I'm being thick.

 

[samp]

Only you know your horse, take your time and only do what you feel comfortable doing. I would however make sure someone was around on the yard next time, just in case. When my horse went thorugh a crazy spat I made sure somone on the yard new I was in the school

 

[Bossdog]

She was backed before we got her but she had been through a couple of dealers and obviously never schooled, she is very very green for her age. I think she has had a hard life, she has nasty scarring behind her ears from where a headcollar has grown into her flesh (she also has a dip in her nose and hair loss under her chin) and she has some scars that look like whip marks across her back end. So it's a huge thing for her to be able to trust someone, I'm so glad it's me!!!

 

[MrsMagoo]

Is this the mare you thougt had problems?

 

[Bossdog]

Yes, same one, can't find anything wrong with her, she just seems to get stressed really easily and has some really weird habits, when it's all combined together I can imagine she seems to be a complete nutter to an outsider. The "experts" on my yard claim I'm too soft with her and one suggested just giving her a beating to teach her some respect!! I don't think she lacks respect, I think she's a one person horse and I'm chuffed to bits that I have managed to prove that you don't need to beat a horse to make it rideable, that'll shut them up!! (Can you tell I'm pleased with myself, and my gorgeous Katie too!!)

 

[Nels]

Just wanted to say that it sounds like your mare has now found the perfect home with you and well done on riding her! Just take each day at a time and she what she and you feel confident doing. You can obviously read the horse well due to having built a bond with her, so if she feels happy and relaxed in the walk just try a few strides of trot.... You sound very positive and happy and I am sure she will feed off that and get even more confident with you!