Olliepoppy
Well-Known Member
Hi, new 13 year old mare purchased 2 weeks ago as a novice ride. Previously used for hacking (mainly alone) and home jumping. In the past has been shown in-hand. Rode on loose rein out hacking.
I tried her out and she was calm, steady, fairly unflappable in strong wind, past cows, tractors etc and rode nicely in an indoor school. Her previous owners stated she was always the same, no matter if you changed tack, went different routes, with or without other horses etc. Her rider had her in a Pelham but I tried her in a snaffle with no issues. Teeth had been checked 6 months ago, don't think back checked and saddle not professionally fitted.
First ride up and down farm track was to try out a saddle for fit. Asked for trot, well behaved, no problems, forward going 14.3hh who likes to be out and about.
Second ride up and down same farm track but ever so slightly further. Asked for trot, went straight into canter, brought back round easily.
Third ride - lesson with instructor in imaginary arena in stubble field. Walk ok, slowing/speeding up using seat. Trot - same thing attempted but got heavier/stronger in hands. Felt she was getting annoyed with the tight contact (came with French link eggbutt). Instructor insists on good contact. Asked instructor to have a go as I'm not so confident after a nasty fall a year ago. She got on, walked around a couple of times, asked for trot and said novice ride sort of bunny hopped on the spot then took off like a bat out of hell across the field. Instructor stayed on (not sure I would have!) and brought her back across to field. Was end of lesson time anyway so we walked back to yard with no problems.
Contacted previous owners who said she had NEVER bolted with them in the 6 months they had her. I am wondering whether the change in riding style could have confused her or if she objected to being 'held back'? Does anyone have any thoughts/experiences of this? I am concerned that my novice ride is not so novice!
I tried her out and she was calm, steady, fairly unflappable in strong wind, past cows, tractors etc and rode nicely in an indoor school. Her previous owners stated she was always the same, no matter if you changed tack, went different routes, with or without other horses etc. Her rider had her in a Pelham but I tried her in a snaffle with no issues. Teeth had been checked 6 months ago, don't think back checked and saddle not professionally fitted.
First ride up and down farm track was to try out a saddle for fit. Asked for trot, well behaved, no problems, forward going 14.3hh who likes to be out and about.
Second ride up and down same farm track but ever so slightly further. Asked for trot, went straight into canter, brought back round easily.
Third ride - lesson with instructor in imaginary arena in stubble field. Walk ok, slowing/speeding up using seat. Trot - same thing attempted but got heavier/stronger in hands. Felt she was getting annoyed with the tight contact (came with French link eggbutt). Instructor insists on good contact. Asked instructor to have a go as I'm not so confident after a nasty fall a year ago. She got on, walked around a couple of times, asked for trot and said novice ride sort of bunny hopped on the spot then took off like a bat out of hell across the field. Instructor stayed on (not sure I would have!) and brought her back across to field. Was end of lesson time anyway so we walked back to yard with no problems.
Contacted previous owners who said she had NEVER bolted with them in the 6 months they had her. I am wondering whether the change in riding style could have confused her or if she objected to being 'held back'? Does anyone have any thoughts/experiences of this? I am concerned that my novice ride is not so novice!