Coblover63
Well-Known Member
I've had my traditional since he was 11 months old and he is 7 now. He's a friendly and placid chap and I love him dearly - he's my pony of a lifetime, my "one". I've done all sorts with him and broke him to drive earlier this year, which he took to like a duck to water. I'm a happy hacker (aged 53) but earlier this summer I decided it was time to hone our limited skills in the school so we have had a few 45 minute lessons. Nothing too arduous as I'm still working on my own fitness levels but my nemesis - jumping - has been introduced and he seems to love that! He has been fab and I've really seen great results as he is softening in his bridle, bending better and is generally more responsive under saddle.
He didn't get ridden over the weekend, which isn't unusual but in today's flatwork lesson - for the first time - I felt there was something missing. Everything required a little more effort than usual, even in just walk and although he did do everything that was asked, without argument, he just send very "Meh!" about it. Can and do horses have "off" days without them being ill? This is the first time I have felt him be like this. I'm not expecting him to be a machine, obviously. Do I just chalk it up to experience and hope for better next time?
He didn't get ridden over the weekend, which isn't unusual but in today's flatwork lesson - for the first time - I felt there was something missing. Everything required a little more effort than usual, even in just walk and although he did do everything that was asked, without argument, he just send very "Meh!" about it. Can and do horses have "off" days without them being ill? This is the first time I have felt him be like this. I'm not expecting him to be a machine, obviously. Do I just chalk it up to experience and hope for better next time?
