JessM23
Member
I bought a mare a few years ago who turned out to be in foal - something that was definitely not ideal as she was my first horse! The foal was born and weaned last year and at the beginning of this year I worked with my instructor to bring her back into work so I could begin riding again. Unfortunately her temperament had completely changed: when I bought her she was the nicest horse you could ever meet (and perfect as a first horse) but since having the foal she began bucking and cow kicking when being ridden or lunged and her stable manners were atrocious. I did the usual and had her teeth, saddle, back, legs etc checked but nothing seemed to be wrong. I was kicked by her when turning her out and she began rearing sometimes when I was walking her to the field. I've since sold her and bought a new horse but I just feel like I've lost every bit of confidence when handling and riding. He's a 12 YO gelding (I've had him for 2 weeks now) and hasn't put a foot wrong but I feel like I'm always waiting for him to rear or do something bad which is very unfair on him. I'm fine when having lessons and feel very confident but when riding him on my own I just seem to panic. I'm having regular lessons and also trying my best to make sure I have someone with me when I can in the short-term but this isn't always possible.
I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for confidence building when getting back on? Also, if a horse rears when you're leading it to the field what is the best way to handle this? Any other advice that may help would also be appreciated!
I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for confidence building when getting back on? Also, if a horse rears when you're leading it to the field what is the best way to handle this? Any other advice that may help would also be appreciated!