Confidence knocked

[Sparkle71]

I have been really enjoying my return to riding for a few months now. I really like the stable and staff where I am having lessons and being a bit older feel I have a new lease of life! However, the last couple of weeks I've been with a horse who is really good to ride - I can walk trot and canter with him confidently but when I'm on the ground trying to tack up he is really grumpy and tries to bite me I was quite scared of him today. I'm not scared when I'm riding him, he makes me work quite hard but I was just wondering if I should ask not to have him again or just be a bit firmer with him if I do get put with him again! Thank you 😊

 

[AdorableAlice]

It is lovely to hear you are getting on well and enjoying it. Just mention to your instructor that the horse is being a little intimidating, I am sure the instructor will have a word with the horse for you.

 

[LadySam]

It is lovely to hear you are getting on well and enjoying it. Just mention to your instructor that the horse is being a little intimidating, I am sure the instructor will have a word with the horse for you.

Indeed! Or will show you how to have a word with him. This sort of behaviour is not to be tolerated, but understandable that you'd find it intimidating - that's what it's meant to do!

 

[9tails]

Ask for a member of staff to help you, it's best to get help rather than struggle on and lose confidence.

 

[Sparkle71]

Thank you for the advice - I'm going to try not to dwell on it too much because I'm enjoying every other aspect of riding so am just going to put it down as experience and a learning curve!

 

[Clodagh]

Riding school horses do tend to have written the book on horrible faces and evasive actions when being tacked up. They can spot someone they can intimidate at 100 paces. Hopefully the school will put someone with you to help you next time. If you are left with him make sure he is tied up short and keep by his shoulder. And don't take it personally. Good to hear uyou are enjoying the lessons.