Confidence, small steps and bareback

TrasaM

TrasaM

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Had a really interesting afternoon today and wanted to share a very happy experience .
I normally ride with my friend on mondays but as it was windy and ASBO cob was being very grumpy my friend decided to walk him out in hand instead. We stopped to let him graze while we talked about him and her and the problems she's having with him. Basically he's great when I ride him but can be a total thug with her and he's destroying her confidence. I've ridden him for the past few weeks because of this. So on the way back I convinced her to get on bareback whilst I led him. She wasn't too keen at first and ASBO was less than convinced initially. Got her to relax and let go of his mane so she then started to balance and sit more upright. She let go and then closed her eyes and relaxed into his movement. It was one of loveliest things I've experienced with horses so far. He got all relaxed and she absolutely loved it. We even got past the scary cows without incident:eek:
she was so happy when we got back to the yard having ridden him bareback for the first time ever and was beginning to get the feel for his movement and how the way she sits and feels affects him. I think we will be doing a lot more of this in the next few weeks.
I think we were safe enough doing this on a main road as he's good with traffic. Any suggestions for any other exercises we can do to help with the riding and bonding process will be thankfully received. Happy day. :)
 
Sometimes horses which understand traffic behave more sensibly on the road, so I fully understand why you chose the road to do this on. I'd let your friend consolidate her new skill before making her riding more challenging but when she is ready, how about egg and spoon type (maybe potato and scoop) games to help her balance by concentrating on keeping the 'egg' balanced, cups on a tray will help her to use 2 hands independently of her seat. Of course you will need to be sure tht the horse won't spook if she drops anything - and you won't be able to that on the road, lol!.
 
:) yes, I waited until we had a straight stretch of road with good visibility..

The egg balancing idea is really good. I like that:)
Also wondered about her mounts and dismounts. She used my knee to mount with today so that's fine but thought that practicing getting on and off quickly on both sides so he gets used to it?
 
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