Confidence

[express_75]

Hi
Had my 4yr old welsh d for 5 weeks now and she's been at her livery for a week now. Thought this would be the weekend that i'd ride her by myself. She was ridden last 2 weeks ago (hunted by my friend). Took her for a walk in hand and she was quite spooky of things that hadnt bothered her previouly..like a flower pot, a shed etc..we entered tha menege and she was snorted for Wales there, i was talking her though it and she almost jumped out of her skin when she saw herself in the mirror! Uh oh i thought, then we went past a banner and she almost got away from me. Anyway, today i was going to lunge her in there, took me 3 attempts to get the bridle on her, she just shut her mouth and pressed her lips to the wall (i can laugh now) i wanted to cry! PMT and all! Argh! This is my 1st horse and she's only been broken 3 months and so far hasnt put a foot wrong.

I just can't stopping thinking what if i get things wrong with her and is she going to take the p*** out of me cos it's all new to me (have been riding for 3 years).

Am i expecting too much? Are all young horses so spooky of the school?
My friend had offered to come down next weekend and get on her for me in the school.
I feel like a failure

What should i be doing? I just want her to feel safe and happy there......with me on her too..

 

[kerilli]

umm, i'll be totally honest, okay. good for you putting the question on here, asking for a bit of advice and help, because welsh Ds are well known for being a bit strong-minded, so you'll probably need to keep asking for advice tbh!
i think you need to find a good, patient, experienced friend (or instructor ideally) who can spend some time with you and the mare and show you immediately how to nip bad habits in the bud. then the mare will learn that she can't get away with stuff, and you'll get more confident, which she'll read (they're psychic when it comes to body language, nerves etc)
there are a few simple exercises and things you can do to show her that you do know what you're doing, which someone good can show you.
very best of luck. the great thing about youngsters is that you aren't trying to put right someone else's mistakes - they're like a blank piece of paper, you just have to make sure you put the right writing on it!

 

[LizScott]

She's more than likely picking up on your feelings and all horses, young and old are very quick to spot an inexperienced handler

Don't worry too much but I really would suggest getting some professional help weekly.

 

[express_75]

Thanks for the replies.

I also probably think im expecting alot of her but im patient and want us to have a great relationship etc,

You're right about getting someone more experience to show me the way.

I'll keep you all updated on my progress with her.

This forum is brill!

x

 

[Llwyncwn]

Hi Nina

Sorry to hear you are having confidence issues, remember she is only a baby and having been moved twice since you bought her will have made her a little uneasy. A regular routine should soon sort this out and like any new relationship, you are both testing the boundaries!

You have my number if you need to talk to someone independently and I will do my best to help.

Thanks for sending me her pic - she is very beautiful

Helen x

 

[pottamus]

Well as a fellow Welsh D owner myself I will say you have a bit of a handful for a first horse! They need patient and calm handling but you need to assert your authority too or they will (in a nice way) take the michael! I think it would be wise for you to do lot's of ground work as they can take a while to build confidence and can be silly spooky creatures at times. Perhaps your friend or an instructor can help you a bit as with no disrespect, you may need it if this is your first horse. Don't get me wrong they are lovely creatures and once settled are incredably loyal...but they take a bit of getting used to and sensitive handling. But saying all that I have never ever met a Welshie with a bad bone in them...they are lovely cheeky monkeys!

 

[Nickijem]

Good luck with your horse - these problems can be overcome but NEVER be too proud/embarrassed/feel stupid to ask for advice from an experienced horse owner.
Some friends of ours were totally slated by others as they bought a 4 yr old for their daughter - the family were very inexperienced horse owners so we thought it would end in disaster.
No! They had an experienced instructor for the child, that child took that pony to the top - she competed against the likes of Ellen Whittaker!
They sold the pony eventually for considerably more than they bought it for.

 

[debsflo]

having had a sec d mare they are the most beautiful,clever, and quick horses. definatley get some help and remember most horses at this time of year are a bit on their toes due to lack of exercise .good luck