Confidence

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Benjamin

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How do you get it?

Basically, I am not confident enough to let Rudy 'GO'. I want to take him for a gallop, esp in company (as it would be nigh on impossible to get him out of his SJ canter!
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), but everytime I try, and I am not sure if I am imagining it, but he feels like he is humping and dropping his head. I have visions of it turning into a bronching act!
Do I just let him go and actually see what he does?
He is quite short and everso powerful. I have sat a tirade of his bucks, but don't fancy my chances whilst on the move. I am not sure why my confidence has been waning, I used to love a good gallop!

(Is the answer a wee dram of something and just go with it?
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)

Answers on a postcard please.


P x
 
I find letting my mare go in company is better as she actually stops when the others stop..but I do have that niggling scared feeling still before. I dont let her go on our own anymore as she gets excited so we stick to a nice slow canter.
The only way Iv found to get confidence to do something is just to force myself to do it, and the more times I do things it gets easier each time
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Just go for it. If he realises you want him to open up I'm sure he'll soon get the idea. If you feel him starting to "hump" then keep your leg on strong and he should go forward. His head will drop a little the faster you go so don't restrict him too much with your hands!

Have fun!!!!!
 
I still haven't let Thumper go full pelt yet - and I've had him a year.

Remember though, the faster a horse goes, the less it is able to pronc - so don't worry about that.
 
I can only get him to go in company!
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I nicknamed him the goldfish lastnight, as he seems to have a really terrible memory!
I know I could stop him as he is really obedient to my seat, weight and hands.

Its just the bucking I worry about.

Yes, you are right, the more you do it, the less you worry!
 
Nothing wrong with a controlled canter though, the horse can go at full speed on its own in the field! It is not to do with lack of bravery - it is probably rather sensible. I have had several horses I would never dream of letting go at full speed.
 
I did manage to get him to open up a bit for me but that was after we had been at a steady, settled canter for a while.

Is there any reason why you haven't?

I shall try and keep that thought in my brain when I take him out next. Thank you AmyMay
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Yes, I know, I do enjoy our controlled almost collected canters, esp after so many years of riding the coloured hooligan
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I would like to have a go at some eventing at some stage, so at the moment I feel like I am needing to teach him to gallop. He may not enjoy it.....
 
I do find him strong yes - but seem to have cracked it with a waterford and flash. The thing that gives me butterflies though is his power. I've never sat on anything like him - which is why I struggle to have the confidence to really let him go.

I'm supposed to be babysitting an up and comming race horse on the weekend though - so gawd knows what'll happen then. I suppose I'll just have to close my eyes and pray!
 
im the same with my boy - havent got the guts to let him go totally.. let him have a few strides but was going so fast i couldnt breath or see! is bridging the reins holding both of them in each hand (if you see what i mean!)
 
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