eahotson
Well-Known Member
It seems to be a subject that comes up regularly in different guises.Can I just tell you,briefly,my story.
I am not the bravest of riders after a nasty accident some years ago and had quite a long break from riding.I ended up with a horse sold to me as suitable for someone nervous but,while a sweet chap turned out to be very spooky.He spooked regularly, sharply,spinning etc. and often for no apparent reason.It got to the point where I just didn't want to ride him and on the odd occasion I plucked up courage to get on I just wanted to get off again as soon as possible.
Eventually I met two very sensible instructors,one who told me very frankly,that the horse was not suitable for me. It was upsetting but I sold him.
Enter the newbie.He has been an absolute saint but when I first got him I would be riding round the school,he would be plodding quietly and for a split second or two I would feel as though I was in the middle of a very violent spook.I would have dreams where I was riding and the horse I was riding spooked sharply and I woke with my heart pounding.
Some years later,after riding a suitable horse I am much calmer and on the very odd occasion that he has spooked,I mean really spooked not just looked at something it doesn't upset me.One reason is I can usually see what caused it and secondly,because basically I am relaxed I don't feel as though I am going to fall off and I know that he will stop.It is also very rare.
I just wanted to say that I think it really is important to have the right horse to ride.
I am not the bravest of riders after a nasty accident some years ago and had quite a long break from riding.I ended up with a horse sold to me as suitable for someone nervous but,while a sweet chap turned out to be very spooky.He spooked regularly, sharply,spinning etc. and often for no apparent reason.It got to the point where I just didn't want to ride him and on the odd occasion I plucked up courage to get on I just wanted to get off again as soon as possible.
Eventually I met two very sensible instructors,one who told me very frankly,that the horse was not suitable for me. It was upsetting but I sold him.
Enter the newbie.He has been an absolute saint but when I first got him I would be riding round the school,he would be plodding quietly and for a split second or two I would feel as though I was in the middle of a very violent spook.I would have dreams where I was riding and the horse I was riding spooked sharply and I woke with my heart pounding.
Some years later,after riding a suitable horse I am much calmer and on the very odd occasion that he has spooked,I mean really spooked not just looked at something it doesn't upset me.One reason is I can usually see what caused it and secondly,because basically I am relaxed I don't feel as though I am going to fall off and I know that he will stop.It is also very rare.
I just wanted to say that I think it really is important to have the right horse to ride.