Dented confidence...

[0ldmare]

I went to try a horse today (quiet, sensible 9 yr old RC allrounder). The dealer rode him first and although he seemed to sort of 'jump' into canter he went fine. The dealer said he always does this jump but that it doesnt mean anything. I hopped on and had a walk and a trot and he felt quite nice. I then asked for my first canter and he did an almighty leap (felt rather like a buck, but without his head down) and then went into canter. I stopped and asked the dealer if that was what she meant and she said I just needed to push him forward a bit more before asking for canter. So off we went again and I got him going at a fairly smart trot and then asked again for canter. He went into a series of about 7 bucks and stopped dead. I wasnt a million miles from hitting the deck, it was only OK because he bucked in a straight line without twisting too much. Needless to say I am now a bit crushed and wondering whether its my rubbish riding! I have ridden for 40 odd years, but wouldnt say I am an ultra stylish rider although horses usually are quite happy. Its really quite upset me to be honest.

 

[mrgoop]

It doesn't take much to knock the old confidence, especially as we get that bit older!!
Get yourself on something quiet asap to restore your confidence. I am suffering with nerves at the moment but after a couple of rides on safe people, am feeling a bit better.
Bless you, i know exactly what you are saying, it isn't nice is it!!

 

[fizzer]

poor u, to be honest if the horse bucked like that i bet it wasnt the first time he had done it. you do go way thinking its something u av done but i would def say its the horses prob and gud job it showed its true colours then and not when you had bought it, the right horse is out there for you somewhere, happy hunting

 

[the watcher]

The problem is, anticipating this'jump' into canter you might have been unconsciously restraining the forward movement and creating a bit of an issue..but don't feel bad about it, there are thousands of horses out there so bound to be others that will suit you much better that you can ride forward with complete confidence. But this one behind you and enjoy your riding

 

[TheBlackMoth]

When I bought our second horse for my 16 year old, we went to a dealer to see a lovely bay mare. She was beautiful and rode so well but when my daughter got on and did a bit of jumping, she kicked her back feet up scarily after each jump. I could see my daughter wasn't enjoying it. But you know what so could the yard people and they were fantastic. They said she had never done it before - but it was odd - and if Jenny wasn't comfortable then she wasn't the horse for us.

They were really understanding. I think if a horse does something funny with you - it's not for you - unless you are looking for a project. Take heart - we bought a beautiful laid back tb gelding for my daughter the same day and he is coming along beautifully.

 

[Blizzard]

Im just trying to restore my confidence after my last horse destroyed it.

Had an incident today where horse decided to nap the whole ride, then stop and go like a statue bolt upright, then jog and try to run all the way home!

A couple of months ago I would have probably got off to be honest but today, although I wasnt 100% calm to say the least, I didnt let him win and made sure he walked home at the pace I wanted.
Saying this I could only do it because I KNOW this horse.

I completely understand how you feel, having tried many horses myself lately, but remember you dont know that horse and you dont know if he does that all the time or what he is capable of, so dont put yourself down. Well done for staying on board if anything!

 

[claireross]

I looked at about 20 horses before I bought my first, some of them were awfull and the owners justed lied about them. It's so annoying when people waste your time telling you its a nice novice ride and then just pray the horse doesn't kill you. Its so dangerous, I went to see one, she said she was selling it because she wanted to do dressage and it wasn't good enough. When we got there she was scared stupid tacking it up and wouldn't evenh ride it, she got someone else to ride him for her. Needless to say he was horrible.

 

[0ldmare]

Thanks guys, you are making me feel better about it.

 

[sloulou]

The first horse I went to see after 12 years riding pretty much just one horse was awful... I've ridden for 25 years and the horse really frightened me.

It was a 10 yr old Tb - advertised as having done some PNs and safe to ride, snaffle mouth etc etc.

After a couple of minutes of riding it we were bucking then rearing and I was desperate to get off... Horse smacked me in the nose during the incident.

The owner admitted it had done it before - and that she doesn't often ride it (doesn't like it) and they had to get a pro to event it. Also it wouldn't hack out... nightmare....

Don't feel bad - sometime people lie just to get rid of horses - I could tell this owner was desperate to sell!