Despite the results it goes against what I always believed. HELP

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beaconhorse

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OK so my last 2 posts on here have been VERY different

1st was title Free to worst possible home. After my horse ran riot in a dressage test, I had VERY VERY little control.

2nd was He Redeemed himself, where I rode him in an American gag and spurs for SJ. He went very well!! I had control and for the first time since I jumped him in it last he took off where he should, listened to me, went the speed I wanted to go and I was really pleased!

Teeth back and saddle have been checked!*****


However I have always believed if you can't do it in a snaffle you should go back to basics!! I find I need the gag to slow him but he is a crafty sod and if he can't go fast won't go at all so then I need the spurs.

BUT I have gone back to basics so many many times and still end up back here in a strong bit

I think part of my problem is he is a big strong WCxTB and although not tiny, I suffer from Rhuematoid arthritis mostly in my shoulders and hips and friends say I am not as strong as I think I am even when well.

He is also one that you cannot rely on to jump, he can stop or run out at the VERY last minute sometimes for NO reason, so I cannot afford to get in front of his movement for a second, which for some reason happens when I have to fight with him. In the gag I had enough control and time inbetween jumps that I could actually think about ME and sit back before each fence and on the 2 occassions he got his stride wrong I stayed on instead of shooting off.

I have tried him in EVERY other bit known to man and none has this effect, he can even run straight thro a cheltenham gag! he just grabs it, puts head down and gone!

Other days I can school him in a happy mouth occassionally even jump him in it! He is just so god dam upredicatable, except in the ring when you know he will tank off.

SJ instructor says he is a git who does it because he can and for no other reason, and after all the training he has had I have to agree

BUT I am worried I am wrong riding him in this bit especially with spurs? What would you do?

So why do I feel such a failure? Help
 
I don't think you are wrong riding him in abit you can control him in. If you need to do it, then thats what you have to do. I ahve done the same thing with a horse that needed bossing. You need to remember that horses do take advantage if they have that kind of mind and if you let them get away with it, you get into a habit. This is what has happened IMO - going back to basics is easier for horsey - so he has just learned that if he is naughty, you will go back to basics and it'll then be nicer for him.

Personally and please don't shoot me! I would consider very carefully if this is the right horse for you. If you are not physically strong enough to boss him around, and he is therefore taking advantage of you, would you not be better off with a more willing horse? Just a thought - cos my heart goes out to you.
 
I think you are being much too hard on yourself. I jump Sienna in a dutch gag, and wear spurs on her for most activities apart from hacking.
The spurs aren't to make her go faster and the bit isn't to make her go slower. Both allow me to be more refined with my aids, there's nothing so detrimental to your position and aids than being pulled pout of position by a strong horse, or having to continually kick along a resistant one.
You should stop worrying about being such a purist and get on with enjoying him in whatever tack does the job.
 
Right I am really am no expert on this but….

First, you aren’t a failure; you got him going well around a SJ course didn’t you!

And second, you have tried certain things and they haven’t worked, you tried an American gag and spurs and it worked, right?!?!

Was your horse unhappy, is it causing him pain? Well No, so there you go.

I completely understand but if things don’t work sometimes the only thing you can do is change!
 
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IPersonally and please don't shoot me! I would consider very carefully if this is the right horse for you. If you are not physically strong enough to boss him around, and he is therefore taking advantage of you, would you not be better off with a more willing horse? Just a thought - cos my heart goes out to you.

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Yep I probably would in some ways BUT despite his ways I feel safe on him (I know that doesn't make sense) I even hunted him this year and if I do come off I NEVER have a problem getting straight back on and giving him what for so much so SJ instructor howled at me the other day when I did it, but did agree it worked.

In schooling or hacking etc I ALWAYS win NO matter what bit I have in BUT he knows in the ring I have one chance and cannot correct him, little sod even knows the difference between a clear round, where I can correct him
mad.gif
 
some horses are just gits, if he goes well with the combination of a stronger bit and spurs, then stick to it. If it makes your life easier and he goes better then I think there's nothing wrong with it.
 
agree 100% with siennasmum - sounds like you are giving yourself a hard time. You don't want to be the one getting hot, tired and sweaty - the horse is the one that is supposed to be doing most of the work!
 
I used to ride my mare in a pelham (2 reins) and spurs because some times she would be a sod to get going ad sometimes I couldn't stop and I was alays questioned about everything.
If it suits you and your horse stick with it.
 
Well if you feel happy on him then keep it up!! It was just a thought from what you'd said! But they are quite clever!! My little darling knows from when they ring the bell, he can do as he pleases!! UNTIL the day where I apologised to the judge before the class started and explained my reasoning and she agreed to let me sort him out in the test!
 
Who says every horse has to go in a snaffle? It's probably the most damaging horsey myth out there. If you are happy and doing what you want carry on. I always ride inspurs as I find I can turnbetter in them etc, and a stronger bit I find just gives you 'gears' if it was too strong for him he wouldn't jump. I would keep going as you are and enjoy it.
 
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[ QUOTE ]
IPersonally and please don't shoot me! I would consider very carefully if this is the right horse for you. If you are not physically strong enough to boss him around, and he is therefore taking advantage of you, would you not be better off with a more willing horse? Just a thought - cos my heart goes out to you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep I probably would in some ways BUT despite his ways I feel safe on him (I know that doesn't make sense) I even hunted him this year and if I do come off I NEVER have a problem getting straight back on and giving him what for so much so SJ instructor howled at me the other day when I did it, but did agree it worked.

In schooling or hacking etc I ALWAYS win NO matter what bit I have in BUT he knows in the ring I have one chance and cannot correct him, little sod even knows the difference between a clear round, where I can correct him
mad.gif


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I def agree with this! Just enjoy him how he is going now instead of worrying wether you are in a bit too strong or what other people will think! Sorry edited because i quoted the wrong person was supposed to be quoting JoBo sorry!
 
I think that you know you are using stronger equipment and therefore will ride accordingly. The main criticism is of those who start at a point with a gag, spurs and more rigging than you can imagine because a) that is what they have always used and b)it is fashionable.

You are not in those catagories
 
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