Feel like such a bad owner!

[showjump2003]

Went for a riding lesson on my horse this morning. For those who remember our previous problems, over the summer I have managed to turn my girraffe in to a semi decent prelim level dressage horse lol - i.e meaning she can now go in an outline. However, like most horses she still has her moments and tries to resist.

Todays lesson stated really well but went down hill a bit when we tried shoulder in *not new to her*. On one rein she was locking her jaz/holding on to the bit and refused. Wouldn't say I became heavy handed with her or anything but maybe used more rein than normal to try to get her listening again. She was quite resistant for the rest of my lesson.

Once I got home i noticed she has a red sore/rub mark on her tounge. I feel so bad that I probibly caused this and I was getting mad with her in the lesson when she was just trying to tell me she was on pain

She is currently ridden in a hanging cheek french link. Should I try her in another bit?

 

[cobwithattitude]

poor you - have been here too and spent lots of time apologising to my horse afterwards. Would put it behind you - might be worth looking at a french link with bit guards to help or an eggbutt and then perhaps ride, reinforce what you learnt today and end on a really good note and lots of praise?

 

[jesterfaerie]

If it is on her tounge could you ride in a hackamore until it is healed and then try a different bit, maybe one with a different mouth piece material if you are wanting to keep it as a hanging cheek french link?