Sossigpoker
Well-Known Member
My issue is that I tense in anticipation and he picks it up from me. It really is entirely me. I am having some mental health wobbles at the moment in general so feeling quite low- and kind of beating myself up about being so pathetic.A little advice you may or may not want... I have never had a young horse without another, older one running alongside. Young horses are excitable and they have their moments. If they are all you ride, sometimes they can make you a bit nervy because you are always expecting the next spook, and then your nerves make your horse more nervous and the spooks increase. Taking a break and riding something older is often good for both of you. Could you share something steady for a bit while your horse is still learning with the pro?
I am currently 'making' two steady ponies/horses, one for my son and one for my OH. They are so very very good for 5 year olds really, and I can take them both hacking solo without any worries - past spooky things, in open fields, to shows or arena hire, no bucking or issues or anything. They aren't quite so perfect for a less confident rider though - in part because I feel the slight tenseness about the bird in the hedge and tell them to stop being silly and ride forwards, whereas the less confident rider feels the tenseness and gets scared, then off the pony goes! I react quicker too - a 'spook' that could be a leap and a run becomes half a step forwards before my reins tighten and the horse stops - I barely notice it, whereas with a less confident rider, it takes longer (and the horse is moving faster) before the rider reacts. As time progresses they are constantly improving, but both riders are currently riding other, older horses and I am on the youngsters. They will both grow into amazing adults, as I am sure your horse will, but these things take time. 6 is still so very young!