First canter was not as planned...

JFTD said:
FWIW, my last comment was definitely not aimed at you, as much as the hyperbolic comment by another poster. I'll be much happier to see photos of you with neckstrap, a safer mounting block and, even just for the first couple of times, someone on the ground to help you out :)
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All of which will be done :)
 
Well OP, I think you've dealt with this thread really well! I think some comments have been a little harsh; I don't think any of us would necessarily have a beautiful position in that situation. That said, I do wonder if your set-up is going to work for a horse and rider in your situation - i.e. young horse starting out and out-of-practice rider? I hope it does though, and hope the lessons help - good luck!
 
Bojingles said:
Well OP, I think you've dealt with this thread really well! I think some comments have been a little harsh; I don't think any of us would necessarily have a beautiful position in that situation. That said, I do wonder if your set-up is going to work for a horse and rider in your situation - i.e. young horse starting out and out-of-practice rider? I hope it does though, and hope the lessons help - good luck!
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Shes not a young horse, just never used a mounting block. Shes 9
 
dibbin said:
OP, you seem very sensible :) all the best with her, she does look like a lovely type.
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Thank you. She is a lovely mare, i really want to have a good time with her and that means taking it slow and working on it at a pace we are comfortable with. I will be sure to update in a while of our progress.
 
Lovely looking horse. You're lucky to have that 1/4 something else as the carriage types are very bouncy. I have a Gelderlander so learned to embrace the bone shaking. Others feel like a magic carpet in comparison. Good luck with her.
 
Well done OP for taking all the criticism well. Most HHO criticism is meant well, but some of the comments re position are a bit unwarranted as the horse had spooked just as you got on.

As others have said, a neck strap is a great idea. See if you can source a better mounting block too. I'm sure that having lessons will be really helpful to you both. Please post more updates!
 
I was in a rush when I posted this morning so didn't have time to say much

As others have said you have taken the comments really well

In your position I too would be riding in the round pen until I got more confident with the horse. You know it's not ideal BUT it's safer for now

I think what we were trying to say is that in the circumstances a small spook at the block falling and making a noise is more than understandable. BUT NOT a full circle in canter, never mind 2!! 2 is quite an over reaction for ANY horse in ANY situation.

So you need to think why? Possibly your position and gripping with your legs pushed her on, holding on to her mouth may have caused her to run. both?

So the neck strap which you said you would use (great). Hold that as well as the reins when you mount. If ever she panics again hold the neck strap sit tall and relax your leg while talking calmly to her

Now you have a plan if things should go wrong :)

Maybe once you have got someone to help you mount they could come a short walk with you. Don't be afraid to get them to have her on a lead or lunge line. If it helps your confidence it will help the mares even more

Good luck
 
Palindrome said:
I can't believe how close minded people are. Riding in a round pen is done a lot in the US and produces well rounded and balanced horses. You don't hammer the horse for hours, it just provides a safe area to have a little trot and walk around before hacking out and riding on a circle actually helps the horse to learn to balance. I hate to think how stiff and unbalanced your "youngsters" are if you don't even contemplate a 20 m circle at trot, let alone a 9 years old!

OP, remember next t to only post the perfect pictures like the others do, not the ugly moment and get a good riding instructor, it will be worth it. It's a lovely mare, I am sure you could do very well with her with perhaps some dressage lessons and working on the lunge to build your seat first.
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this - remember perfect pics only for H&H ;)
 
Palindrome said:
OP, remember next time to only post the perfect pictures like the others do, not the ugly moment and get a good riding instructor, it will be worth it. It's a lovely mare, I am sure you could do very well with her with perhaps some dressage lessons and working on the lunge to build your seat first.
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Made me laugh.
Everyone has hairy moments, and it's silly for people to pretend they don't.
 
There was a hysterical "bloopers" photo thread on the competition page a couple of years ago. Lots of good riders getting left behind and falling off. Lots of not perfect positions there too...
 
Honey08 said:
There was a hysterical "bloopers" photo thread on the competition page a couple of years ago. Lots of good riders getting left behind and falling off. Lots of not perfect positions there too...
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For a long time, there was a rumour on here I never actually spent any time "in" my saddle at all. Every photo I posted I was hanging off one side or the other, flying off the back or hanging round his neck...
 
Another who just wants to say you've taken the crit well, OP.

Some of the comments have been cruel and embarrassingly bitchy.

We have ALL had less than glamorous times, and two or three pictures doesn't make someone a bad rider in need of endless amounts of sarcy comments.
 
WindyStacks said:
No I'm not saying mount from the ground - I'm over 39, 5'4", fat arse and horse is 17.2hh. I don't do it unless it's life and death. But I can mount from a variety of props, fallen logs, gates, fences, rocks, picnic benches - or the old faithful "park nag in ditch".

You don't need to leap on like a long-limbed lithe 14 year old - just be safe! :) and no wandering off until you're ready - ie put your gloves on, checked your pockets for fags/phone/wispa, done up your girth etc. etc.
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Have just snorted all over my keyboard at this post.

You could be describing me (well apart from the fat arse I hope). When I do ride, it's my friend's 17 hh monster cob and having back issues from previous falls and other horsey injuries over the years I too go for these methods of mounting!!!!! Although there aren't that many ditches round here . . . .
 
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