First loan questions

[Tonto_]

I've just got my first loan, a temperamental gelding, and have a few questions that I've never had to consider before!

- what is the general rule for when to hose off, put a sweat rug on and when to leave them after exercise? (Previously I've always had someone there telling me what I need to do)

- he's come to me in a Pelham with the reins only on the bottom, who imho is much too strong for him, even if he does have his moments, as he constantly tries to evade the contact/throws his head, is okay to try riding him on just the snaffle ring before I try different bits?

He's still on his owners yard and previously has just been a happy hacker but I'd like to try and do a bit more schooling with him

 

[Shay]

If they are more than barely damp and you can't leave them to cool naturally - sponge if its a small bit. Hose if its a lot. If you are not going to put a rug on and it is warm enough only hose if they are really wet and need to cool. If you plan to rug sponging is easier to get dry before you put the rug on. Put a sweat rug on (I assume you mean the mesh ones?) if you are going to leave them to stand to dry or travel them sweaty and they need a bit of shield from the wind. Things like when to sponge / rug etc are really individual to the horse and to the environment you are in. None of us get it spot on 100% of the time so don't worry about it too much. Unless you are doing really hard work the horse will be better cold than hot so err on that side.

For the bit get yourself a pair of roundings and use them You shouldn't really use the bottom ring only on a pelham. You can ride on the snaffle ring only but you'll loose the curb and lever actions which make a pelham a pelham.

Roundings look like this... https://www.kramer.co.uk/Horse/Hors...tportal/googleUK&subref=3632--BR&adword=UK/GB
(Other sources are available..) and fit onto both bit rings. You then put the reins onto the rounding.

 

[Tonto_]

If they are more than barely damp and you can't leave them to cool naturally - sponge if its a small bit. Hose if its a lot. If you are not going to put a rug on and it is warm enough only hose if they are really wet and need to cool. If you plan to rug sponging is easier to get dry before you put the rug on. Put a sweat rug on (I assume you mean the mesh ones?) if you are going to leave them to stand to dry or travel them sweaty and they need a bit of shield from the wind. Things like when to sponge / rug etc are really individual to the horse and to the environment you are in. None of us get it spot on 100% of the time so don't worry about it too much. Unless you are doing really hard work the horse will be better cold than hot so err on that side.

For the bit get yourself a pair of roundings and use them You shouldn't really use the bottom ring only on a pelham. You can ride on the snaffle ring only but you'll loose the curb and lever actions which make a pelham a pelham.

Roundings look like this... https://www.kramer.co.uk/Horse/Horse-Bits/Bit-Accessories/Leather-Pelham-Roundings?prod_number=3632--BR&ref=Produktportal/googleUK&subref=3632--BR&adword=UK/GB
(Other sources are available..) and fit onto both bit rings. You then put the reins onto the rounding.

That's very useful ie. Post exercise and what I've been doing so it's nice to know I'm doing something right!

I asked why is bit was so severe and he was in a standing martingale and the reply was "the other girl that rode him told me he needed to be" he's now in a running martingale.

Personally I think he could be in a soft snaffle and would prefer it but I was thinking of trying the Pelham on the snaffle rings before I go and buy him one to see how he goes and if he is too strong then I'll get the roundings?

 

[AmyMay]

Have you had a conversation with his owner about all of this?

 

[Tonto_]

Have you had a conversation with his owner about all of this?

They don't really care, kinda have a do what you want attitude

 

[AmyMay]

They don't really care, kinda have a do what you want attitude

Then this is not the loan you want as a novice rider.

 

[Tonto_]

Then this is not the loan you want as a novice rider.

As a horse he's nice and easy, a good doer who can live out, I'm trying to find an instructor who will travel as I have no trailer license

 

[Tonto_]

And does anyone have any tips for riding alone safely as its a private yard and I'm usually alone?

I always text someone when I get on/off to let them know

 

[Shay]

You can't ride alone entirely safely - but there are apps you can get on your phone which will send an alert to a pre programmed number if the phone jolts or falls. That would probably be something. But if you fall and are injured you will be alone (possibly with the horse still in the arena) for quite some time before someone comes.

To be honest a novice loan when you are left alone so much isn't really ideal. You are doing the right thing trying to get an instructor. It might be worth posting on your local board for a recommendation.

 

[Tonto_]

You can't ride alone entirely safely - but there are apps you can get on your phone which will send an alert to a pre programmed number if the phone jolts or falls. That would probably be something. But if you fall and are injured you will be alone (possibly with the horse still in the arena) for quite some time before someone comes.

To be honest a novice loan when you are left alone so much isn't really ideal. You are doing the right thing trying to get an instructor. It might be worth posting on your local board for a recommendation.

There is always someone in the house and they know when I arrive and leave and you can see the school from the house and I won't jump him alone as he's very unbalanced currently so both of us are more likely too fall (balance and where he puts his feet are something we're working on a lot)

I've ridden for 12 years believe it or not but always at riding schools and have had one share but there was always someone around

 

[Shay]

It woud still be worth getting a dead man app just in case. At least you know if you set it for the house number they could reach you quickly - if they are there. It is a very different thing being entirely responsible on your own. All sorts of small things you probably didn't think about before will come back to worry you simply because there is no safety net anymore.

 

[Tonto_]

It woud still be worth getting a dead man app just in case. At least you know if you set it for the house number they could reach you quickly - if they are there. It is a very different thing being entirely responsible on your own. All sorts of small things you probably didn't think about before will come back to worry you simply because there is no safety net anymore.

Yeah, I think I'm starting to find my feet a little more with it now, I used to work 2 days on a yard completely on my own,never saw anyone else, looking after 8-10 horses depending on what we had in at the time, but that still doesn't prepare you for making decisions on your own

 

[Courbette]

Yeah, I think I'm starting to find my feet a little more with it now, I used to work 2 days on a yard completely on my own,never saw anyone else, looking after 8-10 horses depending on what we had in at the time, but that still doesn't prepare you for making decisions on your own

It gets easier! I ride alone most of the time and really enjoy it. I’d plan out some easy, short routes while you get to know each other and ideally find some routes that are more likely to have some other users (walkers or housing eatates) incase of any problems. Avoid arguments and stay well in your comfort zone at the start.

I ride in Pelham with two reins. You could give this a try as it might not be as tricky as you think and you can use the two reins as needed.

 

[Tonto_]

It gets easier! I ride alone most of the time and really enjoy it. I’d plan out some easy, short routes while you get to know each other and ideally find some routes that are more likely to have some other users (walkers or housing eatates) incase of any problems. Avoid arguments and stay well in your comfort zone at the start.

I ride in Pelham with two reins. You could give this a try as it might not be as tricky as you think and you can use the two reins as needed.

I might try the two reins as I like the idea of having the Pelham if I need it

We don't hack out at all as he freaks alone or in company but I'm actually enjoying riding in the school on my own