abi31
Well-Known Member
As some of you may be aware I was having difficulty with my 16.1hh ISH. After riding for over 25 years I was finally stumped by how to resolve her napping problems. She was being an absolute cow on hacks both on her own and in company and would plant herself, rear and back up into ditches. She would also do the same when I asked her to go in arenas at competitions and I have historically had to get off and walk her in.
I felt absolutely useless as I am so used to being called on to help other people out with their problem horses at the yard. Anyway, I decided to send her to a Pro. After the first couple of days I heard reports that she had been really naughty and had expected a phone call telling me she had been expelled. Nothing.
I went up for a lesson with them after a few days and we worked on her (MY!) issues with oxers and she jumped everything brilliantly. She even walked into the ring!
In week 2 I hacked out with the lady who talked me through how to deal with her napping and the techniques worked brilliantly on her. Then, to crown off a capital week I had another jumping lesson on her last night and we jumped a course at British Novice height! I know that may be a small achievement to most, but to me, a dressage rider who has never been over 2ft6 it was really brilliant. My horse loved it too and jumped water trays, a gate and loads of different fillers!
I am so pleased with the results and don't feel like such a numpty now. The idea of getting a Pro in to help us has had a dramatic improvement on me and my horse. I'm hacking her home tonight with the sounds of "you should affiliate her" ringing in my ears!!
I felt absolutely useless as I am so used to being called on to help other people out with their problem horses at the yard. Anyway, I decided to send her to a Pro. After the first couple of days I heard reports that she had been really naughty and had expected a phone call telling me she had been expelled. Nothing.
I went up for a lesson with them after a few days and we worked on her (MY!) issues with oxers and she jumped everything brilliantly. She even walked into the ring!
In week 2 I hacked out with the lady who talked me through how to deal with her napping and the techniques worked brilliantly on her. Then, to crown off a capital week I had another jumping lesson on her last night and we jumped a course at British Novice height! I know that may be a small achievement to most, but to me, a dressage rider who has never been over 2ft6 it was really brilliant. My horse loved it too and jumped water trays, a gate and loads of different fillers!
I am so pleased with the results and don't feel like such a numpty now. The idea of getting a Pro in to help us has had a dramatic improvement on me and my horse. I'm hacking her home tonight with the sounds of "you should affiliate her" ringing in my ears!!
