Simbacat
Well-Known Member
So we have finally moved my ex polo mare and OH's gelding from a polocrosse yard to a lovely yard with great hacking in Surrey ( thank you everyone who has offered help from the forum) Day one we just walked out to check the local area - especially as she bucked me off 2 weeks ago when I tried a bitless bridle to get a bit more control over her speed before the change. She head tossed a lot even walking - just frustration I think at not being allowed to go faster.
Today we trotted and tried some collected canters. When my OH's gelding is in front we have in effect a safety hose she cannot pass, but she was just chucking her head in the air in annoyance and making me feel like I have lost all control. If I put her in front she is much less likely to head toss, but I always have the threat that she might just bomb off and not stop. She is very forward going but has less confidence than our gelding who will walk past anything - and remember this is just day 2 of a whole new world out there- especially to her who has spent her life in an arena galloping around playing games. So what should I do? - I feel like I have a Ferrari out there that has been reduced to driving to the shops. She just wants to run - but in a new place and narrow tracks where I have't the option of pulling her in circles which was our safety procedure before.
She has so many positives that I love I don't want to give up - but I don't know how to go on... get a stronger bit? she was in a pelham playing polo but bucked me off when I tried a bitless bridle, should i buy a martingale? we ued to play in a standing martinglae. Should I have a trainer to ride out with me?, some prozac for me or her?
To her credit when I first bought her a year ago, she couldn't stand still or walk not jog - but today we walked by mistake along a walking trail, not bridle trail - with low overhead branches and tight squeezes that most normal horses wouldn't pass through - so I can see her specialness in being brave and calm enough to that - but also the extreme annoyance of having to deal with her energy and frustration.... Any suggestions or similar experiences gratefully received !!
Today we trotted and tried some collected canters. When my OH's gelding is in front we have in effect a safety hose she cannot pass, but she was just chucking her head in the air in annoyance and making me feel like I have lost all control. If I put her in front she is much less likely to head toss, but I always have the threat that she might just bomb off and not stop. She is very forward going but has less confidence than our gelding who will walk past anything - and remember this is just day 2 of a whole new world out there- especially to her who has spent her life in an arena galloping around playing games. So what should I do? - I feel like I have a Ferrari out there that has been reduced to driving to the shops. She just wants to run - but in a new place and narrow tracks where I have't the option of pulling her in circles which was our safety procedure before.
She has so many positives that I love I don't want to give up - but I don't know how to go on... get a stronger bit? she was in a pelham playing polo but bucked me off when I tried a bitless bridle, should i buy a martingale? we ued to play in a standing martinglae. Should I have a trainer to ride out with me?, some prozac for me or her?
To her credit when I first bought her a year ago, she couldn't stand still or walk not jog - but today we walked by mistake along a walking trail, not bridle trail - with low overhead branches and tight squeezes that most normal horses wouldn't pass through - so I can see her specialness in being brave and calm enough to that - but also the extreme annoyance of having to deal with her energy and frustration.... Any suggestions or similar experiences gratefully received !!
