Help with new horse please!

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Hello,

Ive recently purchased my first horse, who is perfect for me, forward, yet safe. However, her schooling is the only problem she has, as she was a polo horse (long time ago, but too slow!), then a showjumper.....she would much prefer to be a giraffe, i would like to do prelim dressage eventually.

I dont want an instant fix, with all the gagets etc, would like to do it the proper way with schooling, maybe something to help while lunging....I was wondering if you could give me any tips for her?, its slighty getting me down, she is willing to learn, but gets frustrated her self when she finds it difficult, doesnt help my friends show off with their dressage horses, and then im on mine with her head in the air! not that im complaining cause i do love her! Shes a just turned 8year old TB mare.

Hope someone can help me!
Thanks
 
Firstly congratulations on your new horse!!
Secondly, don't panic, you'll get there in the end. Have you have back, teeth tack checked?

I find with horses who like to impersonate giraffes is lots of flexsion. When I get in the school, on a long rein (still with contact) I flex their head from left to right. Flex it to the left for a few steps and them straighten for a few stepes, and then flew to right, and continue doing it. Don't forget to do it on both reins. You will find they will begin to shorten their necks, and you can take more contact.

You have to remember that as a Polo horse she was allowed to hold her head up as high as she wanted. Now you have to show her that bring her head down, and supporting your weight on her back is alot more comfortable.
Remember... slowly slowly, catchy monkey!!

Good luck!!
 
Oh a new horse, great!

I bought my giraffe a year ago and she was a showjumper too. Back and teeth of course and check that tack. We have hacked loads with very little strict schooling for a year. I am using an elevator bridle now and a Myler low port eggbut snaffle, which she loves and seemed to help loads wth her relaxing. It has all worked and she goes in a nice outline, but don't ask me what gadget to use, caus I chucked them all:D
 
Hi, thanks, shes perfect in everyway...this is her only flaw bless her. Yeah had everything checked, all fine. I think she just needs time & patience for her to relise that it is okay to go into a more of a outline shape.

Like you said her being a polo horse hasnt helped!

The streches are a good idea, ive been doing them on the flat to get her to bend more, so hopefully with the corret schooling & time, she'll gain the correct muscles and work far better!

Keep the advice coming!
Thanks
 
The ONLY gadget I ever use on the lunge is a chambon, and it does help to get them to understand and start to work lower but it doesn't restrict forward movement. It will help her to start to stretch her muscles properly, but DON't put it on tight and ask someone who knows how to use it properly to show you how to adjust it etc. I use it with a soft rubber unjointed bit.
Poles are also great, as is caveletti work to make her look where she is putting her feet!
I find that after a few times in a chambon they naturally learn to move lower and more freely through the back and shoulders, and the muscle structure begins to change which makes life easier for her when you ask her to stretch down when riding. (do not use the chambon when riding!!)
Leg yielding and all lateral work will help her to begin to move into your hand and take the rein forward, especially if she is forward going. Remember establishing the acceptance of half halts is vital when reschooling. Then riding forwards afterwards should encourage her take contact forward and lighten her forehand. Try no to do endless circles, keep it interesting, she will probably lower more easily in one pace, use this to begin more advanced movements like shoulder fore etc
best of luck!!!
 
The ONLY gadget I ever use on the lunge is a chambon, and it does help to get them to understand and start to work lower but it doesn't restrict forward movement. It will help her to start to stretch her muscles properly, but DON't put it on tight and ask someone who knows how to use it properly to show you how to adjust it etc. I use it with a soft rubber unjointed bit.
Poles are also great, as is caveletti work to make her look where she is putting her feet!
I find that after a few times in a chambon they naturally learn to move lower and more freely through the back and shoulders, and the muscle structure begins to change which makes life easier for her when you ask her to stretch down when riding. (do not use the chambon when riding!!)
Leg yielding and all lateral work will help her to begin to move into your hand and take the rein forward, especially if she is forward going. Remember establishing the acceptance of half halts is vital when reschooling. Then riding forwards afterwards should encourage her take contact forward and lighten her forehand. Try no to do endless circles, keep it interesting, she will probably lower more easily in one pace, use this to begin more advanced movements like shoulder fore etc
best of luck!!!
 
Using a pessoa on the lunge can help as it encourages the horse to work from behind in the correct way and it will help her to learn how to stretch down over her back.

Make sure you warm her up for 10mins without it first and then 5 mins on each rein at walk and a tiny bit of trot will be fine for now, you can build it up slowly. Make sure you put it on fairly loosely untill she is used to it also.

Regarding the riding the best idea would be to get a really good dressage instructor who is sympathetic in retraining to help you. Its impossible to explain everything you could do on here :)

She sounds such a lovely horse though, what a lucky find! :)
 
Thanks for the advice, yes she is a great find! Forward yet safe with lovely paces & a bouncy counter! I chose safe over flashy spooky horse as schooling can be improved on!.

I might lunge her twice a week in a pessoa, as my mum has one for her horse...she knows what im asking, but trys to resist it.

Thanks again!
 
as a new horse owner myself i would reccomend weekly lessons - it will so help you and if your totally honest with your instructor - like i was - they will help you with so much, checking tack - the horses health etc - im so pleased i hav emy instructor - not only does she help with riding but helps so much with his general care - hes prone to laminitus - shes advised me on that, im not sure i could recognise the early signs of lameness - but i know she would. Its so worth it xxxx
 
Also, don't forget to take into account that if your mare has been going like a giraffe, she will have muscled up incorrectly - bet she has a fair bit under her neck instead of on top! so that needs to go as well. The stretches and little and often will really help but I would be realistic that it will be a far old while before she starts to muscle and go the way you want her. She sounds so lovely in every other way and giving you so much confidence so I would have lessons and spend the time in building her up.
 
bluelady66 said:
as a new horse owner myself i would reccomend weekly lessons - it will so help you and if your totally honest with your instructor - like i was - they will help you with so much, checking tack - the horses health etc - im so pleased i hav emy instructor - not only does she help with riding but helps so much with his general care - hes prone to laminitus - shes advised me on that, im not sure i could recognise the early signs of lameness - but i know she would. Its so worth it xxxx
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I agree! Find yourself an instructor that you trust and can work with and have regular lessons. You will then have all the training and support you need, it really is imperative that you get the basics in place asap. And the very best of luck with your new neddie. I love thoroughbreds!
 
Hello, thanks so much for the advice. She is giving me so much confidence, went for a long hack today, passed HGV lorrys, lots of weird things ie-fridges! Cantered over the yards stubble field then jumped small hay bales.

I know it wont be a quick fix, as she wasnt ridden in a proper mannor for most of her life...however....this will come in time! Just want to enjoy her & do lots of fun things try & be competitive, but the dressage will come in time :).

Can you see i love my little horse!

Thanks!
 
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