Horse share help!!

[Babushka]

Hi all,
I'm new to H&H, and looking for some honest advice.
I used to ride from 10-14 and started sharing again 1 and a half years ago. I have shared 3 different horses in that time, all of which I had to end due to owners selling the horse or moving away.
I have found a new share now who I have been sharing one day a week for 2 months.
He has no manners and has been very spoilt, kicks at you when putting his saddle on and pulls faces. In the stable he swings his bum on me most of the time. He's actually good to ride, more of a lazy boy but he has bucked and spooked a few times, and I have fallen off once from that.
I'm not the most confident rider and worry that I might not be experienced enough for him. I want to improve my riding, but also I'm more of a happy hacker so I need something safe whilst out and about.
I would like some advice on what to do, whether to persevere and gain experience with a difficult horse or take the easy option and look for a well mannered, bombproof type. Thanks in advance!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Seriously and please don't take this the wrong way, I would advise that you spend some time having lessons on a variety of RS horses. You don't say how long your break was but 4 yrs of riding as a child and then going straight back to sharing after some time away is not, imo, a good basis for sharing a horse and taking responsibility for it when you are on your own.
The horse you describe sounds to have problems which may or may not be related to ulcers, which only the owner can resolve. He doesn't sound to be good as a confidence builder.

Confidence is very easily dented, especially after our 'immortal' teenage years, the varied experience and support that you could get from a good RS would help to build your confidence and give you the skills to ride and look after a share horse, when you find one that is suitable for you. You could also do a BHS Horse Owners stable management course.

 

[Babushka]

Seriously and please don't take this the wrong way, I would advise that you spend some time having lessons on a variety of RS horses. You don't say how long your break was but 4 yrs of riding as a child and then going straight back to sharing after some time away is not, imo, a good basis for sharing a horse and taking responsibility for it when you are on your own.
The horse you describe sounds to have problems which may or may not be related to ulcers, which only the owner can resolve. He doesn't sound to be good as a confidence builder.

Confidence is very easily dented, especially after our 'immortal' teenage years, the varied experience and support that you could get from a good RS would help to build your confidence and give you the skills to ride and look after a share horse, when you find one that is suitable for you. You could also do a BHS Horse Owners stable management course.

Thanks for your reply, and no offence taken I appreciate the honest advice!

I'm 25 now, and have shared ponies when I rode when I was younger so do have some experience in that respect, but I actually think doing a stable management course is a great idea. I'm also planning on having regular lessons on my share horse, which I'm hoping will build my confidence.

It's a very tough decision because I rode earlier today and he was great, didn't put a foot wrong which he normally doesn't, it more of the ground manners that are the issue, he's just so rude!!

 

[JennBags]

It's supposed to be fun, this horse-riding business. You don't sound like you're enjoying this horse a huge amount, and equally you're not learning much either. I wouldn't presume to tell you to stop sharing him or not, but just work out if you're getting out enough fun for the money and time and effort you're putting in.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

He has no manners and has been very spoilt, kicks at you when putting his saddle on and pulls faces.

I'd be wondering if he has an underlying issue eg ulcers. That is for the owner to sort out however.

Maybe some individual riding lessons and then moving onto sharing a more suitable horse would be best for you.