horse trusts me in hand - but not ridden

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darkhorse123

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I was going to ask why but i know why - i trust i can control him in hand but not ridden
How can i build up his trust in ridden work?
Hes been a pillock for me this week when i tried to take him out alone - but my yardmate took him out with his best horsey friend and his owner and he was good!
Tbh - im jealous - i want to take him out on my own, He is good with me when ridden with this other horse but i need him to be good on his own for me!
And im no spoilt teenager wanting perfection now - im 45 and have owned him 2 years, had lots of lessons, behaviour instruction etc
- on the ground or in the school we are perfect - out hacking disastrous - he gets the wobbles, i get the wobbles - im so fed up :(

He stands, naps, spooks when with me - horrible when yoru nervous to begin with which i know is my problem but how can i best deal with it?
 
I may not be able to offer you a solution but I feel your pain. I've owned Phil for 9 years now, but he still takes more confidence from me when on the ground, especially when hacking past large artic lorries etc which are his biggest worry. I simply have to accept part of it is his personality and cope best with the rest. I hope you find something to help you x
 
Sorry but wouldnt advise rescue remedy alone, will not cure the underlying problem!

If he is fine in company, try gradually walking further away from the other horse. Start as normal, then next time increase the distance between you, and so forth.

Another thing to try would be going out with company, and having the other horse turn back after a while. Maybe to start with have them stop with only 100 yards to go until you are home. Then increase the distance, maybe getting halfway and the other horse turning around and going home. To begin with you could also have someone on foot with you to reassure you that if he naps there is someone on the ground to control him, seeing as you feel more confident in control from the ground, even if it is not from you.

The key is to do it gradually either way. You will get there, just be patient and dont rush. Dont get frustrated either, its all about having fun, so go back a step if needs be!

Best of luck xx
 
rescue remedy and a warm tea with lavender honey in. after that have a good stretch and a shake(flap arms legs get loose *bop* abit, you may look like a loon but who cares?) on the ground whilst breathing nice and deep. think of a song get it stuck in your head, whilst mounted and on your way, if you get nervous just sit and sing. hope you get sorted wish you all the best :-)
 
ty everyone - excellent advice as always and yes i think the key is going with another horse and lettign him back off.
When i walk out alone with my husband (who he knows very well) he is fine but now my husband is working away another livery walked out with us and he was terrible!
He obviously didnt trust her at all and it shocked me - i thought he would be ok with "anyone" walking with him but he so wasnt.
He was on his toes the whole time, napped, spooking at everything - when we turned to go home id to really hold him back from galloping back!
 
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