Horses you can't be nice to.

Karran

Karran

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 April 2011
Messages
1,558
Location
London
Visit site
I've started riding this 7-8 year old horse. He's the kind of horse that seems a little spooky, but is content (mostly) with a good look and a rare small hop to the side.
I've been working hard on getting lots of transitions and circles out of him and he's starting finally to ignore the yearlings in the field next to the school and pay attention to what I want.
But I can only reward him with my voice. I can't loosen or adjust the reins for a pat or he spooks! I was always taught that I should finish a ride with a 5 minute cool down in walk on a loose rein but the minute I adjust the rein or he feels my hands moving, he goes all spooky again and bunny hops and nappy. He feels like he might go up but I'm assured that his front feet only barely leave the floor.
I hate having to have a contact from the minute I get up to the minute I get off. Bit Fluffy Bunny of me I know, but I like to finish allowing him to stretch. I tried taking him for a little walk once I'd got off but again he likes to feel me rather than amble alongside loosely.
Has anyone else got a horse they can't say thank you too?
 
I have ridden horses who feel like this, but all of them have learnt to take the contact down, stretch and relax with a bit of time and me not reacting to them feeling a bit explosive...
 
I'm hoping that will happen as he learns to trust me a bit more. I'm not the bravest rider so the bunny hopping does make me a little uneasy!
 
Karran said:
I'm hoping that will happen as he learns to trust me a bit more. I'm not the bravest rider so the bunny hopping does make me a little uneasy!
Click to expand...

It doesn't sound as though he's doing very much, tbh (though obviously I've not seen him!) so it may just be a case of riding through it and inviting him to stretch, being very strict with yourself not to react to him and encourage him to stretch. I presume this means he doesn't have a free walk? He needs to learn to take the contact down. Some horses get the hang of the idea more easily if they're working on a circle and are round your inside leg :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top