How would non-novice cope with this everyday situation?

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bluewhippet

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Lots of threads on here about novice owners and I am very conscious of my status on a daily basis given that the very helpful lady who owns yard has been around horses for about 50 years and is very calm and competent.

I usually hack alone on my horse but went out with YO and helper, riding and leading a horse each to exercise quickly. Rainy day and my horse was at the back, absolutely delighted to have company and keen to keep up.

They were getting round fast and were trotting downhill on roads etc and my boy was slipping so I slowed him down. Obviously he didn't like getting left behind and was trying to canter to catch up on the road. And this made the situation worse because I stopped him cantering and then the gap was bigger, and this made him want to canter more.

In the end I got him walking and then called for them to slow down. They did and I caught up. But I felt very feeble!

Think I might be having a day of low self esteem anyway, but wondered what more experienced horse owners would do? I don't like zooming downhill on my horse anyway as he is a very spooky arab with a sheer drop in front of the saddle when he chooses to stop suddenly or drop a shoulder and a downhill slope only intensifies the closeness to the ground!
 
I don't do a lot of roadwork as the road surfaces around me are slippy. I've had a horse I ride lose his back end when trotting a couple of times on a flat road and its really put me off. So no help sorry!
 
I'd have been asking for them to slow down as soon as I felt uncomfortable trotting - better to say slow down than to get yourself and your horse upset
 
I would have done the same but having said that I wouldn't have been trotting downhill on the road in the place. Just because someone has been doing something for a long time it doesn't always mean their right.
 
Don't be too hard on yourself. To be strictly 'correct', when riding out in a group the pace should be dictated by the slowest/novice/unfittest horse and rider, so in theory, they were in the wrong by ploughing on ahead when you were struggling.
However, most likely, they had a time limit to get the job done and didn't realise that you needed to go slowly on the down hill.

Don't feel bad, it happens to everyone at some point when riding with someone different for the first time.

Just wondering how fit your horse is ? Some horses slip on the roads when others don't if they aren't fit enough and need to build up some muscle. If that is the case, don't worry, it won't take long for your horse to find his feet.

If he tries to rush downhill, ask your YO how to ride him so he doesn't fall onto his forehand and start running to catch up with himself.
 
Enfys said:
Not really surely, if it is done properly :)
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However properly it is done I just feel that without a rider on then you are still not in full control of the horse you are leading. They can swing their backsides all over the road, charge off, back up, all either dislodging the rider or causing them to let go. I am not saying it is crime of the century, just that it always makes me feel a tad edgy when I see people do it. I just think one horse to control on a road is enough. :)
 
I'd have hollared! I don't like to trot downhill on tarmac roads on a shod horse because of the slipping. Tbh as those at the front of a group of riders, it is their responsibility not to bugger off away from those at the back (assuming you aren't just slopping along at a snails pace and are moving along reasnobly, which it sounds like you were)! A group of riders should be neatly up together, not all strung out as you are asking for problems with horses getting angsty - the people you were riding with should have been more considerate imho.
 
Moomin1 said:
However properly it is done I just feel that without a rider on then you are still not in full control of the horse you are leading. They can swing their backsides all over the road, charge off, back up, all either dislodging the rider or causing them to let go. I am not saying it is crime of the century, just that it always makes me feel a tad edgy when I see people do it. I just think one horse to control on a road is enough. :)
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Depends who's doing it. Some horses shouldn't be on the roads in any situation, but ponying a horse properly isn't so hard. I usually find they work well in a pair and have more focus in staying in step with each other.
 
Originally Posted by Moomin1
However properly it is done I just feel that without a rider on then you are still not in full control of the horse you are leading. They can swing their backsides all over the road, charge off, back up, all either dislodging the rider or causing them to let go. I am not saying it is crime of the century, just that it always makes me feel a tad edgy when I see people do it. I just think one horse to control on a road is enough.

Hopefully, anyone who rides and leads has actually practised a bit at home first. I personally, always put the led horse on the side furthest from the road expressly so he can't swing his bum in to the road.

If they are held correctly and have suitable headwear they can neither charge off nor back up. :)

I regularly used to do canter work on the mountains riding and leading, saved me going out twice.

If you are swinging them along behind you at the end of a 12' rope then yes, as you say, mayhem is a distinct possibility :)
 
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When I ride out in a group I always ask people what they are comfortable with before trotting, cantering etc.

I certainly wouldn't trot down a road and would automatically slow down if someone was getting left behind.
 
horserider said:
Don't be too hard on yourself. To be strictly 'correct', when riding out in a group the pace should be dictated by the slowest/novice/unfittest horse and rider, so in theory, they were in the wrong by ploughing on ahead when you were struggling.
However, most likely, they had a time limit to get the job done and didn't realise that you needed to go slowly on the down hill.

Don't feel bad, it happens to everyone at some point when riding with someone different for the first time.

Just wondering how fit your horse is ? Some horses slip on the roads when others don't if they aren't fit enough and need to build up some muscle. If that is the case, don't worry, it won't take long for your horse to find his feet.

If he tries to rush downhill, ask your YO how to ride him so he doesn't fall onto his forehand and start running to catch up with himself.
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Is is fairly fit in terms of wind etc but even though he is 9 he is very green as hardly used for the last few years and never had a saddle which didn't cause pain so is just learning how to work properly. I lunge him in equi ami training aid which is really helping. But finally finding a saddle that fits is allowing him to move properly without any help. So could do with some more muscle.
 
I think you are being hard on yourself - you did the right thing. I can't see anything wrong with riding and leading at all. I used to take a friends horse out when she was busy - mine and hers were the best of mates and we used to canter on open ground, they loved it and worked perfectly as a pair. I have never liked trotting downhill on tarmac though - too slippy.
 
Like others said, i'd just have yelled sooner!

I trot mine down quite steep roads but they're barefoot and therefore have far better grip. I'd not trot a shod horse, prone to slipping, down a skiddy tarmac road! And if I was forced to by someone else, i'd insist my horse behaved, then tear strips off the idiot rider after!

It sounds more like a personal confidence issue rather that being novice with horses! I'd have no problem saying 'OI, you guys, WALK!' where as you're clearly much nicer and politer than me! :o

Part of being non-novice with horses (or anything) is having the confidence in your own knowledge to stand up and say 'actually no, I don't agree'
 
I hate trotting downhill full stop and especially on the roads, so I'd have said something too!

I don't know why I have an aversion to trotting downhill, but anything more than a gentle slope is for walking on IMO :D
 
We always used to ride at the speed the least confidence rider was happy with...
I wouldn't go out with them again, the words dangerous and rude spring to mind x
 
bluewhippet said:
Lots of threads on here about novice owners and I am very conscious of my status on a daily basis given that the very helpful lady who owns yard has been around horses for about 50 years and is very calm and competent.

I usually hack alone on my horse but went out with YO and helper, riding and leading a horse each to exercise quickly. Rainy day and my horse was at the back, absolutely delighted to have company and keen to keep up.

They were getting round fast and were trotting downhill on roads etc and my boy was slipping so I slowed him down. Obviously he didn't like getting left behind and was trying to canter to catch up on the road. And this made the situation worse because I stopped him cantering and then the gap was bigger, and this made him want to canter more.

In the end I got him walking and then called for them to slow down. They did and I caught up. But I felt very feeble!

Think I might be having a day of low self esteem anyway, but wondered what more experienced horse owners would do? I don't like zooming downhill on my horse anyway as he is a very spooky arab with a sheer drop in front of the saddle when he chooses to stop suddenly or drop a shoulder and a downhill slope only intensifies the closeness to the ground!
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You did fine, don't beat yourself up.

50 years around horses doesn't always mean that people do the sensible thing!
 
Enfys said:
Hopefully, anyone who rides and leads has actually practised a bit at home first. I personally, always put the led horse on the side furthest from the road expressly so he can't swing his bum in to the road.

If they are held correctly and have suitable headwear they can neither charge off nor back up. :)

I regularly used to do canter work on the mountains riding and leading, saved me going out twice.

If you are swinging them along behind you at the end of a 12' rope then yes, as you say, mayhem is a distinct possibility :)
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Agreed, I regularly ride and lead my two on and off road in all gaits. It's fine provided they're accustomed to it, have manners, have suitable headwear etc. Fergs is less sharp in company so it may even be safer to ride and lead :D
 
JFTD said:
Agreed, I regularly ride and lead my two on and off road in all gaits. It's fine provided they're accustomed to it, have manners, have suitable headwear etc. Fergs is less sharp in company so it may even be safer to ride and lead :D
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reminds me of when we used to get the polo ponies fit leading one on each side and trying to control all 3 at canter round and round a one acre field. My arms have never had such muscles!

the hunters we alwasy get fit riding one leading one through the village and bridleways. When you have a certain number of horses to get fit and limited staff you have no choice but to do the fittening road work 2 at a time or you'd never get the job done.

riding on the road is dangerous these days full stop but leading another horse in a bridle from the saddle doesnt have to be more dangerous than riding one as long as you take all reasonable care and precautions which most sensible riders will.
 
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Enfys said:
Originally Posted by Moomin1
However properly it is done I just feel that without a rider on then you are still not in full control of the horse you are leading. They can swing their backsides all over the road, charge off, back up, all either dislodging the rider or causing them to let go. I am not saying it is crime of the century, just that it always makes me feel a tad edgy when I see people do it. I just think one horse to control on a road is enough.

Hopefully, anyone who rides and leads has actually practised a bit at home first. I personally, always put the led horse on the side furthest from the road expressly so he can't swing his bum in to the road.

If they are held correctly and have suitable headwear they can neither charge off nor back up. :)

I regularly used to do canter work on the mountains riding and leading, saved me going out twice.

If you are swinging them along behind you at the end of a 12' rope then yes, as you say, mayhem is a distinct possibility :)
Click to expand...

These horses were very well controlled, In bridles and are extremely calm and used to being exercised in this way. And the roads round us are very quiet and full of nice drivers (lucky us!).
 
I was taught 100 years ago by an old guy and we did tons of tarmac road work and the rule was never trot downhill or up hill on a road! I think more cos of their legs(hard ground).

I think if you were left behind they should have waited for you. I most certainly would not canter on a hard road or any hard ground(summer rock hard ground). I dont consider myself an expert at all and still class myself as a novice but I do value my horses feet and still believe no foot no horse rule!!

I enjoy a mosey round the countryside at a leisurely pace so probably would not go out with them again if it was me!!
 
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