Firehorse
Well-Known Member
15 months ago my pony tanked off with me, flat out, down hill, no stopping no matter what. the next day he did the same thing in the same place, although that time i managed to stop him before we went downhill. he reared and plunged and i ended up jumping off and leading him to the bottom before getting back on. since that day, i've avoided the path at all costs. to be fair, i'd only had him a few months at the time and it was combination of a change of bit, and unsuitable food from another horse he'd been clearing up off the floor without my knowledge and him testing me as he'd found his feet.
After this he would just rear up and tank off at every opportunity, prat about and generally be a git. and as my confidence had plummeted, he was getting away with it. Since last summer, i've been back in control after lots of schooling, staying off grassy places and me finding the confidence to tell him who's boss and many arguments!.
he still tries it on if the mood takes coz thats just him, but he knows, and i know, i'm in control and he wont go unless i let him. although, in the mean time we canter sideways, run backwards and every trick in the book till the message sinks in!
So, out riding with a friend today we were heading towards the dreaded track. we had planned to come off it early and go down a different route, but as my pony was really chilled out today and i was relaxed i said lets do it! let's go down that track. i didnt feel nervous as it was such an instant unplanned decision. so off we went. and all was fine. he didnt even do his usual "lets go lets go" he plodded along as if butter wouldnt melt.
i feel silly for having left it such a long time, but its taken this long for me to really get the trust back and get to realise that i do have control even during his silly moments. and its certainly gonna open up my routes for summer riding. i'm so chuffed and i love my pony so very much!
After this he would just rear up and tank off at every opportunity, prat about and generally be a git. and as my confidence had plummeted, he was getting away with it. Since last summer, i've been back in control after lots of schooling, staying off grassy places and me finding the confidence to tell him who's boss and many arguments!.
he still tries it on if the mood takes coz thats just him, but he knows, and i know, i'm in control and he wont go unless i let him. although, in the mean time we canter sideways, run backwards and every trick in the book till the message sinks in!
So, out riding with a friend today we were heading towards the dreaded track. we had planned to come off it early and go down a different route, but as my pony was really chilled out today and i was relaxed i said lets do it! let's go down that track. i didnt feel nervous as it was such an instant unplanned decision. so off we went. and all was fine. he didnt even do his usual "lets go lets go" he plodded along as if butter wouldnt melt.
i feel silly for having left it such a long time, but its taken this long for me to really get the trust back and get to realise that i do have control even during his silly moments. and its certainly gonna open up my routes for summer riding. i'm so chuffed and i love my pony so very much!
Not just for getting him to listen to you and doing the track again, but for managing to get your confidence back! There are many who don't after being tested in this way.