I feel like a failure

[katie_southwest]

Not in general, just today

Changed ponio onto a more high energy feed as she was lacking in energy and very lethargic...
fast forward a few days and I tack up ready to go, she seems VERY alert and energetic!
Half way down the path to the gate, she spins and gallops off down the field

Luckily I wasnt leading her properly, just holding the reins very lightly, so although she wrenched my poot little finger nearly out of the socket, I didnt get pulled over

Anyway she was gone, galloping off and when I eventually got her, I have to admit I just turned her back out and went home in a stress.
Not in a stress because of what she did, but in a stress with myself that I was too scared to ride her out when she was in that mood.
Needless to say, Il be reverting back to her old feed, and getting someone to walk with me until we're out the gate and Im actually on tomorrow

 

[Vizslak]

Chin up we all hav bad days ( and so do the horses obviously!) Hope you feel a million times better when it goes right tommorrow. x

 

[Eriskayowner]

Was she exercised on the days you 'fast-forwarded'? She may have just been a bit fresh, in combination with the new feed?

Try not to worry about it too much - we all have days like this. I had a lesson on Jazz a fortnight ago, and although I was in Yorkshire for a week, I haven't been down to see him since (he's on Full livery) as he basically bolted with me every time I wanted to canter. His walk and trot work was the best he's ever done, but it's made me a bit nervous of riding him in the school now! He'll be fine to hack out tomorrow...touch wood...!

 

[katie_southwest]

No she hadnt been out for a few days, and it didnt help that the others were looning round the field as I was trying to get out

Ah well positive thinking for tomorrow, once Im on Il be fine, she can trot the whole blimmin way if shes feeling that energetic

 

[Eriskayowner]

Sounds like a good plan!!!

Wish me luck for when I try to next ride Jazz - I can't reduce his feed, as he's only fed chaff!

 

[katie_southwest]

Well Il be cutting the cubes out thats for sure starting tomorrow!!
Just chaff for her - little b**ger

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

And lunge before you get on?

Have fun

 

[katie_southwest]

There isnt anywhere to lunge her unfortunately, so we can only hack. Im sure after a good few burst of trot shel be ok, silly me really listening to other people about what to feed her

*note to self* you know what is best for your horse

 

[Kenzo]

I dont think its a case of being a failure!

You said she'd been in for a few days, along with some higher energy food, your horse is bound to be fresh....I think I would be!

If you do not have the facilities to to lunge and take the freshness off before you ride, then perhaps you were just sensible, I'm sure once she's had some time out she will settle even if you do keep her on the same feed.

 

[LankyDoodle]

You are exactly right, Katie. You know what is best for your horse.

I am sure that she was feeling full of it and combined with the very cold weather and the different feed, she just couldn't contain herself any longer

I am glad you are OK and don't feel a failure - we have all done that. I find that it is highly unproductive sometimes to carry on and ride when you are in the wrong frame of mind. I end up either crying at some point during the ride, or getting off, usually due to frustration (this is rare, I must say, but even so).

 

[katie_southwest]

She hadnt been in, she lives out 24/7 but I think just got herself a bit excited - combined with the herd tearing about on the other side of the river, and couldnt contain herself

I just didnt feel safe to take her out in that state, believe me it takes a lot for her to snort and gallop off like that. Well Iv had her nearly 18 months and shes never done anything like that!