_jetset_
Well-Known Member
KatB... that is a really positive forwards thinking post!
I think it is time to call it a day
- Thread starter _jetset_
- Start date
Madam_max
Well-Known Member
Anyways... you knee height is quite high
(well certainly higher than my knees). Cheer up, even lunge her over some if you have some poly blocks.
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
I don't think there are any... they are all huge wings
But, like you have said, what does it matter if I am enjoying it??? I just think i will do when it is nice and quiet and when no one is there to see me make a prat of myself
But, like you have said, what does it matter if I am enjoying it??? I just think i will do when it is nice and quiet and when no one is there to see me make a prat of myself
Madam_max
Well-Known Member
Try and have someone with you that you trust though and it will give you some confidence.
KatB
Well-Known Member
Booboos
Well-Known Member
If deep down you are worried it might be a physical problem it might be worth putting her on pain killers for 2-3 weeks and seeing what happens. It's not very expenssive and it should give you an idea whether she is in pain, or it's a behavioural issue.
Skhosu
Well-Known Member
The turn out is great, but I query that if she is dangerous to hack and therefore only works in the school, she is spending 5-6days in that school all the time? I have to say I can understand why she is being difficult as that is a lot to ask of any horse. Even if it involves jumping I think you really need to find another way to get her out of the school, I don't know how, but to me that would be the obvious explanation
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
If deep down you are worried it might be a physical problem it might be worth putting her on pain killers for 2-3 weeks and seeing what happens. It's not very expenssive and it should give you an idea whether she is in pain, or it's a behavioural issue.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you... that was tried a little while ago and there was no change (it was just bute). It might be worth trying again though, definitely an option
If deep down you are worried it might be a physical problem it might be worth putting her on pain killers for 2-3 weeks and seeing what happens. It's not very expenssive and it should give you an idea whether she is in pain, or it's a behavioural issue.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you... that was tried a little while ago and there was no change (it was just bute). It might be worth trying again though, definitely an option
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The turn out is great, but I query that if she is dangerous to hack and therefore only works in the school, she is spending 5-6days in that school all the time? I have to say I can understand why she is being difficult as that is a lot to ask of any horse. Even if it involves jumping I think you really need to find another way to get her out of the school, I don't know how, but to me that would be the obvious explanation
[/ QUOTE ]
Three days a week she is ridden in the arena (mostly long and low) and one day she has a lesson although this has not been happening recently so this is a day off. And she has been having the other days off mostly since we moved as she can be turned out there. At my previous yard I could walk her down the lane and back (private lane therefore one car at the most) which would take 20 mins each way and I would do that twice a week.
I completely agree that she needs to do something else, but the hacking where I am is not brilliant, it is mostly road work which is fine for my other mare because she is great in traffic. But Grace just completely panics, goes up, spins and backs into anything that is in her way (including a car once...)
The turn out is great, but I query that if she is dangerous to hack and therefore only works in the school, she is spending 5-6days in that school all the time? I have to say I can understand why she is being difficult as that is a lot to ask of any horse. Even if it involves jumping I think you really need to find another way to get her out of the school, I don't know how, but to me that would be the obvious explanation
[/ QUOTE ]
Three days a week she is ridden in the arena (mostly long and low) and one day she has a lesson although this has not been happening recently so this is a day off. And she has been having the other days off mostly since we moved as she can be turned out there. At my previous yard I could walk her down the lane and back (private lane therefore one car at the most) which would take 20 mins each way and I would do that twice a week.
I completely agree that she needs to do something else, but the hacking where I am is not brilliant, it is mostly road work which is fine for my other mare because she is great in traffic. But Grace just completely panics, goes up, spins and backs into anything that is in her way (including a car once...)
RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
yes, I am thinking what you are TripleSandH... none I've had would cope with going in the school that many times a week... I work on a rule of never more than twice in a row in the school, and generally every other day. The school is split up with hacking and fast work... Schooling sessions are short, and all the fitness work comes from the hacking and fast work.
Your idea of going on a weekly trip to the gallops sounds a good one...
Your idea of going on a weekly trip to the gallops sounds a good one...
_jetset_
Well-Known Member
Thanks RachelFerd... I just have to sort out half a day now by working some times around at work
I would love to have a gallops just around the corner, anyone fancy building one near Clitheroe
Seriously though, I think going using the gallops may just get her thinking forwards again... although a different bit might be useful as I don't think the current one would give me many brakes
Seriously though, I think going using the gallops may just get her thinking forwards again... although a different bit might be useful as I don't think the current one would give me many brakes
nikki_07766
Well-Known Member
FWIW, I agree with the replys, to me she sounds bored and sour, here brain needs time to adjust to what shes been trough and although she has been given the go ahead do work again, I think maybe you have pushed her to hard to quick wanting to get her out and competing again.. 3 schooling sessions and a lesson a week is a lot for a horse to cope with it's like us saying same [****] different day think how she feels.. yes she may be difficult to hack but Im sure that one of the groom at your yard would try her for you, I should imagine you think something is going to happen as youre not confident in hacking her and so it does, if youre on a show jumping yard the grooms are going to be used to big powerful horses buggering around underneath them... if you strapped for time maybe think about sending your youngster away for the winter, even if it's up north or down south somewhere to give you time.... he's not doing anything so why not save yourself a few hours a day/ week to give your ridden horses a break..also I must admit sending her to your trainers where she will be pushed even hard in the school is a silly idea, she's trying to tell you something and Im sure as hell it's that's she's not ready for all this pressure.... ok maybe she's not the horse for you but you need to give her a chance and some time before you can sell loan her anyway...I dont expect you to listen to my views as you dont know me, but listen to the people who are trying to help you and stop dismissing all the ideas
this horse cant only be able to go in the school what kind of life is that for a horse.
Bossanova
Well-Known Member
They dont have to be mareish to require regumate. It can really, really help any mare focus and concentrate.
Actually, from what you've said about the state she got in after you rode, she IS trying for you, she just isnt understanding what you want. We can all get hitched up on a problem, myself included, and concentrate on that to the point whereby you start to confuse the horse.
I do it on Moon- as soon as I start to focus on her mouth I get annoyed with her and then we have an argument. If I just work her with a still hand through lots of mundane transitions, shallow lateral work and changing the pace then low and behold, by the end I'll suddenly realise she is nice in my hands and I can start to do more!
Have you tried working her in a hackamore?
Actually, from what you've said about the state she got in after you rode, she IS trying for you, she just isnt understanding what you want. We can all get hitched up on a problem, myself included, and concentrate on that to the point whereby you start to confuse the horse.
I do it on Moon- as soon as I start to focus on her mouth I get annoyed with her and then we have an argument. If I just work her with a still hand through lots of mundane transitions, shallow lateral work and changing the pace then low and behold, by the end I'll suddenly realise she is nice in my hands and I can start to do more!
Have you tried working her in a hackamore?
siennamum
Well-Known Member
I think she deserves a medal. She has had a [****] time with lots of illness & turmoil & now all she does is go in the field for a few hours a day (alone?) & the rest of the time she is just schooled.
No life for any horse, sell her)
No life for any horse, sell her)
JM07
Well-Known Member
You won't sell her...
what the hell would you have to whine about on here??
you should seriously think about what really is going on with this horse.....
1. stop making excuses for why YOU cant do something..just DO IT.
2. Allow someone else to give her a chance..or are you concerned they'll make a better job of it??
3. untill you realise that you are probably the problem here, neither you or the horse will progress.
i don't often reply to you, as TBH i find you "obstructive" to 98% of advice given time after time , which i would say, is good advice.
and yes, my answer maybe seen as rude, and why have i answered if i haven't got anything nice to say, so i shouldn't say it...it's not what you want to read, but you'll reply with a negative counter-reply so in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter.
what the hell would you have to whine about on here??
you should seriously think about what really is going on with this horse.....
1. stop making excuses for why YOU cant do something..just DO IT.
2. Allow someone else to give her a chance..or are you concerned they'll make a better job of it??
3. untill you realise that you are probably the problem here, neither you or the horse will progress.
i don't often reply to you, as TBH i find you "obstructive" to 98% of advice given time after time , which i would say, is good advice.
and yes, my answer maybe seen as rude, and why have i answered if i haven't got anything nice to say, so i shouldn't say it...it's not what you want to read, but you'll reply with a negative counter-reply so in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter.
Ferdinase514
Well-Known Member
Quick answer as have to go to work!!
Take a break - did wonders for Finn and I this time last year
XX
Take a break - did wonders for Finn and I this time last year
XX
SAL66
Well-Known Member
JetSet, I think its time not for you to sell her but to give her a holiday. Hopefully after a couple of months she'll be ready and maybe you will to start again.
After this time she is still the same the i would try having a different rider on board to see if she is picking up on your anxiety(sp) .
Both of you have been through so much its time to chill out. My trainer will tell me never to school in the school 2 days on the trot, but to hack out etc. I know this is not the answer for you - the hacking but I'm sure there is someway you could go even if its just once a week.
I hope you get through this stage, with patience I think you will.
good luck.
After this time she is still the same the i would try having a different rider on board to see if she is picking up on your anxiety(sp) .
Both of you have been through so much its time to chill out. My trainer will tell me never to school in the school 2 days on the trot, but to hack out etc. I know this is not the answer for you - the hacking but I'm sure there is someway you could go even if its just once a week.
I hope you get through this stage, with patience I think you will.
good luck.
HBII
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
When I do get her working, she works beautifully, but those moments are few and far between at the moment
[/ QUOTE ]
I dont usually reply to many posts in here as I dont feel I have enough experience to comment, but even you yourself have said at times it does click. Yes they may be few and far between but at least you do get those moments.
From what I have read you know and have experienced what this mare is capable of, so you are automatically setting your expectations at those levels.
I really think you need to relax and chill out. What are you going to lose by bunging her out for a good 4 weeks? Even if you just groom her and pet her you will be reinforcing your bond. Dont ride her until you are itching to get back on her, at the moment it sounds as if riding her is a chore.
Who gives a stuff where her head is when you start off? Get some cones in the school and have fun, circles, learn to laugh at yourself and her.
She is a super mare and you are a good rider - stop putting pressure on yourself and work out why you want to ride ... for competitive reasons? To de-stress from work?
I can meet you at Somerford Park if you want someone to go around with.
Chin up
Hbxx
When I do get her working, she works beautifully, but those moments are few and far between at the moment
[/ QUOTE ]
I dont usually reply to many posts in here as I dont feel I have enough experience to comment, but even you yourself have said at times it does click. Yes they may be few and far between but at least you do get those moments.
From what I have read you know and have experienced what this mare is capable of, so you are automatically setting your expectations at those levels.
I really think you need to relax and chill out. What are you going to lose by bunging her out for a good 4 weeks? Even if you just groom her and pet her you will be reinforcing your bond. Dont ride her until you are itching to get back on her, at the moment it sounds as if riding her is a chore.
Who gives a stuff where her head is when you start off? Get some cones in the school and have fun, circles, learn to laugh at yourself and her.
She is a super mare and you are a good rider - stop putting pressure on yourself and work out why you want to ride ... for competitive reasons? To de-stress from work?
I can meet you at Somerford Park if you want someone to go around with.
Chin up
Hbxx
chestnut cob
Well-Known Member
Why can't you go hacking with someone? Even the most nutty horses are usually fine out with company. If you are too scared to hack her yourself, you're on a pro SJing yard, there must be someone who would hack her out for you.
Sorry but I'm with the people who think you are the problem. Years ago when I had my Welshy I had serious behavioural probs with him and I finally had to face up to it being mostly my fault. When I sorted out what I was doing, suddenly he was behaving better. Look at what you are doing and really make sure it isn't you.
I also agree that she's bored senseless. Think about it this way...how would you feel if, every day, you got up, went to work on your own, did the same task every day, something you found difficult and frustrating, and then went home again on your own. Then each day you had to keep plugging away at that task, even though you couldn't understand it, you never got given a break. I suspect that's how your mare feels now. As someone else said, same old s*** different day. Give her the winter off, or a couple of months off. Don't use the excuse she can't be turned out, she gets mud fever etc, there's only an excuse if you make one for yourself. Find somewhere she can winter out and just leave her to be a horse in a group. Let her chill out and then see how she feels in the spring. If you're still scared of her (and it strikes me you are, otherwise you'd be doing more to get over the hacking problem), get a pro to restart her for you.
And if you still find excuses then, sel lher.
Sorry but I'm with the people who think you are the problem. Years ago when I had my Welshy I had serious behavioural probs with him and I finally had to face up to it being mostly my fault. When I sorted out what I was doing, suddenly he was behaving better. Look at what you are doing and really make sure it isn't you.
I also agree that she's bored senseless. Think about it this way...how would you feel if, every day, you got up, went to work on your own, did the same task every day, something you found difficult and frustrating, and then went home again on your own. Then each day you had to keep plugging away at that task, even though you couldn't understand it, you never got given a break. I suspect that's how your mare feels now. As someone else said, same old s*** different day. Give her the winter off, or a couple of months off. Don't use the excuse she can't be turned out, she gets mud fever etc, there's only an excuse if you make one for yourself. Find somewhere she can winter out and just leave her to be a horse in a group. Let her chill out and then see how she feels in the spring. If you're still scared of her (and it strikes me you are, otherwise you'd be doing more to get over the hacking problem), get a pro to restart her for you.
And if you still find excuses then, sel lher.
kizzywiz
Well-Known Member
I don't think you should be worried about setting a small fence in your pro sj yard, honestly they will be far too busy doing their own stuff to be laughing at you, I have lessons on my pony with a pro, he certainly doesn't expect us to be jumping the stuff he does, but is really supportive & pleased when we do well, he is encouraging me to affiliate. Perhaps one of them would have time to help you with some jumping, in my experience a pro will be much more supportive than other amateurs, after all the pro has nothing to prove or compete with you over, he is doing it already. Agree with the others that if you can, more time out & a variety of work will help, good luck though.
Partoow
Well-Known Member
i think, for what its worth, that there are a couple of things here.
Firstly i school, or rather work my horses in the school 90% of the time and they are not bored or unhappy. We vary that work and there are always poles on the floor either trotting or canter poles so that no matter whether its the Advanced Spanish stallion or the 3yr old we 'play' with it.lunging , using the 'Pessoa' once a week also lets the horse work out its own balance.
I would advise you not to have a day off after a lesson, it wastes the work that you did the day before and has not given either of you enough time to get it into your muscle memory. Do it again the day after and you stand a chance of capitalising on the work from the day before as it will be more fresh in your mind.
Horses, are always a little more arsey the day after a day off. Mares more so.
I rode a mare for the rideabilty test recently that was just as you describe under its own rider. I got on and imagined my legs were just going to touch the end of the hairs on her body i then sat very light and balanced , and blow me if she did'nt just let go , breath and let me in.
With her own rider she felt under attack, something that i think you need to be very careful of especially on a mare who has been through so much.It is possible to want something too badly ad be too strong in the aids[ they feel flies on them she can feel you pushing at her]
I also have a rule that i live by and it is from one of the greatest ever trainers of horses Dr Klimke, he always said a horse should leave the school as it went in, that is always feeling that ther was more to give.
I do this with all my horses and hence they are all happy and love to work and they have not been all perfect or without troubles when they came to me.
I also think the fact that [ i think i got the right end of the stick] that she need s to go out with another horse to have some company to socialise , all of mine go out in pairs and that is everyday.
I do think you need to remain open to the ideas and this may mean you have to make changes.
I hope you can , best wishes.
Firstly i school, or rather work my horses in the school 90% of the time and they are not bored or unhappy. We vary that work and there are always poles on the floor either trotting or canter poles so that no matter whether its the Advanced Spanish stallion or the 3yr old we 'play' with it.lunging , using the 'Pessoa' once a week also lets the horse work out its own balance.
I would advise you not to have a day off after a lesson, it wastes the work that you did the day before and has not given either of you enough time to get it into your muscle memory. Do it again the day after and you stand a chance of capitalising on the work from the day before as it will be more fresh in your mind.
Horses, are always a little more arsey the day after a day off. Mares more so.
I rode a mare for the rideabilty test recently that was just as you describe under its own rider. I got on and imagined my legs were just going to touch the end of the hairs on her body i then sat very light and balanced , and blow me if she did'nt just let go , breath and let me in.
With her own rider she felt under attack, something that i think you need to be very careful of especially on a mare who has been through so much.It is possible to want something too badly ad be too strong in the aids[ they feel flies on them she can feel you pushing at her]
I also have a rule that i live by and it is from one of the greatest ever trainers of horses Dr Klimke, he always said a horse should leave the school as it went in, that is always feeling that ther was more to give.
I do this with all my horses and hence they are all happy and love to work and they have not been all perfect or without troubles when they came to me.
I also think the fact that [ i think i got the right end of the stick] that she need s to go out with another horse to have some company to socialise , all of mine go out in pairs and that is everyday.
I do think you need to remain open to the ideas and this may mean you have to make changes.
I hope you can , best wishes.
Silgram
Well-Known Member
Hi Becki,
10 years ago my horse had surgery for colic. He appeared to recover well and returned to eventing. However over the last few years he has suffered from a re-occuring muscular back proplem. Whenever it has happened he was rested and brought slowly back to work. For the last year he has been on loan to a friend and again his back proplem returned. I was on holiday at the time so I agreed that he could be seen by my friends chiropractor and not the on i usually use. The new chiropractor said that the muscle under his stomach had never recovered fully from the surgery and she gave me a programme of rehabilitaion. Two month down the line I still haven't ridden him as we are still on lunging only but he looks like a different horse. He was really starting to look his age (17) but now he looks 10 and acts like it. I think you need to give grace chance to recover fully. Give her some time off and then start right back at the beginning.
10 years ago my horse had surgery for colic. He appeared to recover well and returned to eventing. However over the last few years he has suffered from a re-occuring muscular back proplem. Whenever it has happened he was rested and brought slowly back to work. For the last year he has been on loan to a friend and again his back proplem returned. I was on holiday at the time so I agreed that he could be seen by my friends chiropractor and not the on i usually use. The new chiropractor said that the muscle under his stomach had never recovered fully from the surgery and she gave me a programme of rehabilitaion. Two month down the line I still haven't ridden him as we are still on lunging only but he looks like a different horse. He was really starting to look his age (17) but now he looks 10 and acts like it. I think you need to give grace chance to recover fully. Give her some time off and then start right back at the beginning.
Baydale
Well-Known Member
I don't think I can add much more that hasn't already been said as far as her management goes; yes, maybe some variety would help keep her sweet.
However, and this is a big however and in no way meant as a personal comment (particularly as I am as prone to it as the next man), I do think you're suffering from paralysis by analysis.
You are spending a lot of time stressing because she isn't how she was before her time off. She gives you moments of good work that make you think you're getting Old Grace back, then you get New Grace which isn't a patch on the old version. Is there any way you can simplify your mental approach to her so that you take the pressure off the pair of you? Lower your expectations for a while and when you get some good work, praise her and finish your session instead of asking for more and more until you come up against a barrier. Slowly slowly catch the monkey.....
It's so easy to get carried away when these super horses dangle the carrot, promising to be top class and fulfil our wildest dreams. What they offer you, you should take, but just because they offer you fleeting moments of brilliance doesn't mean they are capable of it every day. Think of it from your side of the deal: are you always a great rider, or are you just ok-ish some days? I know some days I'm ok, but it only takes lack of sleep or too much pressure to perform and I become overly picky, try too hard and ride like a bag of sh1t.
I'm not sure if that's any help, but if the situation is making you uptight and stressed a lot of the time then surely by remedying that you can then be beyond reproach as a rider and put the ball firmly in her court?
However, and this is a big however and in no way meant as a personal comment (particularly as I am as prone to it as the next man), I do think you're suffering from paralysis by analysis.
You are spending a lot of time stressing because she isn't how she was before her time off. She gives you moments of good work that make you think you're getting Old Grace back, then you get New Grace which isn't a patch on the old version. Is there any way you can simplify your mental approach to her so that you take the pressure off the pair of you? Lower your expectations for a while and when you get some good work, praise her and finish your session instead of asking for more and more until you come up against a barrier. Slowly slowly catch the monkey.....
It's so easy to get carried away when these super horses dangle the carrot, promising to be top class and fulfil our wildest dreams. What they offer you, you should take, but just because they offer you fleeting moments of brilliance doesn't mean they are capable of it every day. Think of it from your side of the deal: are you always a great rider, or are you just ok-ish some days? I know some days I'm ok, but it only takes lack of sleep or too much pressure to perform and I become overly picky, try too hard and ride like a bag of sh1t.
I'm not sure if that's any help, but if the situation is making you uptight and stressed a lot of the time then surely by remedying that you can then be beyond reproach as a rider and put the ball firmly in her court?
Spot_the_Risk
Well-Known Member
I've only speed read this thread, so forgive me if this has aready been said, but can you not move her to a better yard? I don't mean more flash, bigger school etc, just one that's more fun! Surely the whole point of having horses is to enjoy them, and a good gallop through a stubble field, walking and trotting around the lanes (you can still school whilst hacking if you can be bothered!), hooning around with friends, and also getting on well with other liveries is so important. I know I'm not a top class competition rider, but the most fun I've had when in livery has been due to the other liveries, also just faffing around with my horse in the evenings when it's too dark to ride. I would think that with ab it more fun in her life your mare will be more eager in the school.
Take a look at your OS map (also here tp://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/ ) to find bridleways and byways in your area, take a map and go exploring, if in doubt walk it first.
Enjoy your horse, she's not a machine, she's trying to tell you something, and whatever it is, she's not too happy about it!
Take a look at your OS map (also here tp://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/ ) to find bridleways and byways in your area, take a map and go exploring, if in doubt walk it first.
Enjoy your horse, she's not a machine, she's trying to tell you something, and whatever it is, she's not too happy about it!
RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
I think having them thinking forwards is the first step in any schooling.. and if doing some gallops work achieves that, then it has to be worthwhile.
partoow - this is no sleight at _jetset_ but rather at myself, If *I* worked my horse in the school 90% of the time, I am sure she would get sour, for several reasons - I am not a desperately skilled rider, and I cannot make it rewarding for long periods of time.. I am also working with a horse who is muscularly not developed, and those short school sessions are very hard work for her, physically and mentally. Doing 'other' work builds her up quicker and makes the schooling easier.
Plus a lot of horses do thrive on variety. I think it's just keeping them happy - plenty of turnout (preferably in company) hacking, jumping, going out for a hoon... the more I do, the happier my horses seem. It is nice to turn up each morning to a horse that looks forward to her work.
We all go through frustrating patches - a few weeks ago I still couldn't get any left bend, at all, and I was getting worked up over it, which helped not a jot. Practiced my left bend out hacking, and lo and behold, it started working in the school too. Went out to do dressage at the weekend and got our personal best %. Horses are like that.. they improve for a bit, plateau for a bit, improve for a bit and so and and so on...
partoow - this is no sleight at _jetset_ but rather at myself, If *I* worked my horse in the school 90% of the time, I am sure she would get sour, for several reasons - I am not a desperately skilled rider, and I cannot make it rewarding for long periods of time.. I am also working with a horse who is muscularly not developed, and those short school sessions are very hard work for her, physically and mentally. Doing 'other' work builds her up quicker and makes the schooling easier.
Plus a lot of horses do thrive on variety. I think it's just keeping them happy - plenty of turnout (preferably in company) hacking, jumping, going out for a hoon... the more I do, the happier my horses seem. It is nice to turn up each morning to a horse that looks forward to her work.
We all go through frustrating patches - a few weeks ago I still couldn't get any left bend, at all, and I was getting worked up over it, which helped not a jot. Practiced my left bend out hacking, and lo and behold, it started working in the school too. Went out to do dressage at the weekend and got our personal best %. Horses are like that.. they improve for a bit, plateau for a bit, improve for a bit and so and and so on...
hollibobs
Well-Known Member
First of all I know of some gallops that are closer to our yard than Crowwood, Jethro & I are always up for a trip out so anytime you want to go I'll come with you (we'll have to take both boxes as mine would be over weight with two big ones in). Same goes for Somerford, lets go down and do the farm ride sometime, you don't have to jump if you don't feel like it.
Secondly I would say you jump what your happy to jump at the yard. Dosn't matter what everyone else is up too, like someone else said most people are too busy doing what they do to be interested/bothered what other people are up to. So what if the jumps are up at huge heights when you get there, lower them, I do!!! I couldn't care less what anybody else thinks. To be honest besides Andy, there is only me and maybe a couple of others who jump, the rest dont, so no-one will be laughing. I'll help you put a few cross poles etc. up so you've got someone on the ground to put them back up etc. it's always easier that way.
Finally I know somewhere were we go for a nice hack, it involves boxing to get there but its only 15 minutes at the most to get there so lets do that one weekend, or even one afternoon if we're both off work
Secondly I would say you jump what your happy to jump at the yard. Dosn't matter what everyone else is up too, like someone else said most people are too busy doing what they do to be interested/bothered what other people are up to. So what if the jumps are up at huge heights when you get there, lower them, I do!!! I couldn't care less what anybody else thinks. To be honest besides Andy, there is only me and maybe a couple of others who jump, the rest dont, so no-one will be laughing. I'll help you put a few cross poles etc. up so you've got someone on the ground to put them back up etc. it's always easier that way.
Finally I know somewhere were we go for a nice hack, it involves boxing to get there but its only 15 minutes at the most to get there so lets do that one weekend, or even one afternoon if we're both off work
not_with_it
Well-Known Member
I agree with Halfstep. Take the pressure off for a bit and give you both a break.
I had a few problems with Gin recently, to the point where I really didnt enjoy riding her. She was fine on the lunge but argumentative when being ridden. I lunged her more often to give her a break from being ridden everyday. She was so much more amenable when being ridden which meant I could work her harder when being ridden. Gin doesnt hack out either so I know how you feel.
Through all of this I couldnt stop thinking that her back problems were coming back. It wasnt until I watched her closely on the lunge that I realised she was really stiff to start with and actually looked unlevel at times. Once she had loosened up she looked fantastic. I now warm her up in canter with a light seat as it works on the lunge, therefore im not putting pressure on her in the trot which makes her grumpy.
We have come out the otherside and Im sure you will too. We all have days or even weeks when we hate riding our horses but we always smile at the end.
I had a few problems with Gin recently, to the point where I really didnt enjoy riding her. She was fine on the lunge but argumentative when being ridden. I lunged her more often to give her a break from being ridden everyday. She was so much more amenable when being ridden which meant I could work her harder when being ridden. Gin doesnt hack out either so I know how you feel.
Through all of this I couldnt stop thinking that her back problems were coming back. It wasnt until I watched her closely on the lunge that I realised she was really stiff to start with and actually looked unlevel at times. Once she had loosened up she looked fantastic. I now warm her up in canter with a light seat as it works on the lunge, therefore im not putting pressure on her in the trot which makes her grumpy.
We have come out the otherside and Im sure you will too. We all have days or even weeks when we hate riding our horses but we always smile at the end.
Firewell
Well-Known Member
It sounds like you both need a break.
If your horse was mine, I would give her (and me) a month off. Keep her at the same yard, turn her out like your doing now every day and bring her in at night. Keep her shod, rugged etc but just dont put any pressure on her to do anything and give you both a holiday. Give her a groom a couple of times a week and other than that do nothing with her. Just take the pressure off you both completely.
Then bring her back into work and try and spend no more than 2 days doing the same thing. School, lunge, jump, school perhaps then make it a job every other weekend to take her to the gallops, or the beach, or over to a friends yard whatever. Can you not hire out a local XC course every now and again and just hack her round? When you jump, dont see it as a schooling session with poles or anything like that, dont worry about the jumps being small, just treat it as a play time for you both to charge round some tiny fences with a smile on your faces.
My friend with her dressage horse does western and polo on her! She has taught her to stop from a gallop and turn on her haunches at a split second, her mare always gets placed at dressage because shes so responsive, balanced and fresh in her mind. Sometimes she bandages her horse up and takes her in a field with a polo stick and just canters around tapping a ball. It gets her horse moving forwards, listening and reacting. Theres so many things you can do between your schooling sessions to keep you both relaxed and having fun, you just have to be imaginative!
If your horse was mine, I would give her (and me) a month off. Keep her at the same yard, turn her out like your doing now every day and bring her in at night. Keep her shod, rugged etc but just dont put any pressure on her to do anything and give you both a holiday. Give her a groom a couple of times a week and other than that do nothing with her. Just take the pressure off you both completely.
Then bring her back into work and try and spend no more than 2 days doing the same thing. School, lunge, jump, school perhaps then make it a job every other weekend to take her to the gallops, or the beach, or over to a friends yard whatever. Can you not hire out a local XC course every now and again and just hack her round? When you jump, dont see it as a schooling session with poles or anything like that, dont worry about the jumps being small, just treat it as a play time for you both to charge round some tiny fences with a smile on your faces.
My friend with her dressage horse does western and polo on her! She has taught her to stop from a gallop and turn on her haunches at a split second, her mare always gets placed at dressage because shes so responsive, balanced and fresh in her mind. Sometimes she bandages her horse up and takes her in a field with a polo stick and just canters around tapping a ball. It gets her horse moving forwards, listening and reacting. Theres so many things you can do between your schooling sessions to keep you both relaxed and having fun, you just have to be imaginative!
beatrice
Well-Known Member
Hack the horse. Totally changed my argumetative, pain in the backside mare.
She was dangerous to hack but i knew i had to do it. I got someone to come out with a bomb proof horse and parked my horse inside it. It wasn't fun for me for a long time but we have got there!!
After a while of this my mare has learnt that the tractor is not going to eat her so no need to rear spin run away etc. I can now hack her on her own quite happily. She is also hacked on a loose rein so it is chill out time however we have some huge hills that i trot up and she works long and low up them. Hacking has totally changed her.
She only goes in the school 2/3 times a week. Once lunged once jumped and possibly once schooled. The rest of the time im hacking or flying round the fields letting my horse enjoy herself. I have lessons off the yard which also keeps her sweet as she loves going places(jumps up the ramp)
Her work in the school has since come on leaps and bounds, which is somewhat ironic since she now does much less in the school.
Also another thing i have found is if she is being a pain i whack my stirrups up, get off her back and her mouth ( i mean total loose rein, but check her a few times so she understands the speed) and canter round the arena on each rein (its 60x40), pull her back to trot where she then offers long and low do a couple of circles like that, walk and finish. I rarely have to do that now, but i have found it rather useful.
I think my mare was associating the school with stress but now its a fun place to be. If i have had a bad day and know i am not in the right frame of mind to do anything i often go in the school and do the above so treat it like fitness (has also stopped her grabbing the bit and pulling like a train as she is on a loose rein the whole time). I do it with trot first obviously and do lots of turns and circles and have found it a good way to get my leg on. (she goes through phases of running away from the leg).
Bea can have me on top of the world one day and crying my eyes out the next but if i make things fun for her and vary what she does i have many more on top of the world days.
She was dangerous to hack but i knew i had to do it. I got someone to come out with a bomb proof horse and parked my horse inside it. It wasn't fun for me for a long time but we have got there!!
After a while of this my mare has learnt that the tractor is not going to eat her so no need to rear spin run away etc. I can now hack her on her own quite happily. She is also hacked on a loose rein so it is chill out time however we have some huge hills that i trot up and she works long and low up them. Hacking has totally changed her.
She only goes in the school 2/3 times a week. Once lunged once jumped and possibly once schooled. The rest of the time im hacking or flying round the fields letting my horse enjoy herself. I have lessons off the yard which also keeps her sweet as she loves going places(jumps up the ramp)
Her work in the school has since come on leaps and bounds, which is somewhat ironic since she now does much less in the school.
Also another thing i have found is if she is being a pain i whack my stirrups up, get off her back and her mouth ( i mean total loose rein, but check her a few times so she understands the speed) and canter round the arena on each rein (its 60x40), pull her back to trot where she then offers long and low do a couple of circles like that, walk and finish. I rarely have to do that now, but i have found it rather useful.
I think my mare was associating the school with stress but now its a fun place to be. If i have had a bad day and know i am not in the right frame of mind to do anything i often go in the school and do the above so treat it like fitness (has also stopped her grabbing the bit and pulling like a train as she is on a loose rein the whole time). I do it with trot first obviously and do lots of turns and circles and have found it a good way to get my leg on. (she goes through phases of running away from the leg).
Bea can have me on top of the world one day and crying my eyes out the next but if i make things fun for her and vary what she does i have many more on top of the world days.
CrazyMare
Well-Known Member
Do you do any ground work with her? My mare has had 10 months off to have a baby. After I stopped riding her in October last year, I got a pressure halter and did lots of work in the school inhand and around the yard. Although she lead well and was shown inhand for a long time there was still alot to teach her.
Backwards through S bends, standing on a bridge/taurpalin etc really helped engage her brain without a rider or the issues she had with a rider being brought up. I know it seems all Natural Horsemanship waffley but really it is very useful.
Also I used to just hop on bareback and take her to meet things around the yard, you can feel what they are doing so much more. If there was any tenseness I could hop off, do the exercises in hand to get her trust and things became very unscary. She falls asleep with machinery around, and pays absolutly no attention to the building site and associated noises now.
Backwards through S bends, standing on a bridge/taurpalin etc really helped engage her brain without a rider or the issues she had with a rider being brought up. I know it seems all Natural Horsemanship waffley but really it is very useful.
Also I used to just hop on bareback and take her to meet things around the yard, you can feel what they are doing so much more. If there was any tenseness I could hop off, do the exercises in hand to get her trust and things became very unscary. She falls asleep with machinery around, and pays absolutly no attention to the building site and associated noises now.