If you RI told you, you were not suited to your horse - what would you do?

[coen]

Probably would think sod off.... but my opinion of RI's at the moment isn't great so I would advice you go with what you think, if you like the horse keep it and persevere.

I had a TB mare when I was 14 that was way too much for me and the instructor told my mum who isn't horsey that it would end up killing me.....
I kept the horse and learned to ride her, she wasn't malicious at all just highly strung and when we got used to each other we were fine. I saw the instructor about a year later at a show where I had won a riding class and jumped a clear round she congratulated me and it was such a good feeling.

Also when I had my gelding vetted last year the vet said he though I should rethink my decision as horse seemed like a handfull, to be fair he was very naughty for the vetting bucking and headshaking for Britain, but I had tried the horse 4 times previously and he was perfect luckily he has been perfect since.

I think you know deep down if the horse is right, if it is you will be willing to work through problems, and if it isn't get another one.

 

[skint1]

I think I would pay close attention if my RI said that.

 

[eggs]

I trust my RI's opinion. If not, why would I pay him for lessons?

Even when my horse is at his worst he has never suggested we are not suited.

What does worry me though is the RI who recommends a horse that they want to ride rather than one that you want to ride.

 

[Hullabaloo]

I'd ask for my money back as I bought him from her in the first place

I pay my instructor for their advice so I'd certainly listen to it and think about what they were saying. Then I would make my own decision about whether or not I wanted to percevere with my horse. However it really depends on the relationship and trust you have in your instructor

I had a horse on loan a few years ago who was really knocking my confidence jumping. One of the instructors at my yard did suggest to me that I wasn't enjoying my jumping any more and that it was time to move on. I really valued her opinion and when I thought about it I knew she was right. One of the other instructors was selling her horse and I ended up buying him. I realise that sounds a bit suspicious, but she gave me a month's trial with no hard sell and 5 years later I'm still convinced he's the right horse for me. The instructor who sold him to me still teaches us now.

.

 

[skint1]

Do you know what? Having bought a horse without really seeking advice from anyone, and said horse being really, really, really, really hard work for my daughter (I am feeling quite anti the horse today lol) I would never buy one again without full consultation from my RI and probably Trot Online, this forum and another forum I go on.

in fact, I would organise a coach trip to every viewing

 

[wench]

someone once told me recently that I should sell my horse and get a better one as one of the "better" instructors in the area said I was doing this that and the other wrong. The only answer the advisor got was sod off!