Importance of 'getting it right'

[LaurenM]

In relation to some recent posts, for all those that are working really hard and feel that they are constantly repeating the basics - keep it up.

Some of you may know about my experiences over the last 11 months and may be aware about my eagerness to box over to a school for a riding lesson next month. I've highlighted that my horse didn't load well; I've been in contact with a previous owner whom advised that he was previously loaded using electric tape (owner before her) for a period of 4 years.

Had the person(s) responsible taken the time and had the patience then I wouldn't have a stressed wreck everytime he seen a horse box (with or without car present). Without knowing the details, the electric fencing may very well be to section off a part of his field to load him, however in my opinion, his reaction suggests that this is doubtful.

My riding lesson was to mark being together for a year and the beginning of me regaining my confidence. Now to think of plan B..

 

[almrc]

Instead of having a riding lesson as your target, why not make your target practicing to load your horse so that he loads perfectly? I reckon that would be a pretty good goal. As I have had a horse similar it is very rewarding and anything is possible.

 

[LaurenM]

I would love to but don't have access to a box unfortunately. I did tell myself though, that if he would follow me into one particular new stable then I knew he would load. It's at such an odd angle - he did it though.

I've asked the trainer that reschooled him to hack with me a few times to teach me to 'ride him'. That way I can hopefully have the option of hacking to the indoor school. That would be so amazing!

 

[Dancing Queen]

god the hours i have spent on the ramp at the top of the ramp a quarter of a way in the box with a feed bucket. it paid off. keep going!!!!!!!!!!!!
i cured one horse of carrier bags by feeding him out of one (watching closely of course) now he thinks food! xx

 

[almrc]

Do the last option you said. Anything is possible. I always used to want things to happen 'now' but I have learnt...and when it does happen it is amazing. As you dont have a trailer we need to work with what we have got, so do the hacking as you suggested. Even if you hack 10 paces down the lane and back on your own then gradually extend it...

 

[LaurenM]

Even though I have been riding him throughout the snow for the last two weeks I still managed to work myself up about taking him away from the yard yesterday. Baby steps eh

Can't wait to start having more fun with him; my friend is convincing me to take up dressage and join her in a few dressage tests.

 

[Janette]

My God, if i'm reading the OP correctly, there are some nasty people about. Poor horse.

Anyway - I think that ground work is just as important - you NEED to be able to load your horse, what if you need to move him in an emergency?
As somebody else has posted, it's all about the journey and some people are starting from different starrting points to others.

My horse wouldn't load either. She was loaded into a sheep trailer by having her ear grabbed and then being beaten in. She loads beautifully now. Then we could go for lessons and continue her education from there.

Good luck.

 

[LaurenM]

Thanks for the comment.

He's the nicest natured horse going but it makes sense. You know when you have a feeling your horse has had a bad experience with something but I didn't think it would be so harsh. As I said though, I wasn't there but have experienced the aftermath so can only presume.

We managed to have a short hack for about 20 mins or so today. He was as good as gold so fingers crossed we continue on the up for now on. One on the ladies on the yard drove past and seemed genuinely shocked that he was hacking fine, which made it hit home how far we have come so far. Wouldn't have felt able to do it though without hacking with another girl I'm so grateful to her.