It hurt, but she wasn't going to win!

D

DressageDiva1983

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 April 2009
Messages
133
Visit site
Had a disastrous start to the youngsters first dressage, 12 months of reschooling and educating were seemingly forgotten at myerscough yesterday. She completely lost the plot after 5 mins in the collecting ring and without warning turned into the best rodeo horse i have ever had the misfortune to sit on, she propelled me through the plastic fencing seperating warm up from main arena (So sorry whoever was doing their test!) and it bloody hurt!
Never one to be beaten i got straight back on, this time outside on my own, and worked her in with no problems. Did my test and got a very respectable 62.5% for a first test and more importantly she was impeccably behaved. I am furious with her still tho, she hasn't done that for over 12 months and has practised with other horses in the arena and a car. Very capable little horse but so unpredictable at shows, can't say its an experience i want to repeat, my back is in a right state! I have had to devise a whole new way of walking!!
mad.gif
 
I'm sorry but that made me
laugh.gif
!

They are so bloody po faced at Myerscough I bet you were the talk of the day
grin.gif


I was there yesterday, first time out with my 4 year old. I thought we did a respectable test and I was extremely pleased with her behaviour.
Then I got my test sheet back. Mark was what I hoped/expected but the comments - not one nice one, not one constructive, just all negative.

I tell you, I know why people are put off dressage when you get judges who don't give any encouragement.

I will go again and I was proud of my baby horse
cool.gif
 
Quirky were you in the main arena? we were in the smaller arena with a lovely judge but my friend was in the main and her sheet was just as you described and she has been judged by him before and found him to be rude and negative.
 
Poor you! Does not sound like fun, but you did very well to get back on, settle her, do the test and do so well, so well done!!! It may have been her last attempt to test you and she may pack it in from now on!

It's very depressing when you get negative judging! Every sheet should have something positive to say.
 
Yes, I was in the main arena.

I'm hoping I don't come up in front of that particular judge next time as it will be seriously demoralising to have such a negative shhet again
frown.gif
 
Exactly what my friend says, she wont be competing if he is judging again, he was quite rude about the horse in his overall comment.
Booboos thanks for the encouragement but i am nervous of taking her anywhere again, i really went with a bang and she could have caused another accident upsetting other peoples horses. I have my other horse who is a complete angel in contrast i would be reluctant to repeat the whole experience, but i did get back on as i was determined to win that argument! Was going to ride today but just practised getting on the back of the setee and got stuck half way, so thats out of the question!
 
I know what you mean, and I tend to be the same. In the heat of the moment, I get on with things. I think when the horses misbehave I get a bit stubborn and that gives me the courage to see it through.

The cold light of day is a different matter. When I sit down and have a think about it, it may no longer be worth the effort/risk.

Since you have another horse who is happier in competition situations maybe there is no point in percevering with this mare. Then again you have put in all the hard work and she may be just on the cusp of packing it in. See how you feel...
 
Have you suggested trying a calmer that works on their nervous system like Realx me by hoof first or Equestro Beta Mag 12. Worked onders on my boy.
 
Just wanted to say I have been through exactly the same thing with my gelding (he's now 9). I've had him since a yearling and at one of our 1st dressage comps, he bucked me off in the warm up arena. I got back on and did the test (very tense!) but I remember feeling VERY nervous about taking him anywhere again. I persevered though and I'm so glad I did as he's now very trustworthy (most of the time) and pretty successful.
I think the key was in the planning. I picked my venues carefully, taking him to quiet, low key places and particularly places where I could lunge him before getting on which was a big help to my confidence. It took a long time before I could happily take him somewhere without feeling terrified, but I got there in the end and I'm sure you will too. Good luck!
smile.gif
 
just an idea..... try giving a dose of oxyshot about 30 mins prior to getting to venue. it really helps them settle and get on with the job in hand, and with no loss of performance.... well done though. hope it helps. x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top