Its amazing how much horses can pick up on your feelings as a rider...

[Lill]

My friend (who rides Holly for me now) was jumping her on Saturday, i'd put up a grid of x-poles and Holly refused, 3 times at the first one, then they got over the first part and Holly ran out at the second. So they tried the other direction and this was much better and then she asked me to get on Holly to see if Holly would do it for me.

Hadn't ridden Holly for 3 months and not jumped her for about 6! But cantered her over a small x and then came to the grid felt her think about stopping so gave her a smack on the shoulder and she went through it fine.

Think it was a combination of my friend not being so confident and Holly seeing what she could get away with!!

Weird though. Just made me think how confidence plays a big part in it really!

 

[Tia]

This is the main reason I don't care for others riding my young seller on horses. No big deal with the older horses, but I don't want my youngsters ruined like this.

 

[Lill]

Um she's not ruined thanks. They finished the session on a very good note actually, both happily jumping the grid and i raised the last x pole to a straight so i was pleased with that

 

[vicm2509]

It is amazing isnt it. If I have had a bad day at work and get on Baron when I am stressed he doesnt go well. If I am really happy and enthusiastic I get much better work from him.

My friend who is 15 and has loads of confidence can jump Baron much higher than I can because I get nervous and he will stop (which is why I dont usually head him for 4ft fences).

Also if I think my horse will nap, he usually does. If im all positive and think he wont, then most of the time he doesnt.