Heccyd
Member
First ride and did not go well, so looking for some advice please (warning, long post). All in the ménage. Basically, I didn’t ask him to canter but he took off and wouldn’t stop - I lost balance and stirrups and fell. Luckily the yard owner was there - she took control, lunged him a bit then I rode him on the lunge and the same thing happened. So she rode him - perfectly in control.
What I know:a)the stirrups were too long even on their shortest setting - now exchanged, b) I was nervous, c) he had loads of energy after 4 days of no riding (I should have lunged him while I was waiting to get the correct girth, I understand that now) d)when he wouldn’t stop for me I toppled forward which he took as a sign to take off e) he’s only been in his new home since Thursday e) I have a suspicion that he has not, in fact, been turned out regularly for a while and all the new grass is giving him beans.
What I plan to do: tomorrow I’m going to start training him to stop his fidgeting- when he moves around as I tack up I’ll stop and make him wait until he is still. When he moves when I try and mount, I’ll stop and turn him round and repeat until he stays still, and tomorrow before I ride him, I’ll lunge him to get rid of some energy. I’m also going to find an instructor who will come to the yard.
I’ve been riding almost 5 years, have regular lessons and of course, rode him when I viewed him (he behaved perfectly). Clearly I need more experience - he behaved for the yard owner, so it’s my fault. So what can I do in the meantime?
What do you all think? Advice greatly appreciated.
TIA
What I know:a)the stirrups were too long even on their shortest setting - now exchanged, b) I was nervous, c) he had loads of energy after 4 days of no riding (I should have lunged him while I was waiting to get the correct girth, I understand that now) d)when he wouldn’t stop for me I toppled forward which he took as a sign to take off e) he’s only been in his new home since Thursday e) I have a suspicion that he has not, in fact, been turned out regularly for a while and all the new grass is giving him beans.
What I plan to do: tomorrow I’m going to start training him to stop his fidgeting- when he moves around as I tack up I’ll stop and make him wait until he is still. When he moves when I try and mount, I’ll stop and turn him round and repeat until he stays still, and tomorrow before I ride him, I’ll lunge him to get rid of some energy. I’m also going to find an instructor who will come to the yard.
I’ve been riding almost 5 years, have regular lessons and of course, rode him when I viewed him (he behaved perfectly). Clearly I need more experience - he behaved for the yard owner, so it’s my fault. So what can I do in the meantime?
What do you all think? Advice greatly appreciated.
TIA