New horse owner (help)

[chillipup]

I went and saw about 30 horses before I bought Benny he was the only one that I felt as though I wanted to sit on and walked him round the arena where I bought him and just knew he was for me since then we've created such a great bond I honestly have never felt nervous beside him or riding him before that month break when I sit with him in his stable he's right beside me head on my shoulder...my nerves kick in when he starts walking back and jolting when I use the whip which is down to my confidence I know they are beasts and unpredictable but I don't think he has a bad bone in his body but I do know what u mean keep saying to my husband what if

I hope your lessons go well. In the mean time, until you gain more experience in your riding ability, please refrain from using a whip. If you don't know what you're doing, you have no right to use it.

 

[Sandstone1]

I hope your lessons go well. In the mean time, until you gain more experience in your riding ability, please refrain from using a whip. If you don't know what you're doing, you have no right to use it.

I agree, you shouldn't be using a whip.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

I've never rode him in front of the yo after days of trying unsuccessfully I approached her for schooling she has been on him 2 times so far and tomorrow again just trying to keep myself right in my heart I know he's the right horse its prob me that's letting him down

I disagree with this. The right horse should

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Oh pants...posted too soon...

I've never rode him in front of the yo after days of trying unsuccessfully I approached her for schooling she has been on him 2 times so far and tomorrow again just trying to keep myself right in my heart I know he's the right horse its prob me that's letting him down

I disagree with this. The right horse should instill confidence in you. If your horse doesn't do that then it's not the right horse.

Speaking as someone who used to have a nappy ****** of a horse and had many years of experience under my belt which helped me deal with it I can 100% say that the only way you'll get through this is to build your confidence. It's all well and good having someone else schooling him but he's unlikely to act up in the same way with a more competent rider and will sense your nerves as soon as you get back on and will try it on again. This will only escalate if it's not nipped in the bud promptly as the horse continues to push boundaries.

Please don't fall into the new owner trap of thinking your horse likes others more than you if he behaves differently for them or won't love you if you do this or that...horses don't think like that. The best thing you can do is be firm but fair and most of all consistent. Set boundaries both on and off the ground and be strict with your horse about it. Simple things like expecting your horse to stand calmly when tied up no matter where you are.

Oh and crack on with lessons either on your horse or with a schoolmaster. It's by no means impossible to get back to where you were with your boy and in honesty it'll probably make you a better rider in the long run but it won't be easy. Best of luck!

 

[Lynne1511]

Thank you so much for your advice I'm taking it all in I have so much to learn and value what each reply I've had my yo rode him again today he was great so defo taking lesson on Monday how many would you suggest I take a week want to get there quicker

 

[Leo Walker]

I wouldnt ride unless it was in a lesson until you feel confident hes going forwards. It only takes one bad session to set you both right back

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Thank you so much for your advice I'm taking it all in I have so much to learn and value what each reply I've had my yo rode him again today he was great so defo taking lesson on Monday how many would you suggest I take a week want to get there quicker

It really depends on how many you can afford. Naturally the more hours in the saddle you spend the more confident you'll be but I agree for now I wouldn't do too much outside of lessons until you really have a handle on your boy's behaviour. Do you have someone with a nice steady horse that you could perhaps hack out with?

As a matter of course I have weekly lessons with my trainer as I have a green horse to bring on and I find a second pair of eyes is invaluable in keeping us on track and helping set goals. For example we're currently working towards competing at Novice level at dressage come the spring.