New yard - confidence disappeared :(

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Dumbo

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I finally moved my horse to a new yard on tuesday after over a year of searching for the most suitable place. We hacked there on our own (3 miles), he was as good as gold as always.
I typed out a long post yesterday about how happy I was with everything but then decided against posting it!
However, today, I decided to tack up and just potter down the lane. I couldn't get more than 10 metres off the yard. He was spinning, nearly went up a couple of times and I was nervous of him slipping on the tarmac so headed back and went in the school.
Anyway, we were walking along the long side when the youngsters in the paddock by the fence started bombing round which set my horse off. Again, he nearly went up then shot across the school. I calmed him down then a few minutes later the YO asked me to walk down the lane to accompany her mare and help my horse's confidence.

Something spooked both horses just by the gates and we were both nearly off! We walked the opposite way calmly then back to the yard. I was relieved when I got off.

So, now my confidence is shot. I've spent the last couple of months building my confidence. My horse is so safe to hack, never spooks at anything, doesn't even look so today I feel upset that I had about 5 near falls - more than I've had in the year of owning him.

I know everyone's going to say he's not settled yet and I'm sure that's the problem. I'm just nervous to get on him tomorrow.
:(
 
As you realise that he has not settled and it will take time. Perhaps lunge him or long rein instead, he gets exercised but no stupid stuff with you on his back, particularly in the arena if their are youngsters next to it, he will get used to this.

Also take some rescue remedy, my mum uses it and it works really well. If your nervous getting on then he will sense it, but this will help calm your nerves. I would be suspicious of the yard owner asking you to go out with their horse it sounded like they needed your company and help which is not good. Perhaps partner up with someone and see if you can get your horses to be friends with and go out with them. I wish you the best anyway, its tough but im sure you will get there.
 
Ok - set your alarm for 6am - get up - go to yard - get pony from stable - put tack on - go in outdoor school with this picutre in your mind
" you will work today.... I pay for your hay, your warm stable, hard feed and shoes and everything else you need.... all i want is you to walk and trot round this school for 20 mins! -" and mean it !
 
You had 5 NEAR falls, you did not fall so that is a positive not negative thought to take with you tomorrow, the horse will take time to settle to a new yard, new routine, new friends and things to look at, he needs to be in a routine as far as you can as quickly as possible including plenty of exercise and time out to use up the excess energy he will have. I would cut out, or at least cut right back, any hard feed, up the hay to keep him occupied when in and if you can give him a day or two lunging while he settles to the arena with the distractions it may help.
Find a quiet horse and sensible owner willing to go out hacking with you, ideally someone who you trust to give support, the YO should be the best person if her horse is not usually spooky as it is in her interests to help you and your horse feel comfortable and happy on her yard.
 
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I was planning to lunge today - got him ready then changed my mind as I wanted to ride while it wasn't raining! In hindsight I should have stuck to my plan!
I will lunge him tomorrow and for the next couple of days before I ride again! Will hopefully start having some lessons too.
Good idea PonyGalaxy - may walk him in hand so he can have a good look at the scary monsters hiding in the hedge!
 
I don't often post but...

My horse is very placid, I'd go so far as to say a bit of a plod :-P

When we moved to our new yard 3 years ago, the first time I rode him out he jogged all the way and scared me half to death.

The second time he was fine.

Even the quietest horses need time to settle and you'll look back and wonder what you were worried about I'm sure :)
 
Give him time to settle, use the school and set yourself easy targets, just walk if you need to,find a friend on the yard with a sensible horse and hack out together when you are feeling a bit more confident. Don't ask too many questions of yourself. Confidence is like sand, it can slip through your fingers or hold back a flood you just need to start by building a small sandcastle, small steps lead to success.
Lancelot said:
I don't often post but...

My horse is very placid, I'd go so far as to say a bit of a plod :-P

When we moved to our new yard 3 years ago, the first time I rode him out he jogged all the way and scared me half to death.

The second time he was fine.

Even the quietest horses need time to settle and you'll look back and wonder what you were worried about I'm sure :)
Click to expand...
 
What's a "near fall"? Is it, in fact, a "not fall"? He's on his toes; make him behave, suck it up - you've already proven you won't fall off, no matter what he thinks up as an amusement. He'll be fine - give him a little slack, it's all new and a bit exciting. It'll be grand, as we say over here :-)
 
You will be fine ! Just take it very slowly, be confident, and talk or sing while you are riding. When Shy is heading for a spook, or actually does one, I just laugh at him. He is then embarrassed into carrying on.
 
Change your warm up routine. Walk in-hand for 5-10min, then get on and go straight into rising trot interspersed with canter in the forward seat, for 10min, keeping a natural outline rather than "on the bit". Then take a break in walk on a long rein for a minute or two before going onto whatever "work" you want him to do that day, starting with some proper walking. He's stressed by the move and needs to burn off that adrenaline through work. Asking for quietness from the start is what is leading to the minor explosions.
 
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