Over-horsed???

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Fiorano

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Feeling a little under-confident today and am wondering if I should give up on my 7 year old...He had a KS operation in January after a long, long time on box rest for navicular and as a result has missed a huge amount of education. His rehabilitation is going well and I can now ride him in walk for ten minutes a day after a lunging session. A big achievement as he used to like to tell you about his discomfort by standing vertical!! He as not shown any of that behaviour duing his rehabilitation. Last night I got on as usual but he was definately 'on his toes' jogging, squealling and doing a few threatening moves to to up. I froze!! Legs went on - not good - hands gripped - not good - and it took some reassuring instructions from a friend to get me to relax, take my legs off and soften in the hand. The concensus of opinion from those helping me was that he is just feeling well and maybe needs a little more work but for the first time in the two years I have owned him I felt like a complete novice. I'm thinking maybe he would be better with a more experienced rider who doesn't act like a complete numpty at the first sign of a challenge.
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Don't panic - try getting a few lessons on a school master - i'll bet you've not ridden much while he's been poorly so it really isn't any surprise that you need a bit of help.
I'm glad you were sensible and had a friend on hand - exactly what you should do.

also why not lunge him before you get on - just to take the bounce out of him a bit. My otherwise bombproof TB terrified me when I first got back on him after a long lay-off. I had a few lessons on a friends horse and it really helped.
 
Agree with OrangeEmpire, if you've not ridden much while he's been poorly and he was being naughty before his op, it's no wonder you're feeling insecure. I'd go and get some lessons, lunge lessons really helped me when I had a similar situation with my horse. I found they improved my balance and my security in the saddle which in turn gave me more confidence. I'm sure you'll look back in a few weeks wondering what all the fuss is about
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I had a lesson on a schoolmaster last week as I was convinced I'd lost the plot with Oscar. Went straight back to the yard with a different attitude and we're working out his napping!

Go with it, have a few lessons and relax!
 
A good friend (or in my case sister) on the ground is invaluable. They know you and the horse and can do a lot to make the session go better. Don't give up on him, think how much you come through together, and now he is starting to feel well. (also remember to breath, it really does help!)
 
Thank you for your support it really is encouraging. I think I will get a few lessons to help me get over this problem. I was just a little worried that I was slipping into that mindset of 'what if...' and he is very sensitive to his riders moods. When I sit back and think about it I have spent so long getting him well that it would be a shame to get rid of him just when he is coming good. Anyway, thanks again I'm sure its just a blip and with a little help we will get going again.
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