Saucisson
Well-Known Member
No it isn't a myth.........
I just wanted to share and give hope to those who are despairing with their young horses.
In the last 6-8 weeks, my 6 yr old (rising 7) gelding has gone from a spooking, bucking, spinning idiot into the most lovely gentleman whilst hacking out (including an unfamiliar forest last week). I have bitten the dust so many times, had numerous minor injuries and even OH (who never falls off
) has had a groin injury for weeks due to resisting idiot boy's perpendicular spook technique.
He no longer spooks in the middle of his jumping round at the fence helpers/flowers/jumps/spectators so he now has half a chance of winning. Birds, trees, cars, people, etc etc are no longer out to kill him (still reacts sometimes but not anywhere near the size of reaction previously). Hey, we even gallop in a straight line and work on fitness.
I don't know if it's just down to maturity or the last of the testosterone leaving his system (he was gelded a bit later at 5 yrs) or a combination of the two but I must say, I am grinning from ear to ear. Credit also to OH who doesn't tolerate his silly moments and has the experience and ability to push him through it (I am usually just happy to remain in the saddle). Thanks goes also to OH's lovely mare (no old nag herself 9yr old TB/WB eventer) who has patiently walked with him and waited while he threw his sillies without acting up herself and has stood quietly in water jumps as we've persuaded him to get his feet wet. Thanks also to Mr Hurty-stick and Mr Sugar for driving the message home when necessary.
Of course, he aint perfect, there was the cat incident last week, but hey, I don't want to be out of practice with my excellent parachute roll falling-off technique do I?
Next, I'm looking forward to taking him to the seaside next month, I probably wouldn't have said that a few months ago..........................
Just wanted to share and celebrate the sheer pleasure that really makes you realise how rewarding and what a privilege it is to have the best horse in the world (no bias there at all).
Bit long but champagne all round
I just wanted to share and give hope to those who are despairing with their young horses.
In the last 6-8 weeks, my 6 yr old (rising 7) gelding has gone from a spooking, bucking, spinning idiot into the most lovely gentleman whilst hacking out (including an unfamiliar forest last week). I have bitten the dust so many times, had numerous minor injuries and even OH (who never falls off
) has had a groin injury for weeks due to resisting idiot boy's perpendicular spook technique.He no longer spooks in the middle of his jumping round at the fence helpers/flowers/jumps/spectators so he now has half a chance of winning. Birds, trees, cars, people, etc etc are no longer out to kill him (still reacts sometimes but not anywhere near the size of reaction previously). Hey, we even gallop in a straight line and work on fitness.
I don't know if it's just down to maturity or the last of the testosterone leaving his system (he was gelded a bit later at 5 yrs) or a combination of the two but I must say, I am grinning from ear to ear. Credit also to OH who doesn't tolerate his silly moments and has the experience and ability to push him through it (I am usually just happy to remain in the saddle). Thanks goes also to OH's lovely mare (no old nag herself 9yr old TB/WB eventer) who has patiently walked with him and waited while he threw his sillies without acting up herself and has stood quietly in water jumps as we've persuaded him to get his feet wet. Thanks also to Mr Hurty-stick and Mr Sugar for driving the message home when necessary.
Of course, he aint perfect, there was the cat incident last week, but hey, I don't want to be out of practice with my excellent parachute roll falling-off technique do I?
Next, I'm looking forward to taking him to the seaside next month, I probably wouldn't have said that a few months ago..........................
Just wanted to share and celebrate the sheer pleasure that really makes you realise how rewarding and what a privilege it is to have the best horse in the world (no bias there at all).
Bit long but champagne all round
