Push, push pushing your horse

[scarymare]

A lunchtime muse. My rising 6 yo horse is pretty nice and moves quite well. I've had him from a foal. I'd love to do elementary dressage eventually. However I am so fed up of lessons. Its always 'he can show more'... more movement... bigger trot.... more collection etc. Does it have to be like this because its very dull and tbh I hate it to the point I haven't had a lesson in 9 months. I just feel really sorry for him always having to work so hard. Does anyone else know what I mean?

Thanks

 

[BlueCakes]

I have never had a lesson like that but i have seen alot, especially dressage riders who's instructors will push and push and push their horses, and I dont think it is necessary and it upsets the horses. It also looks very unnatural. Of course it is good to push them onto something and to make them work hard, but to take small steps and not ask for everything at once. If you acheive something you havent before, then leave it for that day dont try to start something new. I think it is too much.

I do think lessons are good though, maybe you could find someone that isnt a specific dessage rider, or that maybe does combined? My horse is by no means a dressage horse but he can do various dressage movements to quite a good standard just because it was something new to learn and it keeps his interest and you can tell he enjoys it when he gets it right as much as i do.
xx

 

[paddi22]

do you break up training session throughout the week with more 'fun' activities? the most i school intensively for is two days a week, otherwise id be driven mad.

is there a chance you are missing the small victories, (like when he does a new move consistently, or you have a breakthrough in a certain area) because your instructor is hung up on the overall aim?

 

[Flame_]

I've had a few series of lessons like this. The last few did show that my horse was capable of much more but proved that I really didn't enjoy pressuring her to get it and my heart wasn't in it at all. I packed in the lessons, sold that horse and am sticking with endurance from now on, up to whatever level my new horse can achieve comfortably. I'm definitely a bit of a fluffy in this department and I just don't find that kind of riding much fun.

 

[peaceandquiet1]

I understand what you mean and went through a stage when I wanted to stop having lessons and just hack. But-I'm glad I stuck with it. Both my horse and I are fitter and cope better. Competing is about being able to show more and more......But if it stresses you out then its not worth it!