Anniecarer
Member
I purchased an 11 year old Gypsy Cob 7 months ago. Sold as suitable for novice, she definitely wasn't! However we were told that she has "probably been driven" - which we now think meant she had been a driven horse and only just backed. After bolting with a friend riding (being "put through her paces") and also my novice daughter, I took lots of advice and took her right back to basics, lots of schooling with transitions, building the paces slowly to allow her to get her balance. She is an amazingly kind and loving horse so we wanted to persevere.
She is progressing really well now, but I have one main problem remaining which is that at times she doesn't stop or slow down when you ask. She does respond to voice - with a few seconds delay - but the reins seem to have no effect at times. She's not really being naughty, and I'm sure she thinks she's doing what you ask as it has been when she's been asked to canter that she takes off, but it's just as though she really doesn't understand, and is confused.
I've had lessons with some very experienced instructors, and in an indoor school she is absolutely fine - so makes me look like I'm making it up. However today in the outdoor school she did it again. I haven't cantered her out hacking as I want to sort this first.
We ride in a french linked snaffle - which she doesn't seem to like much - but I'm wary of using anything stronger as a lot of advice says this is not the answer. I think this is a communication issue rather than naughty horse. She also has an problem with coming to a complete stop which is a bit of an issue at road junctions! Again, not being naughty, just doesn't seem to "get it".
Has anyone had this problem before, or have any ideas on things I could try? Really grateful for any suggestions.
She is progressing really well now, but I have one main problem remaining which is that at times she doesn't stop or slow down when you ask. She does respond to voice - with a few seconds delay - but the reins seem to have no effect at times. She's not really being naughty, and I'm sure she thinks she's doing what you ask as it has been when she's been asked to canter that she takes off, but it's just as though she really doesn't understand, and is confused.
I've had lessons with some very experienced instructors, and in an indoor school she is absolutely fine - so makes me look like I'm making it up. However today in the outdoor school she did it again. I haven't cantered her out hacking as I want to sort this first.
We ride in a french linked snaffle - which she doesn't seem to like much - but I'm wary of using anything stronger as a lot of advice says this is not the answer. I think this is a communication issue rather than naughty horse. She also has an problem with coming to a complete stop which is a bit of an issue at road junctions! Again, not being naughty, just doesn't seem to "get it".
Has anyone had this problem before, or have any ideas on things I could try? Really grateful for any suggestions.