Riding the forward going horse.....

checkmate1

checkmate1

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So, my 5 year old has been a lazy sometimes backwards thinking girl ever since I backed her- I know how to ride a lazy horse! However since I got my new saddle (4rd new saddle in 18months) she is suddenly Mrs forward thinking!! (she has had saddle and back problems ever since she damaged her Sacroiliac 8 weeks after backing)

Whilst this is a wonderful improvement and I am hopeing it will be a permenant fixture I need to know how to ride her!
I still need to keep my leg on, half halt to make her sit on her hocks, any other tips? I'm worried I'm going to be using my hands too much! I've got a lesson on tuesday- think instructor will feint when she sees her!
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Thanks!
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Concentrate really hard on your rhythm so it doesnt get too quick!! Lots of transitions and circles etc to keep her soft through her topline and not wanting to dash off
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The joy of speedt mares
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Agree with KatB, and you are lucky she is forward! It makes it soo much easier.

Mine is v forward and I do a wall of death unless I use a LOT of leg. Leg, leg and more leg is all I would say! She sounds lovely
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I find that doing little circles and even introducing lateral work will help with being able to get your leg on in the first place. I find that once you get your leg on, you can work alot more on rhythm etc once the horse has accepted your leg
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Balance and rhythm.

Rather than constantly nagging her to slow down, give her exercises to do that she HAS to slow down. Balance and supple exercises.

Allow her to go forwards, as long as it's not rushed, but put her onto circles and serpentines and loops and ask for the correct bend at all times. Once she's bending correctly she balance will improve and she'll steady back by herself. Never allow her to go straight long enough thats she starts to tank off.

She won't yet be at the stage where you can ask for more collection and cadance, but that will come naturally with the correct schooling exercises. Trying to force it will prob just make her hard mouthed and insensitive.

P.s, if it's too much for you, send her up to me, and I'll send you my Definintly Not Forward Going horse in return
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I have a very forward going horse & with her the biggest thing to remember is relax, don't get too heavy handed (this just makes her throw her head in the air & fizzes her up even more).
Try not to tense up your shoulders & keep your breathing nice & slow.
Without knowing the individual horse it's difficult to advise you but I'm sure your instructor, who knows your & your horse will be able to give you good advise.
Have fun with your new, obviously much happier horse & well done for keeping at it & finding the right saddle for her.
 
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