Should I get something more experienced? Thoughts?

Andiamo

Andiamo

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 December 2010
Messages
668
Location
UK
Visit site
Took my new horse (had him since May) to his first show yesterday - just a little Prelim - and he was difficult - he is prone to bolting when unsure of things - and we had some bolting in the warmup.

Then despite the test going well from the accuracy point of view, we lost out bigtime because he was so tense. The score sheet said "tense, tense, tense"...the whole way down and we came second last. On a positive note, there were no mistakes, everything was correctly done.

He is a tense, hyperactive, sharp horse, quite unpredictable - even at home in familiar environments. He wasn't sold to me as such!! - he was sold to me as something quiet, calm and safe - yeah right!!!

I lunged him and loose schooled him at 6am before leaving - until he was on his knees, and gave a dose of NAF Magic (the syringe one) - in his feed. It made no difference. This horse is an energizer bunny on speed.

He just turned 6 in Sept 2011, has very little experience, is unpredictable, has split personalities (can be really relaxed occasionally). I am not the most confident rider, and the behavior yesterday unnerved me greatly, it is a miracle that I even got on him (he had bolted in hand as well - only to the end of the reins, but then gallopped circles around me unstoppably.) Luckily (or unluckily) I had a lovely friend helping me, being very supportive and encouraging, who made me get on him! (I was waffling about not getting on).
He then bolted when I was riding as well - I controlled it, but it still made me nervous, so I had to keep him on a very tight rein.

The competition side of things is something I really want. A lot. If I want to be out regularly competing and moving up through the grades, I am wondering if I should admit this horse isn't the one, and get one a bit older, more experienced, something that has been there / done that, and it can be proven that the horse has a recent and consistent competition record.

Even hairy yak / numpty combinations did better than us - which is quite embarrassing.

Sell up and get a new one? Or cross my fingers that things get better with this one?
 
It sounds like you need a good instructor, one that will give you confience and then decide from there what you do with your boy.

Has all the normal checks been done? It maybe a pain thing.

Ohh and don't judge a horse by it's hairyness, just because it's hairy doesn't keen it's not a good horse. And the riders obs weren't to numptyish, if they got placed above you. Not having a go, just saying. :)
 
I actually teach Andiamo, and was there with her at the competition. Unfortunately there wasn't really enough time for her to warm up before the class which IMO resulted in the horse being tense. He needed a good 45mins to warm up but only had about 10 ridden minutes before going in to do the test. As it was both his and her first time at a show there wasnt really enough time for them to both relax and enjoy it. I also think that had she done a second test that that test would have been a lot better than the first.

Andiamo has come a long way with this horse and is doing fantastically with him at home now and is growing in confidence every day. Hes not an easy horse and I do ride/school him for her when she asks me too. Unfortunately I couldnt compete him yesterday as I was writing at the show in question, maybe the next time out i should ride him for her but this is something I will discuss with her.

Hes is a super little horse and very talented and I just think that they need to grow in confidence together and keep going out to as many competitions as possible now so they can both get used to the atmosphere and being somewhere different.

Another suggestion I did put to her yesterday was to do some test riding classes at a show which are really useful and you get to ride the test twice and there is much less pressure.

The horse isnt in pain, he has recently been seen by an amazing Osteo. He also had a new saddle in the last few months and had his teeth done recently by a very good EDT who i use on all my horses.
 
You have said that he is young, green and not a 'quiet horse'

You can't really expect any horse to go well at its first show especially if green. Beau was chillaxed at his but we still came last as white board are horse eating and we effectively did the test in a 10x50m arena (not 20x60) flexed to the outside...

Ask your self honestly - do you like the horse on a day to day basis? When he goes well at home do you think 'OOH!' and are these moment enough to make you want to put in the hard yards that might be needed to get it at comps? If you do stick with him and put in the work you should have very good realtionship at the end of it.

I think from what you have said you are going to have to forget being competitive for a while and instead focus on getting him out as much as possible to as many places as possible and keeping it all low key/ non stressy. Perhaps not even riding just walking him around letting him stare, give him some hay then go home again.
If you lack confidance/ experience you will probably also need to find an instructor you get on with an be prepared to invest in lots of lessons.

The other side of the coin is if he scares you at home & at comps an you think you might loose your nerve on him it is probably best to sell him on to someone more confidant and get something more suitable/laidback. He will need you to be brave/confidant to help face all the monsters that lurk at shows.

I hope some of that waffling helps!
 
definitely not! And if you do, i will have him haha! (sounds just like my type)
-I have had 'screw loose' TB's since i was 12 and what can i say, as eventers, once they are on your side they will do absolutely anything for you! Can't say dressage has ever been a strong point though!! The best thing i found with all of mine was a strict routine, they are all a bit nutty, so try to make his life seem as regular as possible so he can start to relax into it, a new time new rider new turnout new dinner every day is sure to unsettle any horse, but especially the nuts ones!!:) All of my horses begin with an hr's work everyday depending on how fit they are, as they begin to relax they can have less. But as others have said, getting out there is imperative, my young horses all go out at least twice a week, once to school and once to compete, they soon cotton on. Finally dont be scared! All good horses have 'something' about them, just think it's far more fun than a plod! I am 18 now, and would never consider anything else!!xxx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcTC4ZrDZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-SJJAfSI
 
It sounds as if you so much want to compete and at the moment it will need to be a little less intense, try as Tempi has suggested , to get out again with less expectations and give yourself more time.
Enter for 2 tests use the first as a warm up, ride your horse to get him relaxed in the test not to be accurate as such but to switch off a little and enjoy himself, I try and think of it as a schooling exercise rather than a competition, he needs to be under as little pressure as possible and so do you.
 
yes, I have an instructor helping me and giving me confidence at least twice per week. I've got this one covered.

No it is not a pain thing, everything has been checked and is fine. It is purely a sharp, nervous temperament thing.

With regards to hairyness - maybe I need something hairier? ;) I know it definitely is not how the horse looks that gets the marks, or even the accuracy of the test. It seems to be purely down to tension. The calmest horses there yesterday were the ones that were more plod-like. So, maybe a hairy plod is the way forward? ;))

OK, just had a re-think, and will keep going and just get him out regularly to give him a chance to acclimatise to the show environment.
 
@olivia deane - I loved the videos!! is it the same horse? The first video was great - great music choice :)) - I love that you made a video of the all the naughty bits!! maybe I should do that, as it gives something to look back on.

@ be positive - totally agree

@ Tempi - you're a star, thank you for all your support! :)
 
surely though you can't expect a horse to do exceptionally well in his first outing? I think it's all experience, bolting is not fun, I know, but for the first few comps I'd just concentrate on making it a pleasurable occasion for him, so he realises it is safe and fun to go to one. If he's green and young, he really needs time to get used to the atmosphere of a competition, maybe he even doesn't need to be ridden for the first couple of times, just be a passenger with another horse? It's a lot for them to take in and putting high expectations can create a lot of tension between you two and he'll just learn that competitions are places not to be enjoyed. All talented horses are more or less sharp, and I seriously doubt that any of the horses that can move up the levels as you'd like to would be quiet and sensible on their first outing. Give your boy a chance to enjoy it!
 
Not necesarily the hairy ones who are always the calmest!. One of the MOST calm horses from our yard at competition is a young ISH (only 4) who came in as a project as was pretty feral. They have taken their time with him and he has turned out to be a far better horse than originally thought and is now going out and about. First time out, eyes on stalks, now he is the pony that turns up and is completely relaxed.

Have a little patience as well. Baby horses are obviously going to be much more likely to be on high alert and need to go out and see things. Even just taking them to a show just for a CR helps. I was taking Billy out and about to clinics/training and the adrenalin was clearly reducing each time out.

But he does have to make you smile and feel good and that is more important. If you want to get out and about more quickly then yes you need a more experienced horse, if you are prepared to wait and put the work in, as you have obviously covered all the bases then thats fine too.

Do be careful about labelling your horse as a bolter. There is a big difference between a horse trying it on and taking charge and a geniune out and out bolter. A real bolter is in a blind panic and trying to get away from danger and is horredously dangerous. Having sat on something that was as close to that as I ever want to be I can assure you its very different from a cheeky or strong horse. My own youngster will try to take charge from time to time but I would never say he was anyway close to being a bolter.

End of the day, think about what you want to achieve and how long you are prepared to realistically wait to get to your goal. I was adamant I wanted an experienced horse to get back to eventing so of course ended up buying a green baby. He does, however, always put a big smile on my face though I have to admit that now I have nice sharers for my old mare, I am trying to work out if I can afford a schoolmaster to run alongside as well!.
 
A sharp/tense/spooky horse will always IMO have that tendancy, not matter how much time and desensitisation work you do. That is not to say you can't make it 10x better, you can, and in time you may well achieve this yourself.

I am sure you will see a lot of responses that say, give it time. Get lots of help etc etc.

Do you know what, I'll stick my neck out and slightly disagree. To get the best out of a tense and spooky horse you need to be calm, relaxed and confident. If you are stuggling with nerves and confidence then this often makes things worse and it is often a viscious circle.

We have horses so that we can enjoy them and relax. I would say, ask yourself quite honestly if you really enjoy riding your horse and if you really think your personalities match. If the answer is no, do not be ashamed to admit that and to sell your horse and find something more suitable.
 
I have/had one very similar. I bought him with all intention of doing BYEH (5yr olds) and here I am at the end of his 6th year still waiting to take him out eventing!

He doesn't bolt as such, more rodeo's, bucking and kicking. Again there is nothing wrong with him and he settles after 10/15 mins everytime. Even on sat when I took him to a sj clinic he had a couple of 'thoughts' about rodeo-ing but chose not to, I just had one massive buck! Then settled and jumped brilliantly, doing skinnies, water trays, scary fillers and bounces.

I don't think mine will ever stop doing this - it's who he is. I've just learn't to accept he is sharp and ride him accordingly - hence why we are aiming at starting BE in 2012!

My advice would be stick with going out as much as possible, when they are like this they need to get used to working away from home, but keep it all low key and stress free. Give yourself plenty of time, and maybe even go somewhere and just work him in for an hr and go home again - let him settle into it before adding the pressure of competing, this will also remove the pressure from yourself.

It's so very hard with horses like this - you want to ride with the handbrake on but it actually makes them worse, like a coiled spring. Try and pluck up the courage to ride him forward, changing the rein and doing some lateral work (even if its not technically correct!) just to keep their minds busy. I have to double dare myself to do this sometimes with mine, but everytime it has paid off. Don't go into the warm-up and expect/wait for it to happen, ride pro-actively and you'll be suprised I think.

I do canter work first sometimes as this helps his busy brain settle as he thinks he's getting on with it. Then we work the trot, then the walk.

Good Luck :)
 
It's hard bringing on a young or inexperienced horse, they can be unpredictable.
I would say if you are frightened and it's making things worse maybe you should give him up and they are so vunerable at this stage and they will improve quickly or they will go downhill quickly.
My late mare was my first youngster and it was a total shock after having schoolmasters but I didn't expect it to be easy straight away. It was 6 months before I could even take her in the school and finally at our first dressage we came 2nd last as well with 52% but I didn't care less, I was over the moon that we did it!
We did lots of bits and pieces and she could be really tense, I won't lie there was tears and tantrums and times where I had to be really brave. By the time she was 8 though she was gorgeous and established and we would have people comment on her at shows and say how beautifully behaved she was.
My current youngster (same age as yours) is a lot easier but he
can be razor sharp in warm ups, especially jumping. Again there have been a few times when I've had to take a deep breath, hang on and be brave but he is fabulous. We go out and about and do lots of things and I have finished with a smile on my face.

It's just something you have to expect with youngsters. One day they will be amazing and quiet like a 20yr old cob and the next day at a show they will behave like they have a rocket up their arse but you have to take the rough with the smooth and enjoy the journey. It can take several years to get your young horse to the point where they are relaxed 100% out competing and even then if they are a good competition horse, they can still be difficult in anticipation of their job!
There is something to be said for hairier types, they do tend to be more laid back as they are bred to behave in a different way, have slower reflexs and they can be just as successful at the lower levels while feeling a lot more solid and safe! An older horse who has seen and done more will be more established and hopefully will be less tense.
It's up to you, you can either carry on with your talented youngster and accept that it's not always easy and can take several years of patient work or you can sell and get something perhaps that is less flashy and talented and which is older but who makes you feel safe and gets you a rosette at local level.
There is nothing wrong with whatever you decide :).
 
So sit back and take a look you and this horse objectively

1. Do you want to train a horse and bring it on - a 5/6 year old will throw toys out of the pram and will need to be ridden with no fear to make them into a good horse

2. Would you rather be doing more advanced things next year and is the horse holding you back

3. Linked to 1. are you having fun on this horse or are you beginning to dread working with him?

Based on your answers to these I think you will have your solution

I have a nutty youngster, and I have to put up with her flighty ways and rearing, however I'm used to it and can drag out and experienced one when I choose. However I enjoy schooling her and teaching her new things, partially because she leans quite quickly (sadly learns bad habits twice as fast!).
 
i agree, mine is hairy and all those that know him now how sharp and uncalm he can be when he wants and the situation arises :) never judge a book by the cover.
 
It's very difficult for anyone to advise you on this as only you know if you are having fun with the horse and think it's worth percevering.

Given his age what he did doesn't sound that bad, but it all depends on whether you want to put the effort and time needed to bring on a young horse. It sounds like temperamentally he will need a bit of patience and a slowly-slowly approach - is this something you see as a challenge or as a bore?

Sounds like you have good help on hand and he's doing well for a young horse, but if you don't enjoy bringing on a young horse then maybe he's not the right one for you at this moment - only you can decide.
 
I do enjoy him. I am over the moon that he has come so far since May when he arrived from Belgium. I look back at videos from then - and he was a holy terror, a maniac, borderline dangerous. Completely green and unmuscled, scared of everything and nothing (as in invisible things). He has learned a lot, come on a lot, is looking superb, has muscled up, is very very clever and it is extremely rewarding when I have a good ride on him.

Even the bad rides at home are good in the sense that I am thinking to myself - "he was very naughty, but I dealt with it and we ended on a good note". He makes me a better rider.

When I was riding the test yesterday, I was smiling most of the time, just thinking "we're here!! we're doing it!! we're doing it correctly! I am still on board! he hasn't spooked at the judge"

....then it was "yay!!! first one over with and I'm still alive!!" :)) I was delighted that he behaved well in the test and didn't nap, bolt or spook - even though he was tense and went choppy at times and jogged in walk, I was still really pleased and proud of him that he'd done it.

I guess I am impatient though, and I wonder to myself - what if I spend lots of time in getting him out, and bringing him on, and he doesn't get any better. It's no good having a flashy competition horse that I can't compete or do well with - because he just can't relax at shows. But it sounds like everyone has had some bad scores and come last at some point!!

It was his first outing though, I am pleased that we did it, it can only get better from here (hopefully!!). I'll stick with it, keep going, he is making me a much stronger rider, much more confident.

Wishful thinking: it would be nice though to have something fully established at Medium, that I could just jump on, and start getting good results straight away with...if only I could afford to keep two horses!! :))
 
Well I think that is a pretty comprehensive answer :) You like him and enjoy riding him, so your efforts down the line will be rewarded I'm sure.
It might be worth considering joining your local RC, they can be invaluable for getting a youngster out and about for cheap low key outings.
Sharp isn't a bad thing if you want a competition horse, you just need to learn how to channel them in the right way!
 
Right I will reply in two parts, firstly what i was going to say before I read Tempi's response and then after.

1.

For goodness sake, it was his first show. Any horse is likely to be tense at his first show, however old and however hairy. You cannot expect him to be relaxed "just like that". You need to take him out lots so he gets used to it and discovers it isnt stressful. You also need to make sure you aren't feeding the tension, so you need to relax and stop caring about winning. For your first few outings do easy things to let him get used to the atmostphere and surroundings, go to clinics and lessons as well as lots of competitions.

Remember he didn't do anything awful, he didn't buck or rear, he didn't exit the arena during your test, he didn't run away during the test. What do you expect? He's a horse not an automaton. He didn't even bolt if you are honest with yourself, if he had bolted whilst being led you would not have been able to hold him. He may have tanked off or had a brake failure or been exciteable but he didn't blind panic bolt. So stop exaggerating and scaring yourself and talking yourself into more of a panic.

I think you need to decide what you want from your sport. If you wanted to sell him because he was unsuitable before this show then go for it. If it is just because you didn't do well at this show then give the poor beggar a chance. If you can't cope with a horse having an off day are you sure equestrian sport is for you?

2.

It seems you have a supportive and capable instructor who is involved in your training, why not talk to her about it as she is best placed to advise knowing both your abilities and eprsonalities.

It sounds as though you rushed the horse. With only a 10 minute warm up it is not surprising your horse looked tense in the test, nevermind the fact that it was his first competition. My horse needs more than 10 minutes before she is relaxed and supple and concentrating even at home. Give both you and your horse a break, go to some low key competitions, give yourselves lots of time, don't worry about placing or your results just get used to going out and competing. Talk to your instructor and if you/she think your own nerves/tension are not helping the situation then get her to compete him for a while until it becomes a little less exciting for your horse.

At the end of the day don't make the decision to sell or keep your horse based on one competition. Ask yourself what you thought before this competition, and ask yourself what you would have thought if he had behaved the same but you had placed because of your accuracy or because the standard was lower.
 
@ KristmasKatt

A few of your points are sensible ones. However, the rest are not.

With regards to this...
"He didn't even bolt if you are honest with yourself, if he had bolted whilst being led you would not have been able to hold him. He may have tanked off or had a brake failure or been exciteable but he didn't blind panic bolt. So stop exaggerating and scaring yourself and talking yourself into more of a panic."​
How the heck do you know? You weren't there! It's incredible that you speak with such authority, and dogmaticness when you were nowhere even near the county!

"I think you need to decide what you want from your sport. If you wanted to sell him because he was unsuitable before this show then go for it. If it is just because you didn't do well at this show then give the poor beggar a chance. If you can't cope with a horse having an off day are you sure equestrian sport is for you? "​

The poor beggar? Again, what do you know? You make it sound like horse abuse. "If you can't cope with a horse having an off day" ... you have nooooo idea. Maybe when you have a better understanding of things and some empathy, then feel free to come back to give some positive advice. Til then, maybe keep your negative unconstructive rant / commentary to yourself! Get a grip.
 
Keep going! It will all fall into place, especially as it sounds you have a good trainer supporting you. Remember that its about you and your horse establishing a relationship where you both trust and understand one another. He is looking to you as much as you to him. It took me nearly 3 years with my PRE. He was 5 when I bought him and the first 18 months were a nightmare.

Lastly, invest in some Rescue Remedy, it really does work
 
Well you will see a few people have said the same thing about the bolting. If he was bolting you would not have been able to hold on to the reins and remain upright. A bolting horse is in a blind panic and will go through fences and hedges. Your description of him sounds much more like tanking off/brake failure/over excitedness. But fine if you want to label him a bolter. Although labelling him a bolter is likely to make selling him impossible as many regard it as a worse vice than rearing.

In relation to the rest of your post re-read you original post. It really read like you were being a spoilt brat who thought that they were entitled to win and were chucking your toys out of the pram because you placed below "people on hairy plods". Having read some of the more recent posts I can see that you have clarified things a bit, but I still think you expected too much of him in the circumstances and then over reacted when you didn't do as well as you hoped.

I didn't intend to suggest that you are abusing your horse, but I did think that you needed a bit of a reality check given the tone of your opening post.
 
KristmasKatt said:
Well you will see a few people have said the same thing about the bolting. If he was bolting you would not have been able to hold on to the reins and remain upright. A bolting horse is in a blind panic and will go through fences and hedges. Your description of him sounds much more like tanking off/brake failure/over excitedness. But fine if you want to label him a bolter. Although labelling him a bolter is likely to make selling him impossible as many regard it as a worse vice than rearing.

In relation to the rest of your post re-read you original post. It really read like you were being a spoilt brat who thought that they were entitled to win and were chucking your toys out of the pram because you placed below "people on hairy plods". Having read some of the more recent posts I can see that you have clarified things a bit, but I still think you expected too much of him in the circumstances and then over reacted when you didn't do as well as you hoped.

I didn't intend to suggest that you are abusing your horse, but I did think that you needed a bit of a reality check given the tone of your opening post.
Click to expand...

Although I agree with your thoughts regarding the term 'bolting' krismassKatt, what label the behaviour is given doesn't really matter that much does it? I think we all can envisage what the OP was facing.

I didn't read the OP in the same tone as you at all. I initially read it as though a very nervous hobby rider had really over horsed themselves, but actually on reflection I think I probably jumped to conclusions a bit early there.

As for the hairy yak comment, I sort of get what the OP means and I don't think she meant it in quite the derogatory way that you have interpreted she meant it. I imagine it was out of disappointment at the horse not performing how I'm sure the OP hoped he would. An obedient, relaxed, accurate prelim test on a hairy yak is always going to beat a tense spanner warmblood, quite rightly.

And actually, if I had purchased a 6yo horse and had it for 4-5 months, it would not be unrealistic to expect it to go out and behave itself within reason!
 
As for the hairy yak comment, I sort of get what the OP means and I don't think she meant it in quite the derogatory way that you have interpreted she meant it. I imagine it was out of disappointment at the horse not performing how I'm sure the OP hoped he would. An obedient, relaxed, accurate prelim test on a hairy yak is always going to beat a tense spanner warmblood, quite rightly.

And actually, if I had purchased a 6yo horse and had it for 4-5 months, it would not be unrealistic to expect it to go out and behave itself within reason!
Click to expand...

I guess it depends on the level of expeience of the horse (and rider) and its attitude though - yes I grant you that probably either one of our 5 year olds have seen enough of the world now not to be eyes on stalks at every available opportunity, and both of them have pretty 'grown up heads' on young shoulders but I know I ams till a long way off achieving what Roo is capable of in a test and he's done probably more than half a dozen tests now (admittedly only two or three prelims). And at any young horse's first show be it 4.5.6. or 10 years old, you'd kind of be there just for the experience and hoping to stay in the arena?

From reading the OP's original post it did sound a bit like she was saying if the horse can't win should she sell it and get one that can.... I guess this comes back to a post the other day about young horse VS schoolmaster.... It depends where your riorities lie? I personally am currently thrilled with anything around 65% or better, don't care what placing I get, because I know its all our own work. However if someone is kee to be competing at medium, maybe a highly strung youngster as a first go at reaching that level isn't the best idea?

FWIW often horses that are highly strung at lower levels seem to benefit from more complex tests as you go up the levels....
 
ecrozier said:
I guess it depends on the level of expeience of the horse (and rider) and its attitude though - yes I grant you that probably either one of our 5 year olds have seen enough of the world now not to be eyes on stalks at every available opportunity, and both of them have pretty 'grown up heads' on young shoulders but I know I ams till a long way off achieving what Roo is capable of in a test and he's done probably more than half a dozen tests now (admittedly only two or three prelims). And at any young horse's first show be it 4.5.6. or 10 years old, you'd kind of be there just for the experience and hoping to stay in the arena?

From reading the OP's original post it did sound a bit like she was saying if the horse can't win should she sell it and get one that can.... I guess this comes back to a post the other day about young horse VS schoolmaster.... It depends where your riorities lie? I personally am currently thrilled with anything around 65% or better, don't care what placing I get, because I know its all our own work. However if someone is kee to be competing at medium, maybe a highly strung youngster as a first go at reaching that level isn't the best idea?

FWIW often horses that are highly strung at lower levels seem to benefit from more complex tests as you go up the levels....
Click to expand...

Agree 100%, and I know that when I get the transport sorted so I can take my youngster out for the first time I will be over the moon if I stay on and we stay in the arena. First competition is a big step to take and it is unrealistic to expect to win/place first time out. I'll just be going somewhere low key and quiet over winter so it is a gentle introduction and if she's too stressed by it all then we might not even do the test.

If I wanted to be out winning within the first year of ownership I would have bought an older horse with an existing record and I would probably have made arrangements to see it at a competition before buying to ensure it did as was advertised.
 
ihatework said:
A sharp/tense/spooky horse will always IMO have that tendancy, not matter how much time and desensitisation work you do. That is not to say you can't make it 10x better, you can, and in time you may well achieve this yourself.

I am sure you will see a lot of responses that say, give it time. Get lots of help etc etc.

Do you know what, I'll stick my neck out and slightly disagree. To get the best out of a tense and spooky horse you need to be calm, relaxed and confident. If you are stuggling with nerves and confidence then this often makes things worse and it is often a viscious circle.

We have horses so that we can enjoy them and relax. I would say, ask yourself quite honestly if you really enjoy riding your horse and if you really think your personalities match. If the answer is no, do not be ashamed to admit that and to sell your horse and find something more suitable.
Click to expand...

100% agree. It's supposed to be fun!
 
ihatework said:
Although I agree with your thoughts regarding the term 'bolting' krismassKatt, what label the behaviour is given doesn't really matter that much does it? I think we all can envisage what the OP was facing.

I think it matters to the impression given on the forum, and to the state of mind of the owner. I got the impression she had got herself pretty worked up about how awful his behaviour was, when really it wasn't that bad. Frightening yes, but exaggerating it by giving it a scary name makes it more frightening in your mind after the event not less frightening.

I didn't read the OP in the same tone as you at all. I initially read it as though a very nervous hobby rider had really over horsed themselves, but actually on reflection I think I probably jumped to conclusions a bit early there.

Fair enough, as I said earlier I read it as a bit of a spoilt "I should have won, it's not fair" type post, but the later posts, which I hadn't read when I typed my post clarified things a bit.

As for the hairy yak comment, I sort of get what the OP means and I don't think she meant it in quite the derogatory way that you have interpreted she meant it. I imagine it was out of disappointment at the horse not performing how I'm sure the OP hoped he would. An obedient, relaxed, accurate prelim test on a hairy yak is always going to beat a tense spanner warmblood, quite rightly.

She said "Hairy Yak / Numpty combination", I'm struggling to see how that isn't derogatory. Especially when this is a prelim test so the emphasis is on obedience, submission and accuracy rather than there being marks for big flashy paces and lateral work that cobs and natives find more difficult. I don't quite understand why the OP thinks it is embarassing to place behind someone riding a hairy horse. Surely if they have put time and effort into training and preparing that horse and have ridden a good test they deserve the placing irrespective of breeding. This sort of comment just enforces the stereotype of dressage competitions being full of snooty people on warmbloods looking down their noses at anyone who dares to turn up on a cob. It also suggests that only numpties ride hairy horses, which is again pretty unfair to the many people who put a lot of time and effort into producing cobs, natives and heavies to a very high standard.

And actually, if I had purchased a 6yo horse and had it for 4-5 months, it would not be unrealistic to expect it to go out and behave itself within reason!
Click to expand...
And this one got a bit silly and tanked off in the warm up but then performed an obedient, accurate test, despite being tense. It did this despite only having ten minutes to warm up. And this was its first outing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top