SEL
Well-Known Member
I need to put a stop to a nasty habit baby cob is in danger of developing and would appreciate thoughts on whether a standing martingale might be what's needed. Can't replicate the behaviour at home - its only when he's over excited and his brain falls out of his ears. He's always had a little bunny hob rear of a nap in him, but nothing that a kick forwards and a growl wouldn't put a stop to (unless he was really scared when he was young when I'd get off and lead him past whatever the problem was). A couple of times in company this year - 2 clinics as well as a fun ride - that little rear has gone a bit higher. In every situation I put it down to excitement and he usually only does it once then cracks on. He also hasn't done it for months and has been foot perfect even in busy warm ups.
Until the past few weeks. Initially I'd just moved them onto their winter fields so thought the hack where we bounced around like a kangaroo was grass related, but yesterday I obviously forgot to pack his brain on the lorry for dressage and he was embarrassing. Nearly unseated me in the warm-up and I took him out because there were young children in there. I was kind of expecting a few bucks in the actual test (no excuse but it was high winds, he was wound up and the rain was coming sideways) but there's a trot across the diagonal in Intro A away from the judge and after an appalling test I just tried to kick him on. First few strides were great then 'leap at X' was a very polite comment from the judge because in all honesty that was a rear - and a decent sized one. I don't think the judge had the best view fortunately but the steward and the next rider certainly did. I deserved my clap and well sat from the onlookers.
It caught me by surprise. I was furious. Probably a good thing the judge couldn't hear my language ....
I'm not chasing rosettes, so don't care if I ride in the warm up with one then whip it off or ride HC with one until he's got over himself. If its the right piece of kit then it can also go on hacking because right now he seems to think every single track is for cantering and I'm getting too old for tantrums. He gets very light in the hand the split second before he does it and that's where I'm hoping the martingale can kick in and remind him of his manners.
Despite my embarrassment the owner of the venue has seen it all before and has told me to bring him back in 2 weeks. There will be kids there again because it'll still be school holidays so I'd prefer it if he wasn't trying to pretend he's ready for airs above ground.
Thank you for reading (& he'll be sausages if he does it at our lesson tomorrow
)
Until the past few weeks. Initially I'd just moved them onto their winter fields so thought the hack where we bounced around like a kangaroo was grass related, but yesterday I obviously forgot to pack his brain on the lorry for dressage and he was embarrassing. Nearly unseated me in the warm-up and I took him out because there were young children in there. I was kind of expecting a few bucks in the actual test (no excuse but it was high winds, he was wound up and the rain was coming sideways) but there's a trot across the diagonal in Intro A away from the judge and after an appalling test I just tried to kick him on. First few strides were great then 'leap at X' was a very polite comment from the judge because in all honesty that was a rear - and a decent sized one. I don't think the judge had the best view fortunately but the steward and the next rider certainly did. I deserved my clap and well sat from the onlookers.
It caught me by surprise. I was furious. Probably a good thing the judge couldn't hear my language ....
I'm not chasing rosettes, so don't care if I ride in the warm up with one then whip it off or ride HC with one until he's got over himself. If its the right piece of kit then it can also go on hacking because right now he seems to think every single track is for cantering and I'm getting too old for tantrums. He gets very light in the hand the split second before he does it and that's where I'm hoping the martingale can kick in and remind him of his manners.
Despite my embarrassment the owner of the venue has seen it all before and has told me to bring him back in 2 weeks. There will be kids there again because it'll still be school holidays so I'd prefer it if he wasn't trying to pretend he's ready for airs above ground.
Thank you for reading (& he'll be sausages if he does it at our lesson tomorrow
)
