Sarah1
Well-Known Member
Another post got me thinking...when your horse plays up out hacking do you feel you have more control when you're on board or do you feel more confident that you can control your horse if you dismount?
Stay on or dismount...
- Thread starter Sarah1
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Shysmum
Well-Known Member
on board
picolenicole
Well-Known Member
Def on board!!! Don't know why tho as King is brill on the ground as well as on board (Apart from cob paddies sometime when ridden).
Thinking about it I think I know why, was trying a TB mare for a friend. TB was mental ridden (I was a lot younger then so braver
), she was that bad the owner refused to ride her back to the stables and said I should lead, the mare when up and tried to kick me in the head with her front hooves. She was worse to control on the ground than when I was riding!!
Thinking about it I think I know why, was trying a TB mare for a friend. TB was mental ridden (I was a lot younger then so braver
), she was that bad the owner refused to ride her back to the stables and said I should lead, the mare when up and tried to kick me in the head with her front hooves. She was worse to control on the ground than when I was riding!!rossiroo
Well-Known Member
I have never dismounted when on a hack, I feel safer onboard, the only time I would concider getting off is if the horse was rearing up and in danger of overbalancing, (oh, I did get off once to remove a stone from the hoof ).
Jenna1406
Well-Known Member
TBH - its up to how you feel but never think that dismounting means the horse has beaten you, never true!
Vodkagirly
Well-Known Member
Depends on the circumstances.
Eg my horse can be very spooky and sometimes it is not the time/place for an argument so safest and most effective to dismount and lead past, in this circumstance he looks to me on the ground for confidence.
On the beach he can get a bit over excited, a mixture of too much galloping there in the past and terrrified of waves, I stay on as I would never be able to keep hold of him from the ground.
Each horse and rider is different - you know your capabilities and have to make a decison based on that.
Eg my horse can be very spooky and sometimes it is not the time/place for an argument so safest and most effective to dismount and lead past, in this circumstance he looks to me on the ground for confidence.
On the beach he can get a bit over excited, a mixture of too much galloping there in the past and terrrified of waves, I stay on as I would never be able to keep hold of him from the ground.
Each horse and rider is different - you know your capabilities and have to make a decison based on that.
Flame_
Well-Known Member
Usually on board but on one past horse, who would only go upwards when afraid and who was never, ever strong, on the floor.
Crosshill Pacers
Well-Known Member
Definitely dismount with my first mare. She was borderline schizophrenic and the minute I was on the floor beside her it was like the crazy character inside her head had gone back to sleep!
(Plus she really knew how to get into a rhythm of almighty bucks which I don't think even the best rodeo rider could've handled!)
That's not to say that I'll be jumping off every horse I have in the future though if something starts to go pear-shaped. I've ridden other people's horses and felt that I can manage the situation from where I am in the saddle.
(Plus she really knew how to get into a rhythm of almighty bucks which I don't think even the best rodeo rider could've handled!)
That's not to say that I'll be jumping off every horse I have in the future though if something starts to go pear-shaped. I've ridden other people's horses and felt that I can manage the situation from where I am in the saddle.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
99.9% of the time stay on board.
Only once in my lifetime have I got off a horse and led it because I was scared of what it was going to do. I'd do it again, not worth breaking my neck over it.
I see why very nervous riders do get off, and as long as they accept that in a lot of occassions they are generally the cause of the problem and the reason why it doesn't improve, then I see no harm in them getting off. Their horse, their issue after all.
Only once in my lifetime have I got off a horse and led it because I was scared of what it was going to do. I'd do it again, not worth breaking my neck over it.
I see why very nervous riders do get off, and as long as they accept that in a lot of occassions they are generally the cause of the problem and the reason why it doesn't improve, then I see no harm in them getting off. Their horse, their issue after all.
Enfys
Well-Known Member
Stay On.
Unless I am in danger of going over the side of something, I've only bailed out once or twice and that was when a bolting horse (and I mean truly bolting) was heading for a road.
I feel far safer on top than I do by the side of, or underneath, a horse whose brains have temporarily 'left the building'.
Easy to say "do this, do that" but you have to react to each situation as and when it happens. No shame in staying on or getting off if it means you get home safely. Live to fight another day and all that
Unless I am in danger of going over the side of something, I've only bailed out once or twice and that was when a bolting horse (and I mean truly bolting) was heading for a road.
I feel far safer on top than I do by the side of, or underneath, a horse whose brains have temporarily 'left the building'.
Easy to say "do this, do that" but you have to react to each situation as and when it happens. No shame in staying on or getting off if it means you get home safely. Live to fight another day and all that
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Sarah1
Well-Known Member
I'm in the 'stay on' camp too - my horse is a big lad & so I feel I have more chance of hanging onto him if I'm in the plate if he does (very rarely I might add) lose the plot...
I suppose it totally depends on the horse & rider combo though...someone else might feel more confident on the ground if they were riding my horse & he started being a toad
I suppose it totally depends on the horse & rider combo though...someone else might feel more confident on the ground if they were riding my horse & he started being a toad
nikicb
Well-Known Member
Very similar - my old girl's gone now bless her, but when she was younger she would get herself into such a state about something I think she forgot I was there. So I would jump off and she'd look at me as if to say 'where did you come from?'. She also had a wonderful (not!) habit of running backwards on roads when she was around 5 so the only safe thing I could do was jump off her. I wouldn't do it with my new boy as he's bigger and chunkier and I feel safer on top.
Sarah1
Well-Known Member
Years ago my sister had a beautiful dun mare who would get down to roll as soon as her hooves touched soft ground - in those circumstances I don't think it would be very wise to stay on!!!!! She had to hop off & literally kick her up - the bloody thing ruined many a saddle that way...total nutter...
MerrySherryRider
Well-Known Member
There isn't a right or wrong way really. Generally its easier to influence the horse mounted, but if its a choice between keeping yourself safe or loosing control on board, I'd go with the first option.
RockinRudolph
Well-Known Member
I have dismounted once when he was being so spooky that we couldn't get down the lane for fear of a plastic bag, but only after trying to ride past first. Once, he was having a huge panic and bolting left right and centre, if I managed to get him to slow down he just went up. We were on the edge of quite a steep drop into some caverns and I really didn't fancy ending up there so I got off. It didn't help the situation, as he practically dragged me back to the yard and didn't calm down until we got there! Other than that I have always stayed onboard and got us through it, and I do think there is far more control from the saddle. Depends on the situation I guess.
Persephone
Well-Known Member
Always stay on board!
Pedantic
Well-Known Member
I feel more in control in the saddle on my particular pony.
Tash88
Well-Known Member
Stay on board most of the time as I'd worry about being dragged around on the ground and losing the horse that way; like others have said I feel like I have more control on board.
The only time I've had to dismount a few times was when hacking my last horse, who used to be terrified at a point on a certain hacking route which went through a tunnel under a dual carriageway; if it had been raining there would always be a large puddle under the tunnel and it was dark, so he was understandably scared. He used to rear up and as he was 16.1 I didn't want him to do that in a tunnel! So I led him through that a few times and he was good as gold; there was some concrete steps afterwards that I could use as a mounting block which was useful!
And I don't think dismounting was 'letting him win' at all, because after a few months of doing this he would walk through the puddle with no problems, so me dismounting clearly reassured him!
The only time I've had to dismount a few times was when hacking my last horse, who used to be terrified at a point on a certain hacking route which went through a tunnel under a dual carriageway; if it had been raining there would always be a large puddle under the tunnel and it was dark, so he was understandably scared. He used to rear up and as he was 16.1 I didn't want him to do that in a tunnel! So I led him through that a few times and he was good as gold; there was some concrete steps afterwards that I could use as a mounting block which was useful!
And I don't think dismounting was 'letting him win' at all, because after a few months of doing this he would walk through the puddle with no problems, so me dismounting clearly reassured him!
Mythical
Well-Known Member
Jump off.
If she's playing up on the road, (she only canters on the spot, which turns sideways, and might put in the occasional spin) I won't hesitate to jump off. My being nervous only makes her worse and I can control that much better on the ground.
If she's playing up on the road, (she only canters on the spot, which turns sideways, and might put in the occasional spin) I won't hesitate to jump off. My being nervous only makes her worse and I can control that much better on the ground.
em_123
Well-Known Member
I generally stay on, unless there's a big ditch and a horse that is more frightened of the spooky thing rather than the ditch, or a rearer. I would get off a rearer if they got too high, not worth being crushed underneath a horse that lands on you.
LollyDolly
Well-Known Member
This is my boy, he NEVER gets strong however he will rear at the drop of a hat. I have only dismounted him once, and this was when we were negotiating our way down a steep concrete hill, he got impatient and began to rear and managed to put his bum into an electric fence! So I decided that it would be safer to dismount, however I didn't walk him down inhand. I just got off, calmed him down with a pat and a talk and then got back on (he's only short so I can mount off the ground!) and carried on. He was still a bit tense but he only reared once after that.
So I suppose that it depends on the situation really
LaurenBay
Well-Known Member
Since I am one of the posters that sparked this question, I will explain further on here I am not saying you are incorrect as I believe there is no right or wrong answer on this matter and it comes down to the Horse and rider and depends on the sitaution.
I am in the "get off" group. My reasoning is, I had a terrible bolting accident (not with my Horse) which left me a nervous wreck. I gave up riding as was just too scared, this only lasted 7 months though!. The moment I feel slightly out of control I freeze and my riding goes out the window. I am just a passenger then and not a leader. However I have always been a confident handler and have handled all ages from Newborns to oldies, Ex racers to school Horses and worked with Stallions also. My Horse is an absolute poppet to handle and I trust her on the ground, but more importantly I trust myself to be able to handle her and take control of a dangerous situation.
This does not mean to say, I will jump off at the tiniest of things. If she spooks or naps I will stay on and kick her on. I have only dismounted my mare once and it was when I was hacking her out alone and she threw a paddy in the middle of the road. She kicked out at a car and narrowly avoided it, she then tried to canter sidewides. I got very frightened so I decided to get off. She calmed almost immediatly and was an angel to lead back. I think If I stayed on, something would have happened. She was too wound up and I was too firghtened, so not a good combination and unsafe for both of us and other road users .I made the right decision in this case and wouldn't think twice about doing it again.
It really does depend on the Horse and rider though.
I am not saying you are incorrect as I believe there is no right or wrong answer on this matter and it comes down to the Horse and rider and depends on the sitaution. I am in the "get off" group. My reasoning is, I had a terrible bolting accident (not with my Horse) which left me a nervous wreck. I gave up riding as was just too scared, this only lasted 7 months though!. The moment I feel slightly out of control I freeze and my riding goes out the window. I am just a passenger then and not a leader. However I have always been a confident handler and have handled all ages from Newborns to oldies, Ex racers to school Horses and worked with Stallions also. My Horse is an absolute poppet to handle and I trust her on the ground, but more importantly I trust myself to be able to handle her and take control of a dangerous situation.
This does not mean to say, I will jump off at the tiniest of things. If she spooks or naps I will stay on and kick her on. I have only dismounted my mare once and it was when I was hacking her out alone and she threw a paddy in the middle of the road. She kicked out at a car and narrowly avoided it, she then tried to canter sidewides. I got very frightened so I decided to get off. She calmed almost immediatly and was an angel to lead back. I think If I stayed on, something would have happened. She was too wound up and I was too firghtened, so not a good combination and unsafe for both of us and other road users .I made the right decision in this case and wouldn't think twice about doing it again.
It really does depend on the Horse and rider though.
Mythical
Well-Known Member
Forgot to add, if were not in the road (ie; playing in the field, or using a bridleway or our yards own paths) i'll generally stay on - I don't get as nervous and it helps me get to know her and how to calm her down. Glad to say we seem to be getting better!
Tizzy
Well-Known Member
Onboard
AmyMay
Situation normal
On board, always.
Sarah1
Well-Known Member
I think this really is the key isn't it...
I've not tried getting off if he loses it TBH - maybe it would calm him down quicker who knows?! I could give it a go, trouble is I might not be able to get back on
Indy
Well-Known Member
It would depend on situation and horse I think.
If problems occurred and I was on the road then I would dismount regardless of which horse I was riding, I would always get off and either remove myself and horse from the road or I would continue down the road leading between the horse and traffic. My horses always react in a calm manner once I'm walking at the side of them.
When not on the road it would depend on the horse. If it's one of the boys then I'm happy to bounce around in the saddle until they give it up. If it's my little mare I'd get off - I'd rather be on the floor and have a hold on her as opposed to being on the floor watching her arse disappearing over the brow of a field.
If problems occurred and I was on the road then I would dismount regardless of which horse I was riding, I would always get off and either remove myself and horse from the road or I would continue down the road leading between the horse and traffic. My horses always react in a calm manner once I'm walking at the side of them.
When not on the road it would depend on the horse. If it's one of the boys then I'm happy to bounce around in the saddle until they give it up. If it's my little mare I'd get off - I'd rather be on the floor and have a hold on her as opposed to being on the floor watching her arse disappearing over the brow of a field.
LaurenBay
Well-Known Member
I think this really is the key isn't it...
I've not tried getting off if he loses it TBH - maybe it would calm him down quicker who knows?! I could give it a go, trouble is I might not be able to get back on
Haha! thats why I'm glad I have a 14.2
Solo1
Well-Known Member
Before always an advocate of stay on.
Now I have a 4 y.o who when hacking alone, plants her feet. I've tried reversing her, giving her a wallop, everything, but she gets an issue about a certain point and stands stock still, bucking if you use the whip and threatening to go up if leg is used. I wouldn't mind this but she doesn't move forwards, she runs backwards. What I'm finding best now is to give her a minute or two, ask her to walk on, and if she doesn't hop off and lead her past. She follows quietly, I get back on and we resume the hack. She's getting better and better at this. I'm just trying to reinforce the 'forwards, forwards' message I'm sending her, as staying on board just results in a battle which I'm not going to win.
However if not on hack, if she's being a prat in field or in school, stay on.
Now I have a 4 y.o who when hacking alone, plants her feet. I've tried reversing her, giving her a wallop, everything, but she gets an issue about a certain point and stands stock still, bucking if you use the whip and threatening to go up if leg is used. I wouldn't mind this but she doesn't move forwards, she runs backwards. What I'm finding best now is to give her a minute or two, ask her to walk on, and if she doesn't hop off and lead her past. She follows quietly, I get back on and we resume the hack. She's getting better and better at this. I'm just trying to reinforce the 'forwards, forwards' message I'm sending her, as staying on board just results in a battle which I'm not going to win.
However if not on hack, if she's being a prat in field or in school, stay on.
Skippys Mum
Well-Known Member
My boy is an angel 99.9% of the time but the very odd occasion when something is just a bit too much for him, he is better if I get off and stand at his head.
My friends horse is a bit of a bugger at times and he works best with her staying on but me getting off and standing at his head
Once I accepted it was perfectly all right to get off, my confidence came on in leaps and bounds and I cant remember the last time I've had to get off!
My friends horse is a bit of a bugger at times and he works best with her staying on but me getting off and standing at his head
Once I accepted it was perfectly all right to get off, my confidence came on in leaps and bounds and I cant remember the last time I've had to get off!