lucy_108
Well-Known Member
In need of help/support/hugs/gin...
So one of my horses is very strong, hence the title. He is so strong to the point I actually don’t enjoy riding him, which sucks, because I adore every bone in his body.
A little history on said steam roller...
He is 11, has previous jumped big tracks before being passed around riders who also thought he would jump big tracks for them (they were wrong).
I imagine his steam roller attitude has come from these riders putting some serious metalwork in his mouth to try and shortcut schooling.
Anyway, he has had a full vet work up, had a full dental check in clinic under sedation, regularly sees a physio and equine touch therapist, is shod on the dot of five weeks and has a saddle that is custom made for him and checked regularly. Physically, I actually can’t dot anymore I’s or cross anymore T’s unless I get him a MRI.
So I started at the bottom with snaffles (many variations). He will work fairly well in one, in a small enclosed arena, but is a total train when you do anything but walk and trot. I have been forced (for safety) into trying some other bits which include Pelham (many variations - rubber, rugby, French link, straight bar...) with one and two reins and three and two ring Dutch gags.
eventually I turned to my trusty American gag that I had my previous giant jumper in who went perfectly in it. This was the best of a bad lot for us and was the only bit I had any vague control in to canter or jump. But he throws his head like a real moose in it so I know it isn’t the bit for him.
I have also tried every form of bitless, hoping the less is more approach might help. It actually has the opposite affect and he is near enough uncontrollable without a bit (I may as well ride him in a shoelace).
I have had a professional bit-fitter out, who is flummoxed as everything that *should* have suited his mouth-tongue-way-of-going, didn’t.
So friends, I’m at a loss. I have a horse whom I love so very much, who is so very talented that I cannot ride one side of above walk... not because either of us are incapable but because it’s just not enjoyable.
I like to think I have enough brain cells to know when a horse needs a little more metal and when a horse needs a little more schooling and believe me when I say, I’ve tried. I have been for lesson after lesson after lesson and although he makes progress, it’s inconsistent and varied and nearly always results in him reverting to his old ways within two or three rides.
I have even tried a different rider, accepting the possibility it’s me, but he was just as bad (if not worse) for a rider who has far more experience than me (4* rider with incredibly soft hands).
So I’m asking for your thoughts... please not your criticism, I actually may cry ??
....
Sadly I have maxed out nearly all my insurance on diagnostic testing (nerve blocks, xrays, scans etc) so I can’t do anymore vet work (not that there’s really any more that can be done!).
Currently, I am on track to retire him to a life of plodding around the village which would make both of us very sad so if anyone has had any similar experiences or advice, please share.
So one of my horses is very strong, hence the title. He is so strong to the point I actually don’t enjoy riding him, which sucks, because I adore every bone in his body.
A little history on said steam roller...
He is 11, has previous jumped big tracks before being passed around riders who also thought he would jump big tracks for them (they were wrong).
I imagine his steam roller attitude has come from these riders putting some serious metalwork in his mouth to try and shortcut schooling.
Anyway, he has had a full vet work up, had a full dental check in clinic under sedation, regularly sees a physio and equine touch therapist, is shod on the dot of five weeks and has a saddle that is custom made for him and checked regularly. Physically, I actually can’t dot anymore I’s or cross anymore T’s unless I get him a MRI.
So I started at the bottom with snaffles (many variations). He will work fairly well in one, in a small enclosed arena, but is a total train when you do anything but walk and trot. I have been forced (for safety) into trying some other bits which include Pelham (many variations - rubber, rugby, French link, straight bar...) with one and two reins and three and two ring Dutch gags.
eventually I turned to my trusty American gag that I had my previous giant jumper in who went perfectly in it. This was the best of a bad lot for us and was the only bit I had any vague control in to canter or jump. But he throws his head like a real moose in it so I know it isn’t the bit for him.
I have also tried every form of bitless, hoping the less is more approach might help. It actually has the opposite affect and he is near enough uncontrollable without a bit (I may as well ride him in a shoelace).
I have had a professional bit-fitter out, who is flummoxed as everything that *should* have suited his mouth-tongue-way-of-going, didn’t.
So friends, I’m at a loss. I have a horse whom I love so very much, who is so very talented that I cannot ride one side of above walk... not because either of us are incapable but because it’s just not enjoyable.
I like to think I have enough brain cells to know when a horse needs a little more metal and when a horse needs a little more schooling and believe me when I say, I’ve tried. I have been for lesson after lesson after lesson and although he makes progress, it’s inconsistent and varied and nearly always results in him reverting to his old ways within two or three rides.
I have even tried a different rider, accepting the possibility it’s me, but he was just as bad (if not worse) for a rider who has far more experience than me (4* rider with incredibly soft hands).
So I’m asking for your thoughts... please not your criticism, I actually may cry ??
.... Sadly I have maxed out nearly all my insurance on diagnostic testing (nerve blocks, xrays, scans etc) so I can’t do anymore vet work (not that there’s really any more that can be done!).
Currently, I am on track to retire him to a life of plodding around the village which would make both of us very sad so if anyone has had any similar experiences or advice, please share.
I’m not keen to pass him on or sell him as he could end up somewhere unfavourable and I’d never forgive myself. I am usually the type of rider than suits this kind of horse so I had hoped that it wouldn’t be a problem...
