Taking the leap

[18hhOlls&Me]

New horse is lovely and getting to know each other. I’m a mum now and don’t jump on everything or over anything lol like I used to. He is a clever boy, 7 yo, 17hh, and no affiliated points yet. I want to wait and get to know him better, take him to XC schooling, flatwork etc and then start unaffiliated next year, building up to BN. Last owner and trainer says he is totally ready and that he will get bored, also she commented that he needs to acclimatise to being at events ASAP. I’ve always thought bringing them on slowly is preferable and to build a connection, but he is 7 not 4 or 5. Would you start taking it out in the near future or focus on training for say 6 months? Thanks x

 

[IrishMilo]

If you want to focus on training focus on training. The horse won't care. But they don't care about building a bond - they just need clear signals!

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Very true ? maybe it’s actually my confidence that has changed and I’m just in denial ha ha

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

When I meant bond I meant, understanding how he works best, he only had one previous rider, a man, no doubt we have different styles. A successful partnership is the word I was looking for.

 

[WandaMare]

I would do it your way too, your horse. I know previous owners are just trying to help but at the same time it can put pressure on people. I totally get your bond thing, although confident, clear riding the main thing, horses do learn to trust individuals and that takes time. I would go at your pace and start to take him out when you feel ready.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

There is a balance to be had between training and competing.

I would take him out to some low key shows so you can both get use to the atmosphere, you can still be 'training' by not going to win/be competitive but to teach him how he should behave at shows. No point doing 6 months of training to get to the first show and then find it overwhelming, however you should still only go out when you feel ready to do so.

I have one who needs to go and compete very regularly to relax at shows, and one who is pretty much the same at home as she is at shows. Though even my fairly chilled one found her first BE a little overwhelming, as the atmosphere was much bigger than she's used to.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

I would do it your way too, your horse. I know previous owners are just trying to help but at the same time it can put pressure on people. I totally get your bond thing, although confident, clear riding the main thing, horses do learn to trust individuals and that takes time. I would go at your pace and start to take him out when you feel ready.

Yes that’s it I’m not expecting him to love me like a person ha ha but time spent together the sound of your voice, recognising their signals can be useful. Also they pick up your nerves and in the warm up you want to feel well practiced not nervous as it will sense it and potentially start acting out!!

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

There is a balance to be had between training and competing.

I would take him out to some low key shows so you can both get use to the atmosphere, you can still be 'training' by not going to win/be competitive but to teach him how he should behave at shows. No point doing 6 months of training to get to the first show and then find it overwhelming, however you should still only go out when you feel ready to do so.

I have one who needs to go and compete very regularly to relax at shows, and one who is pretty much the same at home as she is at shows. Though even my fairly chilled one found her first BE a little overwhelming, as the atmosphere was much bigger than she's used to.

Can I ask what you did if anything to reassure your mare? Some ppl say be a little strict, put your leg on. Others recommended herbal calming supplements. Sometimes I think just act calm and how you normally do so they get used to it!

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Can I ask what you did if anything to reassure your mare? Some ppl say be a little strict, put your leg on. Others recommended herbal calming supplements. Sometimes I think just act calm and how you normally do so they get used to it!

I've never found calmers do anything other than give the owner a bit of a placebo effect... and yes we tried ALL of them with Topaz .

Topaz needs a lot of hand holding, so yes being quite strict about what is allowed, leg on, get her listening to me and not spooking at that leaf that's looking at her funny .

I think if you stay calm yourself and can ride them positively forward letting the horse know you're there for them, most horses should be reassured and find it a more positive experience. I took Skylla out and about from a 3 year old, in hand showing at first, then when she was 4 she did a little ridden showing and dressage and the odd clear round. It has meant she is pretty super at comps, as she has been able to see a lot without lots of pressure on her, I'm hoping in the long run this will help her be very consistent at events as we just need to worry about the fences rather than her having a meltdown about life (Topaz we are not looking at you!).

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

That all sounds very sensible!! I’ve definitely noticed since I’m now a mum (to a human) I am more risk averse. This sounds a bit crazy but I’m finding yoga for riders has really helped, I was highly skeptics at first!!

 

[AandK]

Do what you feel is right for your horse. I am finally getting going with my 7yo (got him March last year, but he had an injury and then op this time last year) but I want to take my time with him. I am planning to start taking him to stuff next month, low key polework etc and maybe a dressage test end of month if he is ready. When I got my 23yo as a 5yo, I was a lot younger and keen to get out and about, but this time I want to make sure we are a lot more ready, plus 7yo is not quite as laid back as the older one was at the same age!

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

That’s exactly it- I’m older now too, a parent, plus I want to build our partnerships and put in the flatwork and groundwork to make sure when we get out competing we are fully prepared and safe x

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Do what you feel is right for your horse. I am finally getting going with my 7yo (got him March last year, but he had an injury and then op this time last year) but I want to take my time with him. I am planning to start taking him to stuff next month, low key polework etc and maybe a dressage test end of month if he is ready. When I got my 23yo as a 5yo, I was a lot younger and keen to get out and about, but this time I want to make sure we are a lot more ready, plus 7yo is not quite as laid back as the older one was at the same age!

Also yes I think a prelim dressage test to work towards is a good idea as will entail lots of flatwork and developing our foundations to progress on to other things...I think having a goal to work towards is very helpful you are right.