be positive
Well-Known Member
Mulling over a few recent threads on horses that are less than cooperative when ridden, I agree with the opinion that they cannot take the P*** but they can and do push the boundaries and test their riders, often when they are unsure of what is required of them, if they "get away" with a minor misdemeanour this can escalate until they are being "difficult" and the rider is struggling to cope.
This can be a horse that one day hesitates passing the gate of the arena or leaving the yard, if it is not immediately picked up on and encouraged forward within no time it can be a nappy horse hanging to the gate/ being difficult to get out hacking that requires some remedial training.
Or a horse that runs out going into a jump, drops its shoulder and the rider falls off, the next time the rider feels it happening rather than sitting up and correcting the horse they get tense anticipating the fall and end up once more on the floor because the horse has been allowed to go past once more, this horse then gets labeled as a "dirty stopper" because it has reacted to a lack of guidance.
There are numerous scenarios, most will be dealt with before they become an issue by a relatively experienced rider but for many less experienced things will spiral out of control before they even realise there is a problem, all horses, even the "perfect" schoolmaster will test the boundaries at times, they are going to take moments of weakness, a lapse in concentration and exploit it, it is not taking the P*** they are reactive, it is not planned but they do take advantage of certain situations and the effect can be to destroy the trust the rider had in it, if they get good support things can be turned around but all too often the instructor/ trainer comes along and decides it is the horse that is "difficult"
I am sure we have all met the less than cooperative horse, some we have taken on, sorted out and enjoyed but there are many out there that will not be so lucky.
Not sure where this is going but maybe a few stories of those that were not easy that came good, found a place in the world and gave pleasure would make interesting reading for people who do own a horse that they feel is taking the P***, it may help them realise that horses react to what they see as danger, lack of guidance, lack of confidence and don't set out to be awkward, if they are unsure they revert to being a horse and tend to forget some of their training.
This can be a horse that one day hesitates passing the gate of the arena or leaving the yard, if it is not immediately picked up on and encouraged forward within no time it can be a nappy horse hanging to the gate/ being difficult to get out hacking that requires some remedial training.
Or a horse that runs out going into a jump, drops its shoulder and the rider falls off, the next time the rider feels it happening rather than sitting up and correcting the horse they get tense anticipating the fall and end up once more on the floor because the horse has been allowed to go past once more, this horse then gets labeled as a "dirty stopper" because it has reacted to a lack of guidance.
There are numerous scenarios, most will be dealt with before they become an issue by a relatively experienced rider but for many less experienced things will spiral out of control before they even realise there is a problem, all horses, even the "perfect" schoolmaster will test the boundaries at times, they are going to take moments of weakness, a lapse in concentration and exploit it, it is not taking the P*** they are reactive, it is not planned but they do take advantage of certain situations and the effect can be to destroy the trust the rider had in it, if they get good support things can be turned around but all too often the instructor/ trainer comes along and decides it is the horse that is "difficult"
I am sure we have all met the less than cooperative horse, some we have taken on, sorted out and enjoyed but there are many out there that will not be so lucky.
Not sure where this is going but maybe a few stories of those that were not easy that came good, found a place in the world and gave pleasure would make interesting reading for people who do own a horse that they feel is taking the P***, it may help them realise that horses react to what they see as danger, lack of guidance, lack of confidence and don't set out to be awkward, if they are unsure they revert to being a horse and tend to forget some of their training.