The balance of your personality vs horse

[thefarsideofthefield]

I used to love taking new foster kids to meet our 6 ( or more ! ) horses/ponies for the first time . I would time it for when they were in their stables as when they heard anyone coming they would all stick their heads over the door to see what was happening . Then the kid(s) and I would walk along the row and meet each pony and I would watch the reaction of both . Sometimes there wasn't much of a reaction from the ponies , who were a real range of personalities , other than a curious " hello stranger " but sometimes you would get a really strong response from one , or more , of them - intense interest , really wanting to interact and not wanting the child to move away , and then the polar opposite where they would move away quickly and make it quite clear that they didn't want this person anywhere near them , even if the pony in the next stable was fairly indifferent ! It wasn't like a crystal ball that gave you an instant insight into the childs psyche or anything but , knowing my ponies and finding out what sort of personality they were attracted to , it definitely helped .
The most interesting case was a teenage girl who came to us because she ' loved ' horses , was a good rider and wanted a career working with horses . She seemed very assured and confident and so off we went down to the yard to meet the gang . I opened the gate and , sure enough , all the heads appeared over the door ...... took one look and , as one , shot back in and hit the back of their stables ! Nothing would go near her except for my old , stubborn , independent mule of a highland who put his ears flat back and flew at the door snapping his teeth ! And he was absolutely right ! It very quickly became apparent that you couldn't trust her around any of the animals and she had to be very closely monitored at all times . And she never did get to work with animals !

 

[LEC]

You're 100% right but having to consciously manage your "natural" energy every day sounds like a pain. I am a fairly anxious person at times and you get better at noticing and dealing with it of course but I'm still glad my pony is mostly on an even keel.

The most noticeable personality match (and clash) we have is neither me nor my mare are fit to be around if we're hungry. She won't learn not to eat everything as fast as possible and I won't learn to keep snacks in the car.

I don’t even notice. If I am getting on a young horse then I am very chilled and calm. I know it’s getting its confidence from me. If I am getting on a cob who needs a bit more pep and to be off the leg then I am a bit more jolly and encouraging in my energy. I just up it more. It’s not me looking to be more energetic in the saddle but just in my thoughts and how I come across. I want quicker responses.

Just like I use my energy a lot on the ground either to calm, or get the answer I want. I think horses like me as I am super consistent in the way I am with them and what I put across. I notice the same with the best horseman. I am working with a cob at the moment who has been wrecked and sometimes I am up in my energy as he needs that as would like to walk when I want him trotting, other times he is on the edge so then I am super calm and confident as what he needs from me in that moment. I think being very in the moment is hugely vital in working with horses so I try not to look to past or future.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

My last horse was the most kind, genuine, sweet, polite, gentle horse you could hope for. He wasn't quite right for me. I absolutely adored and appreciated him, but I am too strong a personally for that soft a horse and, in hindsight, there must have been times when he felt pressured and even bullied but just sucked it up and carried on trying to do his best.

Current horse has an edge and more ability to speak up for himself, so once we established mutual respect for each other he turned out absolutely perfect.

I feel this too. I can be too hard sometimes (I am really working on it) - and I like the fact that neither Lottie nor Amber would ever tolerate it. I need putting back in my box by my strong, independent mares if I let my frustration get the better of me from time to time. Toby would have just sucked it up.

 

[maya2008]

having never had the luxury of a budget that would allow me to go and find my dream horse

I have never had much budget either - in this family we buy young ones for less £££ and have to make them into our dream. Most I ever spent was £1500, least was free. My focus is on personality though - you can assess that just fine in a young horse or pony, and then at least you will enjoy the journey!

 

[FitzyFitz]

I'm a super stressy control freak but both my ponies are extremely spicy little devils. You'd think we wouldn't get along but somehow I manage to stay calm on them even when they're being nutters. My gelding used to regularly do airs above ground in rallies and clinics and last time I tried hacking out with someone on my mare she spent the whole ride jigging sideways and doing fly bucks.

Not saying I never get upset or frustrated with them, but it's not as often as you might think. I grew up with crazy ponies though, learned to ride on an off the forest far too clever new forest pony and my childhood pony was so forward noone was willing to ride her when we swapped ponies at camp!

Only one of us is allowed to freak out at once and it's always the ponies turn, I guess.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Everything I seem to sit on is fizzy, some people say it must be a fizzy @ss ? I would say BB can be fiery if something is upsetting him, but if I am there he is totally different. He definitely takes his confidence from me. We get on amazingly, he is just like an oversize dog ?.

 

[NinjaPony]

I think that personality match is very underrated when choosing a horse on reflection. You can change a lot of things but you can’t change that underlying personality, either yours or the horses. Most competent riders can get a tune out of any horse, but when you sit on something that complements you, it’s a real pleasure. For those of us who don’t make a living out of riding and training lots of different horses, finding one that fits you personality wise is just as important if not more so than the other factors that goes into choosing a horse.

 

[LEC]

I just really don’t put much thought or time and effort into horse personality. I guess I am very privileged and had loads of horses. I have loved them all and they have all taught me a lot. Tbh personality is not even on my shopping list. Nice person and interested in you but even then it’s below trainable, conformation, breeding and athleticism. I have also been given most of my horses so if I like the horse I take them.

 

[skint1]

I think personality in horses is a thing, some are naturally more confident, cheeky, athletic, forgiving or opinionated than others but how they express those traits can be down to environment and handling.

I am pretty easy going- I've trained myself to try and be quiet and consistent as I can be, but I am not a dominant person. For some reason I don't fully understand I personally seem to attract, or be attracted to, opinionated mares. Not hot headed or reactive, but ladies who definitely know their own minds. It's not always easy, but it is very rewarding when it goes right. I guess I must like that.

 

[LadyGascoyne]

I love having a mix or personalities.

Mim is brave, loyal and very protective of her people. She is the sort of horse that makes you understand why the Bedouin went to war on mares. Mim makes you feel like you could go anywhere and do anything, and she is so clever that she will always pick up for you, even if you make a mistake.

Barbie is sensitive, inquisitive and wants to please. With Barbs, your communication has to be right and then she just blossoms. She worries about getting things right and doesn’t like being confused. Barbs makes me improve myself.

Miri is gentle, soppy and hilarious. She definitely takes her confidence from her rider so I have to be more conscious of bringing her along with me, if that makes sense. She is like having a giant foal.