Too frightened to gallop...

BorgRae

BorgRae

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Hi everyone...

Sorry if this turns out to be a long one! ...Basically I've had my boy for nearly 4 years now. He's coming on really well and we go out competing regularly doing dressage (only at Prelim level!!).

I had a really bad fall a year ago while jumping and smashed my wrist into lots of pieces, had to have surgery etc. Anyway, have lost my berve a bit! and don't jump anymore!!

I'd just got my nerve back and we were having a canter in our outdoor arena, i got out of my saddle in jumping position and he put his head down. I consequently went straight over his head!! No major injuries, but have again been knocked a bit.

The problem I have now is that my boy is soooooo excited to be going in the field, that everytime he goes out, he runs like a lunatic, chasing the other horses, churning up the grass!! Unfortunately due to on and off weather he hasn't managed to get out for days at a time.

I really feel he just needs a good gallop to get this out of his system, as all we tend to do now a days is walk, trot and a nice steady canter round. Problem is, I'm affraid he'll throw his head down again and i'll be a gonner!!

What can I do??

Thanks for any suggestions! x x
 
Get someone in to do it for you - til he's blown his head of steam off and then go out in company with well mannered horses and riders, who can gallop alongside/in front of you and stop when required etc.
I think as well, trying to fit one into your routine more often, might help him and you! Good luck!!
 
Thank you! I'll ask one of the grroms that works at my yard to ride him. Perhaps once I've seen him do it, i'll feel better about the whole thing!

You are right, I need to make it a regular thing to stop him from getting up tight.

Thank you for your advice, it's much appreciated!! :)
 
Do you have any gallops near you that you can hire? they are easy to ride on, usually they go slightly up hill, the horses don't tend to mess around, they just get on with the job :)

I agree that it would be good to get someone else to him first, then keep it up every week so he gets used to it.

It's all about taking little steps with these things I think, if you take things slowly now, one day soon you will be fine to gallop and jump him, just get your confidence back slowly :)
 
Last edited:
Kitsune said:
Get someone in to do it for you - til he's blown his head of steam off and then go out in company with well mannered horses and riders, who can gallop alongside/in front of you and stop when required etc.
I think as well, trying to fit one into your routine more often, might help him and you! Good luck!!
Click to expand...

What Kitsune said.
 
I think there may be gallops near us somewhere, but would probably need to go with the YO when they go in the wagon. There is a cross country course and long stretch where others on my yard take there horses for a gallop that is only a 2 min hack away. So will probably be easier to go there for now.

A neck strap is a good idea!! I will defo pop one on him when I decided to be brave and take the step.

Thanks again for all the advice. I'll keep you posted. I'm certain he'll be so much happier once he can stretch his legs!!

Thanks again :)
 
I really feel for you - I know how much a fall can really dent your confidence - and lets face it, its only natural. He sounds a sweet boy, hope you can get it sorted - oh and get us some pics :D
 
if i'm stating the obvious - feel free to ignore me:)
if you can get a groom to ride him - go & watch - may make you feel much happier if it all looks safe & sane
when you feel ready - choose yr gallop place [ & the company you keep;)] carefully - up a hill to a definite end place - fence/gate etc is often reassuring
agree with other riders that you call the shots - if you call to slow down - then they will [ & make sure that they can]
avoid using the same gallopy place all the time & enjoy:)
 
Agreed abt getting another rider and company etc.

Also: the weather in most places in the UK (assuming that is where you are?) has been great lately... why hasn't your horse been out? Your riding time doesn't have to be horse's let-off-steam time if it has enough turn out and playmates. (Although I'm sure you can get back to enjoying that part of it if you want to!)
 
Firstly, don't panic. Can you lunge him? Where I live there is nowhere to gallop unless I box out, so on those occasions where I sense there could be trouble, I tire mine out on the lunge before mounting.
You don't want to let him hooly round at a rate of knots, but put some side reins on him, and make him work properly, doing lots of trot, canter, trot transitions. 20 minutes of that will take the devilment out of most horses, and you'll be working on improving his top line as well, plus there's no risk of falling off.
 
Trouble with neck straps (for me anyway) is sometimes are they are not within grab distance when you need them & sometimes leaning forward to get a hold is not a good idea.I find a strap, not too short I made mine from two flash noseband straps, from D ring to D ring is great for riding youngsters as you can hold it while still holding the reins, it stops me jabbing them in the mouth should they do anything stupid but still keep my seat. Might me a help.
 
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