Trotting issues with horse

Jasmine2023 said:
I think they would allow someone to come and ride him. I live in West Yorkshire would prefer not to give my exact location.
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I'm West Yorkshire - Sally Mitchel has a good reputation as does Adam Yates for re-schooling - not cheap tho. Lots of nice instructors who do clinics are Craven Arena if that's local to you worth a look.

I have a 9 y/o 15.1 cob type who's always in need of more exercise if you are local to Keighley and want to come and hack out with me on my baby. PM me.
 
sbloom said:
This lady would come highly recommended, may be able to help with assessing you both to help you make the decision, works with a simulator which would be very useful, has a great focus on helping the rider (to better help the horse) and then groundwork or ridden work as appropriate. I don't know if she takes on real novices but it's worth looking into it.

Classical Riding | Ravenroyd Equestrian - Liana Upton | Bingley

Training centered around good biomechanics for both horse and rider. Developing a mind body connection for functional movement. In-hand and ridden work for all types of horse always putting the horse first using the French Classical methods of Philippe Karl. Seat training with the riding simulator.
www.riding-simulator.co.uk www.riding-simulator.co.uk
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Agree Liana is also great - but she's sold her mechanical horse (called Magic) recently - which is a real shame
 
Polos Mum said:
I'm West Yorkshire - Sally Mitchel has a good reputation as does Adam Yates for re-schooling - not cheap tho. Lots of nice instructors who do clinics are Craven Arena if that's local to you worth a look.

I have a 9 y/o 15.1 cob type who's always in need of more exercise if you are local to Keighley and want to come and hack out with me on my baby. PM me.
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That's more like it!
 
Be careful with neckstraps, I have one on my young horse but it can make me lean forward to use it, telling the horse to go faster, so be careful to make sure using it doesn't pull you out of position.

I have a 6yo, I bought him as an unbroken 3yo and knew how expensive this would be! He's now going through a particularly challenging 'Kevin' stage so I'm paying for professional schooling twice a week (one hack, one school session) and then a very competent friend rides him at least once a week too. I am taking a break for a couple of months.

Does your RS offer 'working livery'? I'm shocked they aren't able to school for you.
 
Jasmine2023 said:
I think they would allow someone to come and ride him. I live in West Yorkshire would prefer not to give my exact location.
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I have contacts just south of Warrington who would be able to help but I think that is probably to far from you.

I'll get my thinking cap on, but I can see others have good suggestions already.
 
OrangeAndLemon said:
Be careful with neckstraps, I have one on my young horse but it can make me lean forward to use it, telling the horse to go faster, so be careful to make sure using it doesn't pull you out of position.
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Yes, there are some clever new ones with a handle that sits higher but a "d to d" strap from something like an old flash strap across the front of the saddle can be better for rider position.
 
Jasmine, I think this can be done! He is gentle and seems to be a lovely person to be around, so that's a great start.

It sounds like Charlie is very green. As you know, Ozzy was backed late and is still very green even though he's 8. (In addition, Ozzy has a range of other 'issues' and life is never dull with him!)

The fact that you can hack him out alone (in walk) is fantastic. And I don't think there's any harm in just doing this in the meantime while arrangements can be made to continue his education.

I have to say, I've never had an instructor that wouldn't get on my horse. Our instructor was brilliant at getting on them, giving a 'diagnosis' and then teaching us based on what she had gathered from riding the horse. At one stage she would ride Snoopy for the first 10 minutes of the lesson before OH got on. Because she'd ridden Snoopy and knew his tricks, she taught OH the strategies he needed to spot subtle signs and how to deal with them. It worked brilliantly (and OH now has remarkable stickability).

I must be honest, 22 years ago we did a similar thing and bought a very green 5 year old. We took advice and were told that if - and it was a very important 'if' - we had a good bunch of people around us to support, we'd be able to make it work. As mentioned, we had a wonderful instructor, but we also had people who would hack Snoopy out in a group. He did go through the Kevins at about 6 years old and it wasn't great, but we got through it. (Not all horses go through the Kevins, AJ certainly didn't). We're glad we persevered with Snoopy, all of us, but especially OH (who hadn't really ridden before) have had SO much fun with him over the years. However, we couldn't have done it without the input from other people.

I think that getting a sharer is an excellent idea. And if you can get to hack out with others, this would be great too.
You know that me and lots of other people on here are only too pleased to help out in any way we can.
OrangeAndLemon said:
Be careful with neckstraps, I have one on my young horse but it can make me lean forward to use it, telling the horse to go faster, so be careful to make sure using it doesn't pull you out of position.
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Agreed - but we got one of the Shires Velociti neckstraps which is a good length and allows you to sit up while maintaining a good position.

I've just thought of a lesson I once had with a dressage instructor, on my schoolmaster Connie. Almost all of the lesson was in walk. I was a bit frustrated at first, but the instructor said 'there's a lot to learn in walk' - (he was talking about me, of course, because that particular horse was great.) I still remember all the work we did during that lesson on position, alignment, foundations for leg stability, focusing on 'feeling' the horse's movement, half halts, how my riding affected Finn's reluctance to take up a contact... it turned out to be incredibly useful.

Finally, it'd probably worth adding that we are focusing on solving Ozzy's key issues before we do any work in trot. He has trotted a couple of times when following one of the other horses, mainly because they went into trot. But we really need Ozzy to move nicely, with confidence and without napping before we start doing much else. There's no rush.
 
Polos Mum said:
I'm West Yorkshire - Sally Mitchel has a good reputation as does Adam Yates for re-schooling - not cheap tho. Lots of nice instructors who do clinics are Craven Arena if that's local to you worth a look.

I have a 9 y/o 15.1 cob type who's always in need of more exercise if you are local to Keighley and want to come and hack out with me on my baby. PM me.
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This is a wonderful offer! If at all possible @Jasmine2023 I’d go for it as it’s exactly the kind of thing that will help you progress.

Neck straps are a must on a baby imo. Shires do one with a nice grab handle - I got one for my youngster to help remind me to grab it. You can have mine if it would help, as I’m getting a HJ one.
 
If you do get someone to ride him, id want them to desensitise him a bit. Almost a riding school type mindset, to teach him not to react if you lose your balance/catch him slightly. He needs to realise its ok not to panic if you aren't quite with him. They need to make him work for your riding, not everyone is perfectly balanced so it would be a good tool kit for him to have in his armory

Does he lunge? If so, and you get someone out, could they ride him for half the session doing the above, then the other half lunge you on him/lead you around on him so you can work on your rising and balance while in a safe environment with someone to step in so you can focus on you, while at the same time building a relationship with him?

I dont think groundwork will solve the 2 main issues here which is needing more security in your rising and him realising if you lose balance it's not the end of the world

If you do decide to sell, are there any charities who you could volunteer at if you still wanted to be involved? I dont have any involvement with horses anymore, but if I did go back id never own again, but would treat myself to trekking centres in nice places is this something you could look into? I also wouldn't just want to go to a riding school so can see your views here. Trekking centres have rides for different abilities, even if its a bit further away you could use the money saved from not having a money pit, sorry horse, and treat yourself to a Premier Inn to make it a special treat
 
I can't imagine Charlie having a 'Kevin' stage he is so laid back and kind. I mainly want to hack out which we have done with good success. There have been a few little issues but I have managed those and he seems happy hacking. We don't go far as he is out of condition and a little overweight. I planned on little and often as I can. But I would obviously like to do other things and learn but I am not in a hurry. I have to think on what I can and cannot afford. At the moment I have a terminally ill dog who is taking a lot of my money due to his insurance running out. Lots of expensive medication costing lots of money sadly. I have been thinking of getting the shires neck strap for a while. And please note as mentioned previously I do have an air vest which I know can't 100% protect me but should help a lot in the event of a fall.
 
Nocturnal said:
This is a wonderful offer! If at all possible @Jasmine2023 I’d go for it as it’s exactly the kind of thing that will help you progress.

Neck straps are a must on a baby imo. Shires do one with a nice grab handle - I got one for my youngster to help remind me to grab it. You can have mine if it would help, as I’m getting a HJ one.
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That's very kind of you. I will message you.
 
Polos Mum said:
I'm West Yorkshire - Sally Mitchel has a good reputation as does Adam Yates for re-schooling - not cheap tho. Lots of nice instructors who do clinics are Craven Arena if that's local to you worth a look.

I have a 9 y/o 15.1 cob type who's always in need of more exercise if you are local to Keighley and want to come and hack out with me on my baby. PM me.
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I will message you.
 
Might've missed if you've written it, but I'm wondering if you have had a vet check his teeth to see if his age is correct? I know a few horses from Ireland where the age was not correct, the horse was younger than it was supposed to. Probably because a five year old is worth more than a three year old. Not extremely important in your situation, but still relevant as a younger horse should do less work.
 
Korg said:
Might've missed if you've written it, but I'm wondering if you have had a vet check his teeth to see if his age is correct? I know a few horses from Ireland where the age was not correct, the horse was younger than it was supposed to. Probably because a five year old is worth more than a three year old. Not extremely important in your situation, but still relevant as a younger horse should do less work.
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He came from a private seller and horse was well known by the vet so I don't think their any issues with his age etc.
 
Not saying this is what happened, but some riding schools will encourage owners to buy horses that will be good for the riding school, but not necessarily what the owner needs. Seen it happen time and time again where a more nervous/novice owner ends up with completely the wrong horse because it’s what the riding school wants.

Well done for trying to find a solution OP. You’ve had a lot of great advice on this thread, I hope you manage to find the best way forward for you.
 
sarcasm_queen said:
Not saying this is what happened, but some riding schools will encourage owners to buy horses that will be good for the riding school, but not necessarily what the owner needs. Seen it happen time and time again where a more nervous/novice owner ends up with completely the wrong horse because it’s what the riding school wants.

Well done for trying to find a solution OP. You’ve had a lot of great advice on this thread, I hope you manage to find the best way forward for you.
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They are looking for another horse to go on working livery but they won't take him as they need to see him in all 3 paces which I obviously can't do and they won't get on him. It would have been ideal too.
 
Hi Jasmine,
I did pretty much the same thing as you, in that I bought a young just started horse (3.5 yo Connie) with a nice temperament. Like you, I was not experienced enough to educate him by a long way (I could competently canter and jump but on schoolmasters).
I paid for him to be educated by a pro 3 times/week for 4 yrs. Initially with only her riding and then later with me as well. She did it very cheaply, as she was my neighbour, but it still cost 💲 110/week (around £55) so around 4-5k/year. Whilst this was happening , I of course wasn’t progressing my own riding, either.
I was really conscious he was a young horse and I had a responsibility to educate him correctly so he wouldn’t be limited to what he could do/homes he could go to if he left us, as well.
It wasn’t a great decision on my behalf and I would change it going back to another horse more like our 1st (16yo standie mare who taught my husband to ride and was fun for me too).
I hesitated to post as didn’t want to sound down. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide and I think it’s great the forum has been so supportive.
 
Nancykitt said:
Finally, it'd probably worth adding that we are focusing on solving Ozzy's key issues before we do any work in trot.
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Huuuuge value in that, so want to clarify my comment about the trot.

It's not that trot should be used all the time, absolutely not, it's just I needed to put the OP's comment in context, that "only trot" being the problem meant it was a BIG problem. Sure some riders might never trot, I'm sure the lovely lady who rides around Scotland every summer doesn't trot, but it's kind of the alpha and omega of so much regular horse riding that I needed to clarify that.

As I said in this post and many others, establishing balance for the horse is much better done from the ground and in walk, and I disagree with those who say that work isn't really relevant here. It's always relevant and will help in all sorts of ways.
 
sbloom said:
It's not that trot should be used all the time, absolutely not, it's just I needed to put the OP's comment in context, that "only trot" being the problem meant it was a BIG problem. Sure some riders might never trot, I'm sure the lovely lady who rides around Scotland every summer doesn't trot, but it's kind of the alpha and omega of so much regular horse riding that I needed to clarify
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Jane? She certainly walks at a fair pace though!
 
Whilst it sounds as if you have been talked into purchasing something unseen and tried which is pushing you well outside your comfort zone if the horse genuinely has a good settled temperament then you ought to give yourself the best chance of success by living on baked beans on toast for as long as necessary and investing in a professional rider and teacher. Our youngster was bought at 3, from Ireland just broken. For the first 6 months, over winter too, she was ridden twice a week and taught to walk straight and trot in a slow steady rhythm..straight lines, circles, surpentines, shallow loops. If she spooked or rushed she was gently corrected back into steady rhythm. The professional rider rode one lesson and my daughter the other. We ve never carried a stick on her, she is snaffle mouthed with no gadgets worn. Two years on she will jump and hack and do anything we ask of her but that professional rider is still with us and teaches daughter too. The money spent has been an investment in the mares future and I think if anyone buys a youngster and isn’t already skilled in producing then it’s false economy not to put the money in early on.
 
OP apologies, I haven’t had chance to read everything so if I repeat advice already given then apologies.

Firstly are you able to find an alternate yard (even if temporary) that offers schooling as well as instruction ?

If so then possibly avail yourself of their services for 6-8 weeks to get their help in both bringing him on and giving you lessons.

Ideally have some lessons on the lunge on a school master to improve your balance.

Work on your core strength off the horse which will help you to get in balance more rapidly.

Enjoy the groundwork, grooming, walking out in hand and general bonding. Again get lessons on how to lunge and long rein and instil manners. The bonding will help.

Ideally experience is needed to get a youngster but if not then learning together is ok if you seek professional advice.

Hopefully he is a “nice person” as that can be nature not nurture and as long as he is then hopefully you will get there.

If you can’t afford the professional help then I would recommend cutting your losses and selling him on, if you don’t get help then you could end up massively devaluing him as well as risking your safety. You could then get yourself something older that will be forgiving of you learning at your own pace.

Horse prices tend to peak between 7-14 depending on schooling, breeding etc. Under 7 are still getting established and over 14 their longevity is reducing.
 
I think OP will be looking into getting additional support - professional trainer/rider possibly plus a sharer would be ideal.
At one stage I cut down to one lesson a fortnight with a slightly more expensive instructor as one high-quality session fortnightly was much more impactful than weekly sessions of lesser quality.
In the meantime, the horse was getting hacked out and, as his balance improved, we started doing basic schooling on hacks, which did a lot of good.

The OP's horse has been bought as a safe hack with a kind personality and with the right support this is certainly achievable. He needs schooling in the basics and to build strength/balance, but if he's good to hack out - especially alone - he's definitely worth keeping and investing in. People are constantly looking for well-mannered horses - especially cobs/maxi cobs - that are dependable, not spooky or silly and good in traffic. I saw one such horse (9 year old) for sale recently at an eye-watering price - infact, the price was similar to a horse that had competed successfully at BE90 but was 'sharp.'
We know that there are some reputable cob dealers that work on getting the young cobs basically schooled and making sure they are safe on hacks and then sell them for a very good price.
There's always a market for 'ready made' happy hackers who look after their riders, even if their schooling doesn't extend much beyond relatively basic flatwork.
 
Jasmine2023 said:
I can't imagine Charlie having a 'Kevin' stage he is so laid back and kind. I mainly want to hack out which we have done with good success. There have been a few little issues but I have managed those and he seems happy hacking. We don't go far as he is out of condition and a little overweight. I planned on little and often as I can. But I would obviously like to do other things and learn but I am not in a hurry. I have to think on what I can and cannot afford. At the moment I have a terminally ill dog who is taking a lot of my money due to his insurance running out. Lots of expensive medication costing lots of money sadly. I have been thinking of getting the shires neck strap for a while. And please note as mentioned previously I do have an air vest which I know can't 100% protect me but should help a lot in the event of a fall.
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Sorry but the "laidback and kind" often go through the worst Kevin stages! I have seen too many people be fooled by the baby willing-to-please stage.
 
baran said:
Sorry but the "laidback and kind" often go through the worst Kevin stages! I have seen too many people be fooled by the baby willing-to-please stage.
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I agree to a certain extent as have experienced it many times with cobs. However, I have also had and know some that sailed through life without ever hitting the Kevins, there is nothing to say this won't be the case with OPs new horse with the right support and education going forward.

Maybe not the best time for horror stories really. OP is already stressed and trying to work out a way forward so a bit of encouragement would be great.
 
Nancykitt said:
I think OP will be looking into getting additional support - professional trainer/rider possibly plus a sharer would be ideal.
At one stage I cut down to one lesson a fortnight with a slightly more expensive instructor as one high-quality session fortnightly was much more impactful than weekly sessions of lesser quality.
In the meantime, the horse was getting hacked out and, as his balance improved, we started doing basic schooling on hacks, which did a lot of good.

The OP's horse has been bought as a safe hack with a kind personality and with the right support this is certainly achievable. He needs schooling in the basics and to build strength/balance, but if he's good to hack out - especially alone - he's definitely worth keeping and investing in. People are constantly looking for well-mannered horses - especially cobs/maxi cobs - that are dependable, not spooky or silly and good in traffic. I saw one such horse (9 year old) for sale recently at an eye-watering price - infact, the price was similar to a horse that had competed successfully at BE90 but was 'sharp.'
We know that there are some reputable cob dealers that work on getting the young cobs basically schooled and making sure they are safe on hacks and then sell them for a very good price.
There's always a market for 'ready made' happy hackers who look after their riders, even if their schooling doesn't extend much beyond relatively basic flatwork.
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I think you have hit the nail on the head here and explained it perfectly.

OP will need to cut their cloth according with professional/good quality support for a while and the size of this budget will decide how quickly progress is made. Good quality support is priceless.

For instance the freelancer I chose to use cost £35 per session for the first few weeks we did twice weekly sessions and I had homework from each session to ensure Reg stayed on track. We didn't move quickly and I didn't expect to move to quickly, but we progressed. As we did I slowed the session to 3 a fortnight and then to 1 a week. We have stopped now, but I will keep the ground work going and pick up the ridden work and freelancer sessions again in the spring. Although I had a budget for sending Reg away for backing I funded the freelancer by cutting back on competing the other ponies. So I wasn't out of pocket so to speak I just moved the funds from one activity to the other.
 
Ok so…

- You have a young sweet horse but lack the skills and confidence to help him continue to learn.
- You’re short on money to pay someone to do that education for you.
- You don’t feel you have the option to sell and look for something older/get a share instead.

Best suggestion I have then is for you to look for a sharer for him. Ask for a tiny financial commitment (shoes or something) - riding for free means people often don’t turn up - do the chores yourself so they can just come and ride, and look for someone competent with enough experience to help him. Maybe an experienced mum returning to riding who might have time in their lunch break or just at weekends. Be totally honest and make sure the person you find is the right fit.
 
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