Unscheduled Dismount

[pinkfluffy]

First ride this morning on the new dragon/horse. New saddle, new bridle, new arena, new horse - new me! Only yesterday I was trying to remember how many times I fell off my horse of 22 years - once, the saddle slipped and he stopped for emergency grass as I slipped unceremoniously off. Perfect gentleman. We weren't ambitious but he looked after me.

So I drank my 6th cup of coffee and put my big girl jodhpurs on...
We walked - what a clever boy!
We trotted (eventually) - what a clever boy!
We asked for a canter - what a clever b-

He ran the arena track 3 or 4 times, banged my leg into the wall (ignored everything I said/did) and I bailed off sideways (at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it)

Broke my favorite glasses but at least the body protector and hat work, and there was a soft landing.
My head is throbbing, my leg is throbbing and the bugger immediately stopped trying to fly and trotted off across the arena. He then turned to look at me like "Wasn't that fun?!" When my mum called him the traitor walked over to her like butter wouldn't melt.

Leg up (when it got the feeling back), walk, trot - contemplated a canter but reminded myself I'm 33 not 16 and there is still so much to live for.

Not the first ride I was anticipating. He's not even a 'spooky' horse, I think he was genuinely enjoying a good stretch of the legs, not that he isn't out roaming having fun with his brother all day everyday. Just a bit naughty and I'm stopping my 'get fit' diet. Pass the chocolate.

Anyone else had a 'fun' first ride?

 

[Miss_Millie]

Was the saddle and bridle new to him or just new to you?

We're all different, but I kept my first ride in walk. I wanted to see how she felt about being in her tack, how emotionally regulated she felt etc, and keeping it a positive first ridden experience for both of us.

It's hard to gauge from a viewing (pre-purchase) what a horse is *actually* like imo. Bringing a horse into a new environment with a new owner and new tack is a lot for them. I don't expect much...it would be like if you started a new job and the manager expected you to know the ropes right away, throwing you in at the deep end before you had even learnt everyone's names. Give you relationship time to grow

 

[Birker2020]

First time I rode my previous horse Bailey when I went to view her, she was only 7. I'd never ridden a horse with such an amazing hind limb action, her canter was incredible and I shouted to the dealer "she's bucking" because it was such an alien feeling to me, my other horses didn't have the same action by far and her canter was really expressive and bouncy. In fact when anyone I let ride her their comment was always "isn't she bouncy?" which wasn't ideal when I got a slipped disc as a result of a nasty fall from her as it proper aggravated my back!

When I first rode her and she did a flying change it felt incredible. Never forgotten that incredible feeling.

 

[Red-1]

I was like Miss Millie - my first 'at home' ride on both my current horses was centred around walking to the mounting block, standing still while I mounted and faffed, walk a bit, halted and be done for the day. My days of get-on-and-go have passed, along with me being frighteningly close to 60!

I'm glad you are PK and, if it were me, I would have a brief lunge round before getting on next time, as well as double checking the saddle.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would lunge and do a bit of ground work before getting on a new horse in a new place.

 

[Peglo]

I’ve not been back on my horse after winter break yet but she has gone a little feral if I take her out of her normal routine so will spend several weeks in hand before mounting. We do lots of snorting atm ?

glad your ok. Hope your next ride goes smoother.

 

[pinkfluffy]

Should clarify - this was our first disciplined ride in an arena at home. I've ridden him around the paddock, around the stables and in the field on a 'getting to know each other slowly' thing.
@Miss_Millie - bridle was new, saddle not. You're right, viewing them vs getting them home is so different. I rode him in a large arena when I viewed him and he was amazing. I was told he was most comfortable in an arena but he was actually better in a big open field!
@Birker2020 - I know that feeling! I was ready to buy him just feeling his walk, so bouncy and floaty.
@Red-1 & @Pinkvboots - I've already dug out the lunging kit!
@Peglo the snorting sounds familiar! I went to give him a hay net and he's currently giving me the funniest looks. We've done a lot of groundwork and he's responded really well but he is a big Labrador and would rather be at home eating instead of walking in a straight line or doing as he's told.

 

[nagblagger]

I bought sight unseen, my first ride was a 'plod' around the block alone, we had continuous neighing and then she stopped dead and would not move no matter what I did. I knew then we were meant for each other, both moody and stubborn.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

I bought sight unseen, my first ride was a 'plod' around the block alone, we had continuous neighing and then she stopped dead and would not move no matter what I did. I knew then we were meant for each other, both moody and stubborn.

I didn't buy my now retied mare sight unseen - but our first ever ride out from home was the same. Well actually the first few ride outs from home were also the same until we began to get the measure of each other. Match made in heaven for us too! ?

 

[maya2008]

My staid, sensible two were slightly nutty today - first ride with a canter after a frozen week and a half of just walking with the occasional trot. If this is your first canter for a while, perhaps lunge first next time?

I do have a funny story though if you would like a laugh…first canter on new pony many years ago. Well, we got into canter nicely, and then she just ran, and ran, and ran, and ran. No slowing, no stopping, nothing. Wasn’t dangerous though (she was balanced round the corners and not ridiculously fast), so I decided to wait it out. Ten mins later she was still cantering (now more steadily) round the arena, and my stomach muscles were killing me! Wasn’t giving up though! Eventually she slowed down and dropped into trot. Lots of praise, then I asked for canter again. No issue that time (or any time thereafter), straight in, straight out - oddest thing. No credit to me either, I did nothing but sit there!

Hopefully the same will be true for you - all future rides will be perfectly fine!!

 

[pinkfluffy]

My staid, sensible two were slightly nutty today - first ride with a canter after a frozen week and a half of just walking with the occasional trot. If this is your first canter for a while, perhaps lunge first next time?

I do have a funny story though if you would like a laugh…first canter on new pony many years ago. Well, we got into canter nicely, and then she just ran, and ran, and ran, and ran. No slowing, no stopping, nothing. Wasn’t dangerous though (she was balanced round the corners and not ridiculously fast), so I decided to wait it out. Ten mins later she was still cantering (now more steadily) round the arena, and my stomach muscles were killing me! Wasn’t giving up though! Eventually she slowed down and dropped into trot. Lots of praise, then I asked for canter again. No issue that time (or any time thereafter), straight in, straight out - oddest thing. No credit to me either, I did nothing but sit there!

Hopefully the same will be true for you - all future rides will be perfectly fine!!

Funny thing was I was impressed that whilst he refused to listen to me he did keep to the track in the arena - went into the corners and kept going, very neat - but every time I tried to slow him he would slightly slow then get even faster. We'd done our walking then done some really nice trotting, he'd been so responsive, I barely thought a change of direction and he did it - a false sense of security! He'd been so perfect and had lots of praise and I was just keeping it really simple and thought we'd have 2 seconds of canter and call it quits. Bit too much too soon, I think. On to lunging!

 

[pinkfluffy]

I bought sight unseen, my first ride was a 'plod' around the block alone, we had continuous neighing and then she stopped dead and would not move no matter what I did. I knew then we were meant for each other, both moody and stubborn.

When he tried to steal my coffee I knew we were meant to be.

 

[Celtic Fringe]

I bought my old Welsh-D from a riding school. He was my first pony and I was 39 at the time. First time out we were in a group hack and he bucked me off twice. Second time I sat on the ground swearing like a trooper. Shocked riding school clients all round! In a split second I decided I had to keep him and not send him back (heart over mildly concussed head - he would have ended up at the local market). We had over 15 years together and once we moved yards and got his kissing spines properly diagnosed and treated he was great with me, not so lovely with other people. He was in his 30s when he died 3 years ago and I still smile when I think of his various antics over the years.

 

[pinkfluffy]

I bought my old Welsh-D from a riding school. He was my first pony and I was 39 at the time. First time out we were in a group hack and he bucked me off twice. Second time I sat on the ground swearing like a trooper. Shocked riding school clients all round! In a split second I decided I had to keep him and not send him back (heart over mildly concussed head - he would have ended up at the local market). We had over 15 years together and once we moved yards and got his kissing spines properly diagnosed and treated he was great with me, not so lovely with other people. He was in his 30s when he died 3 years ago and I still smile when I think of his various antics over the years.

I hope I look back in 20yrs when the dragon is in his 30s and laugh at our first proper ride! I'm off to get Life Insurance now.

 

[Ratface]

I hope I look back in 20yrs when the dragon is in his 30s and laugh at our first proper ride! I'm off to get Life Insurance now.

???

 

[Ouch05]

I went to meet my now long gone boy. He was at a rescue centre had been returned from the local riding school as 'not what they need' I had just returned from a 6 month 'holiday' in Iraq although very fit not riding fit at all. When I arrived he was tired up ready I looked in his eyes and knew he would be with me forever. He promptly bucked me off on my test ride before I had a chance to get my act together I was thrown back on top of him and asked you still want him don't you!!! A week later I went to collect him and he was rearing at the gate. Lost him at the age of 27 he was a dude I wish only that I was a better rider back then as he was a great mover and we would have done well. But I had a blast on the naught bucky boy

 

[pinkfluffy]

I went to meet my now long gone boy. He was at a rescue centre had been returned from the local riding school as 'not what they need' I had just returned from a 6 month 'holiday' in Iraq although very fit not riding fit at all. When I arrived he was tired up ready I looked in his eyes and knew he would be with me forever. He promptly bucked me off on my test ride before I had a chance to get my act together I was thrown back on top of him and asked you still want him don't you!!! A week later I went to collect him and he was rearing at the gate. Lost him at the age of 27 he was a dude I wish only that I was a better rider back then as he was a great mover and we would have done well. But I had a blast on the naught bucky boy

I wish I was a better rider for him right now, I know I can be better but I'm so rusty - its like driving a Ferrari when you've just passed your test. I'm looking into lessons (someone to ride him then glue me into the saddle once he's tired) to teach us both.

Your boy was lucky to have found you! Sounds like you had fun

 

[Barton Bounty]

Hopefully it will be a one off and you start to feel better quickly

 

[irishdraft]

I'd had my mare a week when I took her out for first hack, previously just ridden in arena and round one of my own fields. Went into some orchards where she suddenly saw a person in one of the rows, cue spinning so fast she virtually fell over & managed to kick herself, my stirrup leather flew off and hit an apple tree with which she took off down hill with me hanging on sideways. Had to bail as couldn't pull myself back up, she then galloped round the orchards twice before I could catch her and get back on. Not the first confidence giving hack I was hoping for x

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

It’s not a great time of year to get on a relatively unknown horse even though I’ve had mine 4 plus years he’s been a bit more ginger recently ?. I got him in August and went for a hack the next day and kept going but the weather was a bonus although I remember it was a wet day. I’ve always actually found schoolwork the most likely to go pear-shaped even now.

Having joked a little it doesn’t sound the best experience and not one I’d be keen on repeating. This sort of thing can become habitual so do seek some professional help asap to identify the issue. From your posts it sounds as if you might have bought a horse more sensitive than perhaps you’re used to? If you were unbalanced this can make some horses nervous or at least confused about the signals you are giving them. Don’t skimp on help now because it will prevent so many problems developing down the line which cannot always be overcome especially if nerves become an issue.

 

[pinkfluffy]

It’s not a great time of year to get on a relatively unknown horse even though I’ve had mine 4 plus years he’s been a bit more ginger recently ?. I got him in August and went for a hack the next day and kept going but the weather was a bonus although I remember it was a wet day. I’ve always actually found schoolwork the most likely to go pear-shaped even now.

Having joked a little it doesn’t sound the best experience and not one I’d be keen on repeating. This sort of thing can become habitual so do seek some professional help asap to identify the issue. From your posts it sounds as if you might have bought a horse more sensitive than perhaps you’re used to? If you were unbalanced this can make some horses nervous or at least confused about the signals you are giving them. Don’t skimp on help now because it will prevent so many problems developing down the line which cannot always be overcome especially if nerves become an issue.

He is a forward going boy - when he's being good he's incredible but a combination of energy/mixed signals/rusty rider meant our first proper ride was memorable, but it could have been worse. I have had lessons and am getting some for us both together so hopefully that'll help.

I did get back on (minus a glasses lenses) and he was a good boy after that - we did some nice calm walking/trotting etc I think he was confused that I'd left the saddle "Mum, why didn't you just say stop? Why are you covered in sand?"

 

[Ouch05]

I wish I was a better rider for him right now, I know I can be better but I'm so rusty - its like driving a Ferrari when you've just passed your test. I'm looking into lessons (someone to ride him then glue me into the saddle once he's tired) to teach us both.

Your boy was lucky to have found you! Sounds like you had fun

Thank you. A good instructor is all you need. The right one will 'get' both of you and help you work together. I have had lots over the years due to moving with my work then I found my current one and the difference is amazing.

Good luck,

 

[Squeak]

Going against the grain, I always get on a new horse the day after I get it home and give it a schooling session. Nothing too taxing, a walk, trot, canter, tick the basics off kind of thing but I've had a few horses that are more energetic and more of a handful to ride if they've not done much work so I'd feel like I was setting them up for failure if I only walked them or did some stuff in hand for a couple of days.

OP I hope you're ok, I'd agree with the others that a lunge before you next get on is a good idea as well as some lessons. If it happens again I'd either be speaking to the previous owners or getting a pro on board to see if it is you or the horse. Also if you do have a lesson it would be well worth having a conversation about plans for how to stop if he does it again. Personally I go for smaller and smaller circles but it would be good to have something up your sleeve just in case.

 

[pinkfluffy]

Going against the grain, I always get on a new horse the day after I get it home and give it a schooling session. Nothing too taxing, a walk, trot, canter, tick the basics off kind of thing but I've had a few horses that are more energetic and more of a handful to ride if they've not done much work so I'd feel like I was setting them up for failure if I only walked them or did some stuff in hand for a couple of days.

OP I hope you're ok, I'd agree with the others that a lunge before you next get on is a good idea as well as some lessons. If it happens again I'd either be speaking to the previous owners or getting a pro on board to see if it is you or the horse. Also if you do have a lesson it would be well worth having a conversation about plans for how to stop if he does it again. Personally I go for smaller and smaller circles but it would be good to have something up your sleeve just in case.

That was my thought - he was such a superstar when I tried him and the only horse I'd sat on that made me grin like an idiot whilst happily cantering around (never happened to me before, believe me) and I knew he was 'the one' and very special. So I felt like I'd be letting him down/ doing him a disservice if I didn't go through the paces etc because I knew he was capable and it was a nice safe area with no distractions.

I've booked lessons and the instructor is going to ride him first more for my confidence than anything. I'm now positive it was me not actually giving him a clear signal to stop that was the problem and that he was having fun being a bit naughty.