Update from the girl who is 'ruining her horse' part 2

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Switchthehorse

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Ok, so i caused a bit of mild hysteria on here back in the summer when i posted the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VzzTxoUw4

At the time i posted it because I wanted a few people who were having problems with their horses to have some encouragement that they were not the only ones - plan kind of backfired - got loads of criticism, concern i was ruining my horse, hurting her, that she was in pain, i was being cruel etc etc. I also though got a large amount of encouragement and some private messages that literally made me cry (soppy sod) because they were so lovely and kind. Probably a fool to post it again but anyway!!!

At the time I hope I explained that my girl who is 7 is VERY obnoxious and VERY big - 17hh IDxWB... she is a tank. A couple of instructors had basically said to me to give up. I had had everything checked and she was in no pain, I tried just about every bit under the sun, nothing worked, she tanked, she napped, she ran out, she stood up, she refused etc but there was no technical reason for it, I maintained and will still to this day that she is a single minded mare!!

Roll on four months, no I havent given up on her, yes I continually get things checked and still all ok, I have been through my fair share of instructors but finally found one who is willing to stick with me and an excellent flat trainer as well. I have schooled schooled schooled til we were both sick of it. I have pole worked, I have taken her religiously almost every weekend to shows to try and break the habit and every single weekend I am eliminated!! Never finished a course!! And cried most weekends out of frustration :)

This weekend was the start of the indoor season round my way - I went for 'schooling', didnt expect to get past fence three to be honest as was eliminated there at least 4 times in the spring!! My plan was to trot between fences, make sure she didnt lose her shoulder round turns so less likely to nap and NOT let her run out...

Anyway here are the results.. why am I showing this?? a) to show off a bit of course :) b) for pure comedy value - keep the volume up - there is a bit where the commentator speaks and c) mainly to say thank you to everyone who did support me, and those of you who are always sure that it is pain related in a VERY small number of cases it isnt necessarily, there are such things as difficult, mareish/obnoxious horses!! I ruddy love mine and I know there is still a long way to go but after 4 years we finally just finally got our moneys worth from a show!! :) Oh and she is beautiful even if i say so myself - her only saving grace at times!!!

Oh and yes my hands waggle when i am trying to get her to go forward and my legs go too far back!! I am far from perfect and don't panic i am still having lessons!!! Please feel free to feedback and cc as always!! I just hope I dont start the row I did last time :)

So thank you everyone who was lovely!!! And Don't give up if you are in the same position!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwQjpornSkw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

PS - you will see from my other videos she isnt quite 'fixed' still a long way to go!!!
 
Your determination is a credit to you. I'm not looking where your hands are, or how you have your feet, I can see someone who is giving her soul to her horse in order to achieve a common goal, and that is for you both to become a team, and it's certainly coming!

Well done, and look back on this if things go 'off' again, you will know it's just a glitch, and you will get here again.

Looking forward to seeing some more soon!

:D
 
Well done, just goes to show sometimes horses are just noaughty to be naughty and not due to pain or human ignorance.

Some of those fences were jumped from a lovely rhythm Well done :D
 
Are you sure this is the same horse??

Haha only messing! What a fab story and turn around. She looks much more confident and what a lovely jump :)

Massive well done to you both!
 
WELL DONE YOU!! it really bugs me when people jump on the "your horse MUST be in pain to behave like that" bandwagon! and thats not to say i wouldnt have a horse checked, my horse has KS!
anyhoo! your horse is/was a bully and just needed to meet his match and you and your instructor are doing a fab job! keep at it!

oh and as for hands, neck strap! i wouldnt be without mine :-D
 
Didnt see your old thread - but watched both videos. What a little so and so he can be ? But so pretty who could dislike him? You must be thrilled with the latest video, very well done, you are a great and determined little rider.:D
 
So glad you updated. When you originally posted I thought your horse was beautiful but a total moo bag and it turns out she is! But she looks like she positively enjoyed that. Give yourself a massive massive pat on the back for all your perseverance and for working out how to get round her. Now you have the key it's onwards and upwards :) You look so happy at the end of your round. Thank you for braving the forum again :)
 
Well done you! It is a lovely looking horse though! Just when those devil horns poke through! Don't mind the hysteria on here, there is a lot of it! You should be so proud of yourself for not giving up, keep aiming high! :D x
 
Agree with Echo Bravo- She looks like she could do a decent dressage test. Have you have thought about showing?

The difference of her face says it all, in the first vid she looks confused and angry, in the 2nd vid you have one happy horse :)
 
What a lovely post to see! I think I'm as delighted for you as you were when you finished your round. :)

She looks to be starting to actually enjoy what she is doing now and I think that as her confidence grows she might even do well!

Good on you for persevering, it's the difficult horses that make the biggest impact on our lives and teach us so much.:)
 
a huge well done!!! and well done for not giving up on her, i think your extremly brave for getting her out every weekend for the experience knowing what people must of been saying at times :(
shes extremly pretty and rather scopy! i think you have a super star in the making and you can clearly see all your hard work has paid off, keep the posts coming!!!!
 
I just watched both videos. I thought you did really well to sit those rears and run outs!

Well done for sticking with it,so many people would have bailed out ages ago!!! What a gorgeous horse. I was on the edge of my seat watching you jump that clear round, fab fab fab.U should be very proud of yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
your horse is naughty because she is a very talented girl and more often than not talent come with attitude! ( I've got one the same) she throws a lovely shape over a fence when she gets it right and gives them plenty of clearance.

I know what it's like to have frustrations like yours and all I can say is well done. Your perseverence and determination is admirable.
 
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congrats :) a very noticeable difference. As others have said once she got going a lot of those fences were jumped from a lovely rhythm and she looked happy with her job. Hope things continue to improve for you :)
 
aarrhhh well done :D
she's just how mine was, but not quite as bad ,and looks the same :) we got there in the end, and are now going from strength to strength, like you, so well done :):)
i also found trotting between fences help us too...
 
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