Update on Lari - riding

[Lucky Snowball]

Super looking horse. Well done with all your hard work and for losing weight. Definitely on the 'up' ready for the summer.

 

[Birker2020]

Super looking horse. Well done with all your hard work and for losing weight. Definitely on the 'up' ready for the summer.

I hope so, there's fun rides, SJ and dressage I'm planning for him. Exciting times.

 

[sportsmansB]

I wouldn't ride a potentially spooky horse on the outside track at all
Not because there is more to spook at there but because going around the edge they have time to think of things to spook at as hanging on the wall is no effort to them
I'd always be bending, turning, circling, serpentining, straightness on centre lines and three quarter lines, lateral work, constantly doing something so that they have to focus on you and not the blades of grass / birdies / crisp bags etc
Its also good for me if I'm on a sharp one as I haven't time to think about what they might do and potentially tense up, since I'm constantly working on the plan of where we are going to go next.

 

[ycbm]

I hope so, there's fun rides, SJ and dressage I'm planning for him. Exciting times.

I hope you have a really fun summer together B, after all the effort and emotion you've invested in him you deserve it.
.

 

[Ratface]

I wouldn't ride a potentially spooky horse on the outside track at all
Not because there is more to spook at there but because going around the edge they have time to think of things to spook at as hanging on the wall is no effort to them
I'd always be bending, turning, circling, serpentining, straightness on centre lines and three quarter lines, lateral work, constantly doing something so that they have to focus on you and not the blades of grass / birdies / crisp bags etc
Its also good for me if I'm on a sharp one as I haven't time to think about what they might do and potentially tense up, since I'm constantly working on the plan of where we are going to go next.

As the owner of a spooktastic, sharp horse, with an advanced sense of humour, I second the above advice. The only time I head down the outside of the school is to reach the nearest point at which to leave it!

 

[Birker2020]

Thanks everyone, I've had some smashing comments from you, its really given me a confidence boost. However, .....
I think I'm going to have to cancel my lesson tonight, winds by us are around 57 km/h at the moment, going down to mid 40's by after work.

I think I'm going to leave it for tonight, put him on the walker and put his massage pad on instead.

Discretion being the better part of valour and all that. I'd have happily ridden Bailey in the school in these winds but I knew her inside out and back to front. Its not worth suffering a fall for the sake of waiting a few days.

 

[The Jokers Girl]

I am sure Birker will have some, but I started a noom thread a bot back, and several of us lost substantial weight. If you search noom, you should be able to find it.

Thanks Red, will do a search. I've heard a lot of good things about noon so will give it a try

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Looking at the speed of clouds moving here, I think you’re right to cancel the lesson!

I couldn’t use a stick on Beau, he’d need a wall to stop him, very impressive last time he did it. A friend who used to hack him would put the whip down her boot ‘just in case’.

 

[Red-1]

Thanks everyone, I've had some smashing comments from you, its really given me a confidence boost. However, .....
I think I'm going to have to cancel my lesson tonight, winds by us are around 57 km/h at the moment, going down to mid 40's by after work.

I think I'm going to leave it for tonight, put him on the walker and put his massage pad on instead.

Discretion being the better part of valour and all that. I'd have happily ridden Bailey in the school in these winds but I knew her inside out and back to front. Its not worth suffering a fall for the sake of waiting a few days. View attachment 90274

A wise decision!

When I got my new one, I would have avoided the wind. It took 5 or 6 months before I would happily stride out in a gale.

I was at the same age and stage as you (or similar at least), and have been very cautious to make each experience a good one.

 

[eggs]

funnily enough I have just come in from doing the yard and was just thinking that I didn't fancy riding in the wind - it is absolutely howling and the trees are being whipped about

there is absolutely no shame in making the pragmatic decision not to have your lesson today - I think it is a wise choice

 

[Birker2020]

funnily enough I have just come in from doing the yard and was just thinking that I didn't fancy riding in the wind - it is absolutely howling and the trees are being whipped about

there is absolutely no shame in making the pragmatic decision not to have your lesson today - I think it is a wise choice

I text the pro rider and she said she isn't riding any of hers in the wind today, which makes me feel a lot better!

 

[Chippers1]

I've had mine 5 years and still wouldn't ride in this wind he's a spook monster!
Glad it's all coming together I'm also one who doesn't ride on the outside track, far too much to spook at so we concentrate on the inside track and lots of other things to do instead.

 

[Birker2020]

I've had mine 5 years and still wouldn't ride in this wind he's a spook monster!
Glad it's all coming together I'm also one who doesn't ride on the outside track, far too much to spook at so we concentrate on the inside track and lots of other things to do instead.

I've never thought of riding on the inside, always ridden on the track, I'm hoping it might make the difference.

 

[Upthecreek]

Completely understand you not riding in the wind at this stage of getting back on board Birker, but it does baffle me when people don’t ride in different weather conditions because it makes the horse spooky. How do horses get used to it and learn not to react badly to less than perfect weather conditions if you don’t ride in them? And what do you do if the weather isn’t perfect calm conditions on the day of a lesson, clinic or competition? Do you withdraw or still go and just accept that the horse will be too busy spooking to concentrate properly on the work? Just musing and interested to know people’s thoughts on riding in spooky weather after a conversation on this very subject at the yard this afternoon.

 

[Bernster]

Not addressed to me but I’d say when it’s a new horse and I’m getting to know them, I tend to be quite cautious. But as you get to know them better, yes, eventually you ride in less than perfect conditions and you have to get through spook inducing moments. I’m a bit of a fair weather rider and wouldn’t ride in horrendous rain or snow though, and would prob avoid gale force winds!

 

[Chippers1]

The wind is very strong where I am today so neither of us would enjoy being out in it. That's not to say I wouldn't ride if it was a slightly less strong wind. My horse is spooky whether I try riding him in different weather conditions or not, it's just who he is!
I'd go to a competition/lesson/clinic in whatever weather as I know he's much better away from home, and I'm often the only one riding when it's raining (or sideways hail like last week) because of the reasoning that if we were out we'd have to carry on regardless.
However I ride for fun mainly not for serious competition and gale force winds aren't fun ?

 

[Red-1]

Completely understand you not riding in the wind at this stage of getting back on board Birker, but it does baffle me when people don’t ride in different weather conditions because it makes the horse spooky. How do horses get used to it and learn not to react badly to less than perfect weather conditions if you don’t ride in them? And what do you do if the weather isn’t perfect calm conditions on the day of a lesson, clinic or competition? Do you withdraw or still go and just accept that the horse will be too busy spooking to concentrate properly on the work? Just musing and interested to know people’s thoughts on riding in spooky weather after a conversation on this very subject at the yard this afternoon.

I look at it as managing the challenges. At first, there are many challenges and we don't need gusty winds to add to the challenge. Once the horse is obedient to leg and hand, then you have much more control and can manage a bigger challenge. Once they are also on your weight aids, so you can balance them etc easily, then you are in their heads, and can ward off an incident before it happens, the challenge can be big.

I did ride yesterday in a lesson on the gallops, despite rain on the way there and wind with hail as I mounted up. The weather miraculously cleared as we started, but we were up for the challenge as we have been getting it together for a few months now.

Today, same horse, but I didn't fancy a hack out as it is blustery rain, and it is supposed to be fun, and I wouldn't have fun. Tomorrow, I will be hacking rain or shine (but not thunder and lightening) as we have a lesson on Saturday and we would not normally have 2 days off before a group lesson outdoors. Tomorrow I will do it even if it isn't fun, because I want to have fun on Saturday.

When I was battling mum's dementia, I didn't have much resilience left, so only rode when the conditions were good. I would have also cancelled an outside lesson. It wouldn't have been fun, I had other things on my mind.

I no longer work with horses, now I only ride for fun.

That is my thinking anyway!

 

[Peglo]

Completely understand you not riding in the wind at this stage of getting back on board Birker, but it does baffle me when people don’t ride in different weather conditions because it makes the horse spooky. How do horses get used to it and learn not to react badly to less than perfect weather conditions if you don’t ride in them? And what do you do if the weather isn’t perfect calm conditions on the day of a lesson, clinic or competition? Do you withdraw or still go and just accept that the horse will be too busy spooking to concentrate properly on the work? Just musing and interested to know people’s thoughts on riding in spooky weather after a conversation on this very subject at the yard this afternoon.

to be honest I ride for fun and after working in crap weather all day I’m totally ok just not riding in it as I wouldn’t find it fun. But I’m no competitor so doesn’t matter to me. We have an indoor school up here so most things are run indoors as the weather is often crap so when I do do more it’s mostly indoors.

eta I’ve only ridden Tali once in wind and she was a bit sassy but really not that bad.

 

[Birker2020]

I wouldn't ride a potentially spooky horse on the outside track at all
Not because there is more to spook at there but because going around the edge they have time to think of things to spook at as hanging on the wall is no effort to them
I'd always be bending, turning, circling, serpentining, straightness on centre lines and three quarter lines, lateral work, constantly doing something so that they have to focus on you and not the blades of grass / birdies / crisp bags etc
Its also good for me if I'm on a sharp one as I haven't time to think about what they might do and potentially tense up, since I'm constantly working on the plan of where we are going to go next.

I hear what you say. In my defence I've not schooled for probably six years now, not ridden for six months so I am going to have to get riding fit first, it was just a quick walk and trot round for the saddle fitter. I will incorporate more transitions and turns next time. I can only walk and trot at the moment due to him being in rehab from his hock and SI medication. Next Friday I can start canter which will be exciting!

 

[milliepops]

I ultimately build to riding in whatever weather i find tolerable - if it's safe to travel to shows then i go (so not in ice or wind so strong it's too dangerous to drive the lorry) so do practice riding in horrid conditions at home.

but like others, with a new horse i prefer to pick my battles until we know each other. yesterday the wind was howling around the yard so i "rode" (he's only just being backed now ) the 4yo who is immune to these things, and left the 8yo in his box, as he is mad as a box of frogs at the best of times and we're still getting a rapport together.

 

[Birker2020]

I ultimately build to riding in whatever weather i find tolerable - if it's safe to travel to shows then i go (so not in ice or wind so strong it's too dangerous to drive the lorry) so do practice riding in horrid conditions at home.

but like others, with a new horse i prefer to pick my battles until we know each other. yesterday the wind was howling around the yard so i "rode" (he's only just being backed now ) the 4yo who is immune to these things, and left the 8yo in his box, as he is mad as a box of frogs at the best of times and we're still getting a rapport together.

I agree with picking your battles. If it had been Bailey when I was able to school all those years ago, I wouldn't have hesitated. She could throw in some huge spooks but I knew her inside out and knew the limits to her spooks. With Lari I am not sure yet about how 'low' he will go

If anyone says to me 'I would ride in this' I just say "well you know where my tack is".

 

[milliepops]

thing is with a new horse you have the choice to either crack on regardless and take the rough with the smooth, OR be strategic to give yourself the best opportunity of having good experiences.

I prefer the second option generally, if there is no need to have a horrible time (like, no deadlines or unexpected things happening) then you can build the confidence bank up faster by protecting yourself a bit and stretching the comfort zone in a planned way. it's been on my mind a fair bit recently as I have had 6 months off riding, then back to it in a fairly full on way with a breaker and a rather sharp older horse. I'm trying to set us all up to have only good experiences as much as possible.

 

[Birker2020]

thing is with a new horse you have the choice to either crack on regardless and take the rough with the smooth, OR be strategic to give yourself the best opportunity of having good experiences.

I prefer the second option generally, if there is no need to have a horrible time (like, no deadlines or unexpected things happening) then you can build the confidence bank up faster by protecting yourself a bit and stretching the comfort zone in a planned way. it's been on my mind a fair bit recently as I have had 6 months off riding, then back to it in a fairly full on way with a breaker and a rather sharp older horse. I'm trying to set us all up to have only good experiences as much as possible.

The way I see it with my previous injuries and particuarly with my multiple concussions, albeit over several years, I only have a limited number of falls left. I know there is an inherent risk with riding, but its a risk we all take and everyone falls off at some point.

The damage that has been done to my body by falls from Bailey have significantly changed my way of life up to this point. So if I can mitigate the risk by lunging/horse walker prior to riding, wearing an air jacket, feeding high fibre/low sugar, not riding if I feel the weather may be against us, and get the pro rider to ride him as often as I can afford to, then its a good plan going forward.

I really want to be going out jumping, dressaging and dare I say it fun riding like I have the others but this feels so far off at the moment to almost be an impossibility. Vet coming out 20th for another assessment so we will see how we get on before he comes out and then confer.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Having ridden and broken alot of young horses in my time I have the mindset of only introduce a new challenge or training milestone when you have all the ideals in place, calm weather, calm environment, calm in yourself as much as possible.
Only when a horse knows what is expected of it and understands what is being asked, will I begin to add challenges such as riding in windy weather, tractor working in next field whilst schooling, hacking out on bin day, venturing on outside track of the spooky side of school etc etc. I guess it's setting both horse up and ultimately yourself not to fail and installing confidence.
In your shoes I would take that attitude, even though your horse is older, you're still a new combination.
Good luck!

 

[Alibear]

At the moment, you are building your confidence and his. So, for now, you ride when the conditions suit confidence building. The rest can come later. I learned that ignoring that confidence goal is what held me and my horses back for many years. Small progressive steps are definitley the answer.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

As I've gotten older, I've realized that I prefer to set myself (and my horse, for that matter) up for success, and not for failure. Or, if I don't want to do something, it's fine.

If it's cold and windy, I'll ride inside. Even if my horse is fine with it. I don't like that weather and we have a lovely indoor. If we only had an outdoor I'd do it, but I have a choice and don't let anyone make me feel guilty about it (a fellow livery likes to oddly brag about not using the indoor much).

If something doesn't feel right, then I don't do it. If I fetch my horse and feel that today wouldn't be a good day for hack, then we do something else. When i don't listen to that feeling, I often have regrets. My main goal is to keep our fitness up and we generally have no deadlines. Even if there is a clinic or comp on the weekend, we school enough to be prepared. It's just the odd day where I change my mind or say "You know...I don't have to do this today." It's my hobby, so I choose to make it as enjoyable and stress free (ha! Horses) as possible. If someone else thinks I'm scared (usually that's not the issue, I just "rather not" or don't have the energy for whatever on that day), then they can think that, even if it's wrong ?

My point is, this should be a nice time for you with your horse, and there's nothing wrong with trying to set yourself up for success. There's nothing wrong with the occasional "not today" and these are your choices to make. Better than getting yourself into something and going "Ah sh*t, I should've just not!" And ruining your confidence or training.

Sure, we need go challenge ourselves and our horses, while steadily expanding our comfort zones, but there's a balance.

Sounds like you just need to take it day by day. I hope that you have a great ride!

 

[SBJT]

Completely understand you not riding in the wind at this stage of getting back on board Birker, but it does baffle me when people don’t ride in different weather conditions because it makes the horse spooky. How do horses get used to it and learn not to react badly to less than perfect weather conditions if you don’t ride in them? And what do you do if the weather isn’t perfect calm conditions on the day of a lesson, clinic or competition? Do you withdraw or still go and just accept that the horse will be too busy spooking to concentrate properly on the work? Just musing and interested to know people’s thoughts on riding in spooky weather after a conversation on this very subject at the yard this afternoon.

Second this. I make a point of riding at times in high winds, etc. Weather can change here really quickly and you might get caught in sudden high wind, snowstorm, thunderstorm, tornado, or anything else you can think of. I want to know that if I’m in the back country I can get out safely. Some of the people at my barn think I’m nuts but then they’ve never been stuck 10km from the trailer with a thunderstorm rolling in.

 

[Birker2020]

Second this. I make a point of riding at times in high winds, etc. Weather can change here really quickly and you might get caught in sudden high wind, snowstorm, thunderstorm, tornado, or anything else you can think of. I want to know that if I’m in the back country I can get out safely. Some of the people at my barn think I’m nuts but then they’ve never been stuck 10km from the trailer with a thunderstorm rolling in.

Yes I used to make a point of riding Bailey in the rain, never bothered me, in fact it was quite nice as its refreshing.

 

[Annagain]

I enjoy riding in the rain, all wrapped up against the elements but only if the horse is dry to begin with!

I'm with you on building slowly and doing what you're comfortable with for now. I would ride Arch and Mont in any weather but would have been wary with Charlie in anything more than a stiff breeze in the school. I'd have been happier hacking him out in wind but most of our hacking is woodland so we tend to avoid that in high winds for obvious reasons!

 

[Birker2020]

UPDATE: I managed to ride Friday, a friend got on for me first and then I got on, did 10 minutes in the school, mainly walk and a bit of trot. Saturday I walked around the yard first with someone then four laps on my own. After the fourth lap I decided to go in the school and he decided he didn't want to which led to a bit of foot shuffling, prancing and a spin but I got him in four times, I made him go in and back out again, so I felt like he was just trying it on.

Yesterday I rode in the school for about 15 mins and also came out and walked around the yard and straight back in the menage off both reins and he was fine. I felt a lot more comfortable yesterday on him. Going to give him tonight off and start again Tuesday or Wednesday.

Sadly lost my rider/instructor due to someone causing trouble for me and stirring trouble (delightful how some people are) so now I'm on my own although trying to find a reliable and regular person to ride once a week and teach me once a week. I think I've possibly found someone which is good. Onwards and upwards.