Simbacat
Well-Known Member
Hi I just thought I would post a quick update to give hope to anyone who has any or all of the above problems. It's month 5 since my move to Surrey and my hot ex polo chestnut mare and I are just getting better and better.
To remind you we hadn't hacked out much at all in our previous year of companionship as there really wasn't anywhere to go in our previous home in Kent, we just played polocrosse. Not surprisingly its been a bit of a mission.
Going first she would spook at a large leaf or a log, never mind being chased by dogs or finding snakes in the grass. Going second she would pull like mad at a trot or canter chucking her head in the air - and toss her head (and at one point rein snatch) at a walk. I did wonder if it would work out at all.
On Saturday I thought we had a bit of a breakthrough, she was relatively brave going first - or maybe I have just got to the point of anticipating and accepting her jumps and shies. We had a funny moment meeting another horse on a narrow path and IT did a spin, not us!
Following behind on the way out we could canter with just a reasonably light touch and on the faster moments ( the odd place we can do a good fast canter) I didn't feel I was hauling on her reins. Best moment we came back with a low head and almost loose rein!! Hurray!! What did it?I think just time, learning through her reactions to trust her more, sit deeper and have a softer hand. Before we were in a negative spiral of tenseness and fear. I took lots of advice but in the end I think she has been the one to really make me learn my lessons. So to any of you with a nappy or difficult horse things can work out , and a big thank you to all the advice I have had here and from the lovely people who have supported me at my yard.
To remind you we hadn't hacked out much at all in our previous year of companionship as there really wasn't anywhere to go in our previous home in Kent, we just played polocrosse. Not surprisingly its been a bit of a mission.
Going first she would spook at a large leaf or a log, never mind being chased by dogs or finding snakes in the grass. Going second she would pull like mad at a trot or canter chucking her head in the air - and toss her head (and at one point rein snatch) at a walk. I did wonder if it would work out at all.
On Saturday I thought we had a bit of a breakthrough, she was relatively brave going first - or maybe I have just got to the point of anticipating and accepting her jumps and shies. We had a funny moment meeting another horse on a narrow path and IT did a spin, not us!
Following behind on the way out we could canter with just a reasonably light touch and on the faster moments ( the odd place we can do a good fast canter) I didn't feel I was hauling on her reins. Best moment we came back with a low head and almost loose rein!! Hurray!! What did it?I think just time, learning through her reactions to trust her more, sit deeper and have a softer hand. Before we were in a negative spiral of tenseness and fear. I took lots of advice but in the end I think she has been the one to really make me learn my lessons. So to any of you with a nappy or difficult horse things can work out , and a big thank you to all the advice I have had here and from the lovely people who have supported me at my yard.
