Update on nappy horse

A

anniedoherty

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Joined
16 September 2006
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912
Location
Yorkshire
www.boxtreegallery.co.uk
I rode Oliver in the school today. Didn't get off to an auspicious start as I thoughtlessly swished my whip at a bird which flew in as I was leading him in and he broke away from me and cantered round with his reins dangling until I caught him. But, that hiccup (which was my fault entirely) aside he went really well.

My YO came in to watch and advise me and she thinks I've made real progress today. I just hope that I can keep it up. I did actually give him a couple of big slaps with the whip in the first minute or two when he normally thinks of napping and it seemed to work. I managed to keep him going for about 25 mins without any real problems although I did give him a "reminder" with my whip every time I thought he was slowing down. By the end I had got him trotting past the open school door which, believe me, is a big improvement.

I know it doesn't sound like I did much but I am just hoping that this is the start of us being able to do a lot more fun things.
 
Well done for giving hin the smacks, and you done great to give him the reminders. Hope what i and others has helped
smile.gif
 
Yes, thank you. I have had a lot of good advice from forum members and I think that is partly what helped me to go up and ride with a such a positive attitude today - a sort of virtual self-confidence if you like!

He's only just had his saddle fitted and he hasn't altered in weight so I think it is still ok TripleSandH. I have someone that I can ask to have a look at it again for me when she comes up to the yard though.
 
Does he run away when a bird flies past him in the field.. or is he just playing you up?? Telling him who's boss with a couple of smacks has obviously dont him a bit of good - keep being strong with him and done let him take the michael out of you!
 
I think it was me swishing the whip which made him run off. I was going into the indoor school and there are pigeons in there. Sometimes he spooks at them, sometimes not. Depends what mood he's in. He spooked 3 times yesterday at them and nearly had me off once because I lost a stirrup. The other couple of times I just made him keep cantering because I was glad that he was finally going forward. Probably a bad idea but I just did it without thinking. Today he didn't spook at anything I'm pretty sure.
 
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