what is a "positive rider"?

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Dobby

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Am going to see a potential loan horse next week. Talking to the owner she said he's not a novice ride, because he needs a positive rider and isn't a "squeeze and go" horse. I'm not sure what this actually means - he's not responsive? He's 8 years old and has done showjumping and xc before so I wouldn't think it was because he was totally green
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thanks, am very nervous!
 
I have a baby ponio atm and my instructor ust tells me to ride positively. . .

I have taken that idea that she means to always think forwards and to think positively. . .so say coming into the fence i am thinking forwards and ebing over the fence and thinking that he will jump it, if i ever have any doubt he knocks a pole. . .

That is my interpritation anyway
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Oo how exciting! A postive rider is one that rides a horse forward thinking and gives the horse confidence, you need to be there for the horse. A non responsive ride is one of those horses you have to pc kick and can often be hard work! I agree with others when the package comes like that is usually is a nappy horse, but best of luck!
 
I would think that a horse that needs a positive rider would be very sensitive to the feelings of its rider and pick up on nerves/tension easily and possibly take advantage. I would agree that this horse sounds like he will nap and would prob not be suitable for a nervous rider.
 
The old owner of my current horse said he needed a positive rider. He is quite shy and abit spooky. I am a positive rider so he is fine 99% of the time. He did run half the way round the areana the other day though because a friend that was watching sneezed lol.
 
I first heard this when watching the Tim Stockdale Faking It episode - I had to ask my instructor what it meant, and I was told it's the opposite of a quiet rider - rather than sitting through flighty-spooks, you need to push through planting-legs-spooks, and may have to remind the horse what pace they're meant to be going at. It's the type of horse who might need quite strong leg over an obstacle they're not sure about, but not simply lazy.

Type of horse I can't ride at all! Don't let it put you off, I bet he's lovely but just a bit babyish.
 
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He's either nappier than a Pampers factory or incredibly lazy.

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PMSL! I agree- saying it is not a "nudge and go horse" to me means that it will need a good kick to get it going; so I would have thought positive rider in this sense basically means a very assertive rider?! I wouldn't necessarily agree with the other posters that this means the horse will be nappy though, probably just a bit idle or dead to the leg.

Let us know how it goes!
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Hi Dobby,

Difficult question, friend! None of us can say - we don't know you, don't know hoss, don't know his background, or yours.

But most folk would describe him as a 'confidence giver', + i'm glad Ali-m's comments reflect what i thought.

Best thing i can suggest is go + have a look, take a knowledgeable horsey friend with you, or local trainer (if you don't know any, try BHS website for list of local registered trainers), watch owner ride him (in traffic + open fields + with other horses), then get on him yourself.

And, if it doesn't work out, well, he's not your horse. If you love him dearly, same applies...

Wishing you well - oh and your question "what is a positive rider?" should mean one that thinks positive, learns more every day, listens to others' experiences, but above all, enjoys riding. It could, on other hand, in an ad, mean that hoss has problems with his current owner...

Which could well be a problem with the owner alone. Ability, knowledge, experience, etc, remember to ask about all! (This is where a trainer may help see the wood for the trees)

I'd put any agreement in writing, signed by you + owner, then you both know where you stand, if it sadly doesn't work out.

Sincere wishes for a happy outcome, hope you get a new horsey friend, BS x
 
Just how I would describe one of my horses - he has won five point-to-points, and hunts like a dream but is the laziest horse on earth to hack-out on - Ridden positively, he will go forwards - sit there passively and he will dawdle to the point of almost going backwards - Oh and he has never napped in his life!
 
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to me this means several different possibilities:

a) he's a bit nervy and looks to a calm and confident rider to look after him
b) he's a nappy little sh!t who will spin and rear if given half a chance
Or
C) a lazy sod
d) owner hasn't really explained horse very well

just go and see him and you'll know when you've ridden him i would have thought- if you don't then ask owner to clarify what they mean...
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From what the lady has said I would guess that he is a bit lazy and perhaps inclined to 'plant' himself.

Without the 'he's not a squeeze and go" qualifier, I would assume that 'needs a positive rider' means that he is nappy - the sort who spooks to avoid work etc but as she has said he isn't 'squeeze and go' I would think she means he's a bit idle.

Hard to know without going to look though
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