DottlebangBandersnatch
Well-Known Member
So I have a 14hh 9yo cob mare very gentle, very sweet can be lead by children, bombproof, doesn't spook or shy and is just genuinely my heart horse.
During lockdown (and the summer holidays) she was in very consistent work at least 4/5 days a week. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but we just hack and it only used to be once a week. During this time she was excellent and trustworthy and I felt as though I could have her on the buckle most of the time (and often did). She learned a lot and generally became a more experienced horse she's very green as she was broken as a 4yo and just left in a field till I hopped on and started working with her.
Now I've gone back to school and stay the nights Sunday to Thursday and go back Friday afternoon. This means I will usually get about 2 rides a week 3 if I'm lucky.
Unfortunately she has become increasingly strong and hot (not like her old self at all) and I have to have a consistent contact with her at all times to stop her cantering along the roads etc. I feel like this is partly due to a lack of work, partly because she became so much fitter over the summer (she was so fat before it was unbelievable!) and because we haven't gone anywhere new for a while to keep her interested due to a lack of time.
It also doesn't help that we know eachother so well that she knows the words I say before a canter/gallop and will anticipate my cues. Not the words I use as cues but what I say to my friends like "a canter here?" Or "ready?" Specifically her trot is very very strong and fast and I can't for the life of me get it under control. It's starting to make riding not fun for me which I thought could never happen.
There's no one else really experienced or who I trust enough at my yard to exercise her during the week. I think I will take her on a long walking hack at the weekend and do some schooling with lots of transitions.
Anyway thanks so much if you've made it to the end of my vent. Feel free to leave advice or tips I'm really struggling at the minute so any help is appreciated! Xx
During lockdown (and the summer holidays) she was in very consistent work at least 4/5 days a week. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but we just hack and it only used to be once a week. During this time she was excellent and trustworthy and I felt as though I could have her on the buckle most of the time (and often did). She learned a lot and generally became a more experienced horse she's very green as she was broken as a 4yo and just left in a field till I hopped on and started working with her.
Now I've gone back to school and stay the nights Sunday to Thursday and go back Friday afternoon. This means I will usually get about 2 rides a week 3 if I'm lucky.
Unfortunately she has become increasingly strong and hot (not like her old self at all) and I have to have a consistent contact with her at all times to stop her cantering along the roads etc. I feel like this is partly due to a lack of work, partly because she became so much fitter over the summer (she was so fat before it was unbelievable!) and because we haven't gone anywhere new for a while to keep her interested due to a lack of time.
It also doesn't help that we know eachother so well that she knows the words I say before a canter/gallop and will anticipate my cues. Not the words I use as cues but what I say to my friends like "a canter here?" Or "ready?" Specifically her trot is very very strong and fast and I can't for the life of me get it under control. It's starting to make riding not fun for me which I thought could never happen.
There's no one else really experienced or who I trust enough at my yard to exercise her during the week. I think I will take her on a long walking hack at the weekend and do some schooling with lots of transitions.
Anyway thanks so much if you've made it to the end of my vent. Feel free to leave advice or tips I'm really struggling at the minute so any help is appreciated! Xx
