What would you do?

Really agree with Janet here.

I have two horses and one of them (8 yo TB mare) is sometimes ridden by my friend. She is capable technically but lacks confidence. The mare treats her like a muppet, and when I see her doing this I think "Crikey, I'm going to have a right game with her when I ride her". I never do! NOT because I'm some amazing rider but simply because I'm not scared of her and I'm really assertive/positive in my riding. I don't mean thraping either, but I do mean I simply won't have it.

The day after she was a swine with my friend, I was riding her down the lane and very suddenly we ended up faced with a flock of 50 sheep careering down the lane and totally surrounding us. She's an ex - racer and I thought I'd have a scene for sure - nothing. She was nervy, she was really wanting to turn around and run, but she was golden. My confidence gave her the confidence to stand and face the demon rather than run. I'm sure you can do it, but I think you need to also remove yourself from negative people who keep telling you to move her on. Interestingly, my friend had her own horse once on a yard that sounds a lot like yours and that's exactly what that said to her. She followed their advice and has regretted it ever since, and it shattered her confidence. Take heart.
 
Thanks for the comments. :)

He will lead in company but I think I need to focus more on keeping his mind busy by doing more trot work. I will definately try and think of something/someone I hate before I ride him tomorrow and will ride him 'from the field'.

Just want this snow to go now so I can make a start!
 
My mare was terrible and did all the things your gelding does on a hack, but I feel now that she was testing me. She didn't have a lot of confidence and she too had been shunted from dealer to dealer so who could blame her?

You need to be his confidence, you must make him feel safe, that you are the leader and in control of all situations and it will get better, I promise.

If you put in the hours, you'll reap the rewards and he could be the horse you dreamed of. Good luck with him.
 
Thanks :)

After all the comments I've had I feel really up for the challenge. I'm going to try driving/walking to yard in the afternoon and have a quick ride. Should be entertaining and hopefully no one else will be out!
 
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