When you get it wrong

[moneypit1]

When was the last time you felt you had handled an issue with your horse "wrongly"? I felt extremely sorry and humbled yesterday when Fly was obviously worried about crossing a flooded section of road and I had to use my stick to get him forward. Felt very guilty and sorry almost immediately and wished I had been a bit more patient and understanding. He crossed it eventually, snorting the whole time but obviously trusting me enough to go forward even though I did resort to smacking him. Feel so guilty, should of given him more time and reassurance. xx

 

[Chex]

I often think I shouldn't have done things how I did, but its how we learn (from our mistakes)

. I don't think the horses really care anyway lol

 

[Skhosu]

I am happy at the moment with how I handle things, took the youngster xc schooling today and when he napped he did get a tap just to remind him who was in charge of direction and he fixed himself, I was happy with that.
Always used to lose my temper as a child, still feel guilty!

 

[georgiegirl2]

I wouldnt feel bad about the way you handled that situation at all! Your whip aids were used for re-enforcement in a positive way not as a punishment which your horse woulnt have understood.

we all handle situations in a manner which we later regret from time to time but you have to go through these phases in order to learn and progress so dont beat yourself up! it all depends on the situation! I would probably done the same in your situation.....horses sometimes need there rider to give them confidence and encouragement and you did! you will probably find next time he wont need quite so much encouragement!

 

[bellyache]

I think everyone who has every owned a horse has thought they could have handled a situation "better" or differently. It doesn't sound like you did anything horrible. Tapping your horse to make him go forward isn't bad. Now if you were beating him with it that would be a different story. But it doesn't sound like that's what you were doing.

 

[Talan]

Horses are very forgiving creatures, don't beat yourself up. If the experience has made you think about other ways you could have dealt with the situation and been happier, then you'll probably react differently next time.