Sprat
Well-Known Member
I’m really struggling to find an instructor that I click with.
Working at prelim / novice level with my mare, and I’ve tried quite a few of the well regarded ‘names’ locally but I can’t seem to find anyone who I stick with.
My mare has a tendency to get quite tight through the neck and can lock onto the bit, and every instructor I have tried over the last year or so has been of the opinion that I need to hold on to her and push her through it.
Saddle, back, teeth, feet etc all treated and checked regularly, and I’ve had a bit fit consultant out. I think it is a weakness which will get better with more strengthening work but I want to make sure I do that the correct way.
I have some health issues which mean I cannot simply get stronger in my hand (fibro - shoulder issues etc). I am of the opinion that forcing a horse to work down and round is the wrong way to be doing things, and I need some more tools in my repertoire to help me achieve this.
I had a very disheartening clinic at the weekend where the instructors response to my mare going like a plank and quite un-supple was to put draw reins on her (I said no - I know there is a place for them in some cases but I know my mare and don’t believe she would have benefitted). I was then told we wouldn’t improve unless we went down the draw reins route...
I want to be able to ride with a strong core (working on it) and a light hand, and I want the horse to be light as well.
Am I being too fussy? Should i just suck it up and hope it gets better?
Alternatively, any recommendations of Warwickshire based instructors? I have transportation and willing to travel.
Working at prelim / novice level with my mare, and I’ve tried quite a few of the well regarded ‘names’ locally but I can’t seem to find anyone who I stick with.
My mare has a tendency to get quite tight through the neck and can lock onto the bit, and every instructor I have tried over the last year or so has been of the opinion that I need to hold on to her and push her through it.
Saddle, back, teeth, feet etc all treated and checked regularly, and I’ve had a bit fit consultant out. I think it is a weakness which will get better with more strengthening work but I want to make sure I do that the correct way.
I have some health issues which mean I cannot simply get stronger in my hand (fibro - shoulder issues etc). I am of the opinion that forcing a horse to work down and round is the wrong way to be doing things, and I need some more tools in my repertoire to help me achieve this.
I had a very disheartening clinic at the weekend where the instructors response to my mare going like a plank and quite un-supple was to put draw reins on her (I said no - I know there is a place for them in some cases but I know my mare and don’t believe she would have benefitted). I was then told we wouldn’t improve unless we went down the draw reins route...
I want to be able to ride with a strong core (working on it) and a light hand, and I want the horse to be light as well.
Am I being too fussy? Should i just suck it up and hope it gets better?
Alternatively, any recommendations of Warwickshire based instructors? I have transportation and willing to travel.