Post by sandy on Jan 7, 2010 15:36:07 GMT 1
Does anyone else feel that the more they learn and investigate and become aware of, the harder owning a horse becomes. I'm going to bare my soul now so don't be too harsh!
When I bought my first horse I was 44 years old. I bought an IDx 4 year old . After a month I came off her and ended up in hospital and gave her to a friend to try for a month, and he kept her. I was truly overhorsed. (Still on my yard so I still see her every day) I honestly didnt have a clue! Then I found Poppy and IH and learn't so much during the six years I had her. I read everything available, went to demos and learned so much from this DG and tried so hard to put these methods into practice. I tried to understand how she ticked; what made horses react and behave how they do - well it's never ending.
Poppy died and I bought Arizona. I've got the chance with Arizona to bring him on exactly how I want to but now I've found out the damage badly fitting tack can cause; the effects bad/incorrect/unsympathetic riding and ground work can have; incorrect feeding and management - not to mention feet. I now doubt my riding ability and realise how desperately I need some lessons - but who to go to for lessons? Oh gosh its all too much!
I've come to the conclusion that I can do it my way and it doesn't matter how long it takes or how far we get on our journey so long as we're both happy and willing. So far he's taught me that patience and quietness are probably the most important tools I can use - not forgetting the wonderful RA Sue Palmer. I feel absolutely excited at the thought of working with him. He is such a willing little horse. I sat on him, the other day,for the first time, whilst on my own because it felt right. He was a little star and I was so happy. I have spent the last 3 months getting to know him and spending as much time as possible with him - a few years ago I wouldn't have given the bonding/trust process a second thought.
Was I happier in those days when I went to the riding school; used the kick, kick, smack method advocated there because I didn't know any better? At the time it seemed alright - they were the instructors and I had to trust them but IH has introduced me to a wonderful way of caring for and training these beautiful creatures and I feel privileged that I've got this opportunity but Oh boy can it be complicated or what!
When I bought my first horse I was 44 years old. I bought an IDx 4 year old . After a month I came off her and ended up in hospital and gave her to a friend to try for a month, and he kept her. I was truly overhorsed. (Still on my yard so I still see her every day) I honestly didnt have a clue! Then I found Poppy and IH and learn't so much during the six years I had her. I read everything available, went to demos and learned so much from this DG and tried so hard to put these methods into practice. I tried to understand how she ticked; what made horses react and behave how they do - well it's never ending.
Poppy died and I bought Arizona. I've got the chance with Arizona to bring him on exactly how I want to but now I've found out the damage badly fitting tack can cause; the effects bad/incorrect/unsympathetic riding and ground work can have; incorrect feeding and management - not to mention feet. I now doubt my riding ability and realise how desperately I need some lessons - but who to go to for lessons? Oh gosh its all too much!
I've come to the conclusion that I can do it my way and it doesn't matter how long it takes or how far we get on our journey so long as we're both happy and willing. So far he's taught me that patience and quietness are probably the most important tools I can use - not forgetting the wonderful RA Sue Palmer. I feel absolutely excited at the thought of working with him. He is such a willing little horse. I sat on him, the other day,for the first time, whilst on my own because it felt right. He was a little star and I was so happy. I have spent the last 3 months getting to know him and spending as much time as possible with him - a few years ago I wouldn't have given the bonding/trust process a second thought.
Was I happier in those days when I went to the riding school; used the kick, kick, smack method advocated there because I didn't know any better? At the time it seemed alright - they were the instructors and I had to trust them but IH has introduced me to a wonderful way of caring for and training these beautiful creatures and I feel privileged that I've got this opportunity but Oh boy can it be complicated or what!
I do think the best way is to keep learning and especially keep learning about your horse and enjoy yourself.
