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Post by kt with Hanni on Jun 19, 2011 23:09:21 GMT 1
Just a bit of basic background - Had Hanni 13 years - he is 25 now. Its never been an easy relationship over the years but IH has helped us through tough times and now Hanni is much better and we have a good relationship. There is one thing however that I keep reflecting on and wishing I was braver. Hanni has always done a bit of a bunny hop when preparing for canter in an open field as he finds it very exciting. Now he only does this on hacks. In schools and own field he doesn't. I didn't used to mind as a child but as ive got older I am more aware of falling off. I don't think its helped that we haven't had lessons for a few years and i think my riding position has deteriorated.
How can I overcome this? When I've tried it i've put him in front and behind another horse and he does it both times. I personally prefer to stay behind as I feel better with another horse in the way! What can I do? I only wish to canter him and feel safe/confident but something stops me...had the opportunity today but as he was so forward I could tell he would put in a buck - I think they are bunny bucks but still unstable my feet in the stirrups.
As for feed he is on hifi lite and a little bit of veteran mix. He has always done this as I said so nothing has changed management wise. I've posted similar threads to this in the past few years and i'm still at the same spot - avoiding open fields. Feel completely confident and relaxed on the roads and tracks but open fields and I crumble.....
What to do??
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chloe
Grand Prix Poster
Kai's Mum
Posts: 2,609
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Post by chloe on Jun 19, 2011 23:14:04 GMT 1
How about taking some lessons on a school horse? That would allow you to get your position and balance sorted and also to beat the initial canter fear on a been-there-done-it horse, with the instructor with you for advice/encouragement. Once you're happy cantering the school horse in open fields and feel secure in the saddle, try it on Hanni (even better if your instructor can still be with you the first time or two).
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Post by fth on Jun 20, 2011 10:52:41 GMT 1
I agree -- some lunge lessons to imrpove your seat would really help your confidence -- on a school horse first -- then on Hanni
good luck
Cathy
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Post by wabuska on Jun 20, 2011 19:12:31 GMT 1
Listen to Cathy, knowing you won't fall off is crucial, it really does inflate confidence. When I'm working a field I stick to the hedgerow at walk the first time and take a good look around, go up to canter, fall back, go up again, fall back, walking the last distance. Sometimes we go back the next day and walk the whole lot on a long rein just to stop any anticipation on his part. It's not an unusual fear and your deeper wisdom is just protecting you. X
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Post by kt with Hanni on Jun 20, 2011 21:23:12 GMT 1
Your absolutely right. I've just put off lessons due to expense. I recently bought a groupon voucher for a riding lesson £15 for 1.5 hours which was worth £44. It really made me realise how much my riding has got bad! The teacher actually said I have a good seat but I can't ride!!!! Nice instructor she was.........Now trying to locate an empathetic riding school in Oxon but need recommendations....
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Post by julz on Jun 20, 2011 21:23:25 GMT 1
I dont like open feilds either.. will happily canter in woods, and hope a low branch misses my head/knees etc, canter in the school.. wherever.... just not in wide open feilds, esp stubble feilds.... I don't let it worry me, and you shouldn't either worrying about it will just escalate everything else.
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Post by jennyb on Jun 21, 2011 11:12:13 GMT 1
Totally agree that seat work will help. Reading between the lines, it's not the bucks that bother you, it's the fact that you feel a bit unseated? So work on the seat and you'll be able to sit out the bucks and enjoy the canters. Also, are you holding him back a bit when you ask for canter? That can sometimes cause a buck. If the bucks are small and just due to excitement, it's often better to push the horse on and make them really work in the canter - but of course you need to sit well to the little bucks before you can do that! I used to check Gazdag if he started getting bouncy, as I knew full well how good he is at getting dramatically airbourne with no notice. But now I know him well enough to know when it's just high spirits and a little bounce, in which case I push on, and when he's getting over the top and I need to check him before he explodes! You'll learn how best to handle his excitement as your confidence increases with a more secure seat. Finally, you are lucky to have a horse who is keen to have fun with you - be thankful that he's up for some laughs with you and not one who resents being ridden or plods about!  |
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Post by annabelle h on Jul 7, 2011 16:07:43 GMT 1
KT, I can do some seat work with you near Didcot or at yours.
Also at my yard there is a guy who specialises in confidence and safely riding in open fields, he runs courses called Hold Your Horses where he teaches you techniques from racing which give you both confidence and brakes! He takes ex-problem horses team chasing in just a headcollar so knows what he is talking about. The course only costs about £25 I think. There is one here on Saturday if you want to check it out. Details on msjump.co.uk .
Annabelle
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Post by LuckyRed on Jul 8, 2011 12:31:46 GMT 1
Hi kt - where are you in Oxon? if you can't get to Annabelle, my mate Pauline runs a yard near Burford and would be able to help you out either with Hanni or on one of her horses first.
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Post by annabelle h on Jul 8, 2011 16:32:47 GMT 1
Yes! Meant to mention Pauline, she is fab. Also she could probably fit you in sooner than I can. . .
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Post by ladynowak on Jul 17, 2011 16:05:56 GMT 1
Have you tried pilates? Works wonders for your seat and balance and certainly makes you feel 100% more confident and centred if you have a horse who likes to put in the odd cheeky buck.
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